Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA vs Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA vs Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
When comparing Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM and Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA is the winner with a weight of 778 g compared to the 950 g that Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM weighs.
Winner: Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
Regarding weight: The weight of a lens is something you need to consider, since you have to carry it around on the camera as long as you're shooting. It adds to the total weight of your camera and it's important to keep the weight low if you get tired in your arms when taking photographs or filming.
2. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA features a Sony E while the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM features a Canon RF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
3. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.2 compared to the 1.4 aperture of Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
4. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM or Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
5. Focus Distance Comparison
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM features a minimum focus distance of 40 cm while Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA has a minimum focus distance of 45 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM might be a better choice.
Winner: Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Regarding minimum focus distance: The minimum focus distance of a lens is the smallest distance from the lens to the subject you want to be in focus; subjects closer than the lens' minimum focus distance will not be in focus. Whether or not this is important to you is up for you to decide, but some want to take close photos and videos and in those cases it's important to have a lens with a low minimum focus distance.
6. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA or Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
7. Filter Thread Comparison
The Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA feature a filter thread diameter of 72 mm while Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM feature a diameter of 77 mm. Depending on your current gear (like other lenses or filters) one of them might be favorable over the other.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding filter thread diameter: The filter thread diameter is the size of which the lens is compatible with screw-on filters, such as CPL, ND or IR filters. If you have several lenses of a certain size, it might be a good idea to keep the same filter thread size to make sure your filters work on all your lenses. If not, then you may buy step up rings to adapt from a certain diameter to the filter thread diameter of your other lenses.
8. Stabilization Comparison
Neither Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA or Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM feature built-in image stabilization.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
9. Autofocus Comparison
Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA and Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM:
| Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA | Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Zeiss | Canon |
| Weight | 778 g | 950 g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Canon RF |
| Focal Length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 45 cm | 40 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.4 - 16 | 1.2 - 16 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 72 | 77 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 83.5 mm | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | Missing |
| Lens Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Lens Elements | 12 | 15 |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | Missing | No |
| Weather Seal | Missing | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |