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Zeiss 50mm f/2 ZM Planar T* Lens for Leica M-Mount, Black {43}
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$713.00
Zeiss 50mm f/2 ZM: the rangefinder normal lens done right.
The Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM is built around one of the most proven optical formulas in photography, a 6-element, 4-group Planar design that has been trusted for accurate, high-resolution rendering across the full 35mm frame. At 47 degrees angle of view and a maximum aperture of f/2, this is a lens sized for available-light shooting without sacrificing the geometric precision that careful photographers actually care about. Virtually zero distortion means straight lines stay straight, a quality that matters when the subject is architecture or a product flat, not just street corners.
At 210 grams with a 43mm filter thread, the ZM fits naturally on a M-mount body without upsetting the balance that makes rangefinder shooting feel effortless. Zeiss's T* anti-reflective coating controls flare and ghosting even in backlit situations, keeping contrast and color fidelity intact when lesser glass falls apart. Minimum focus distance sits at 0.7 meters, giving you enough working room for environmental portraits or tabletop subjects without needing to step back. For anyone building a serious M-mount kit around a single normal prime, this lens earns its position as the ZM system's standard optic.
Who It's For
Street and documentary photographers shooting on M-mount bodies will find the f/2 aperture and 210-gram weight a honest daily-carry combination, fast enough for dim cafés, light enough to forget it's there. Architecture and product photographers benefit directly from the near-zero geometric distortion, which keeps lines accurate without post-correction. Travel photographers working with a single prime will appreciate the 47-degree field of view as a genuinely neutral perspective. Film photographers pairing this with a mechanical Leica M body get the tactile, manual-focus experience the ZM line was designed around.
Key Features
- 50mm focal length on full-frame M-mount rangefinder cameras
- 6-element Planar optical design with virtually zero geometric distortion
- f/2 maximum aperture for available-light shooting
- T* anti-reflective coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Manual focus with 0.7m minimum focus distance
- 210g weight, 43mm filter thread, compact M-mount design
FAQ
- What makes the Planar T* 50mm f/2 the standard ZM lens?
- It's a proven 6-element Planar design optimized for accurate rendering across the full frame with virtually zero distortion, making it reliable for everything from architecture to portraiture on M-mount bodies.
- How close can you focus with this lens?
- Minimum focus distance is 0.7 meters (2.3 feet), giving you enough working distance for environmental portraits and tabletop subjects without excessive proximity.
- Does this lens have autofocus or image stabilization?
- No. It's a fully manual focus lens with no stabilization - standard for M-mount rangefinder design and typical of how Zeiss built the ZM system.
- What does the T* coating do?
- Zeiss's T* anti-reflective coating reduces flare and ghosting in backlit situations, preserving contrast and color fidelity where uncoated or lesser-coated glass would wash out.
- How does the 210-gram weight compare to other M-mount 50mms?
- It's compact and balanced on rangefinder bodies - light enough for all-day carry without feeling insubstantial or cheap in hand.
- What's the angle of view on a 35mm frame?
- 47 degrees, which is the standard normal lens field of view for full-frame photography on rangefinders and film cameras.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Stabilization | No |
| AF System | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.7 m (2.3 ft) |
| Optical Design | Planar |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Angle Of View | 47 degrees |
| Diagonal Angle Of View | 47 degrees |
| Filter Thread | 43mm |
| Package Weight | 0.715 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 4.75 x 4.35 x 3.1" |
| Coatings | T* Anti-Reflective Coating |
| Color | Black |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Weight | 210 g (7.4 oz) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Zeiss |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 43mm medium (.75 pitch) |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 50mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
