Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 vs Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 vs Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
When comparing Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA and Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 features a Arri PL Mount while the Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA features a Sony E — 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.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.3 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 Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3
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.
3. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 or Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA 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.
4. Stabilization Comparison
Neither Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 or Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA 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.
5. Autofocus Comparison
In regards to autofocus, the winner is Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA since the other lens in this comparison, the Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 does not have autofocus at all — it is a manual focus lens.
Winner: Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
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 Master Prime 12mm T1.3 and Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA:
| Zeiss Master Prime 12mm T1.3 | Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Zeiss | Zeiss |
| Weight | Missing | 778 g |
| Lens Mount | Arri PL Mount | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 12 mm | 50 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| Anamorphic | Missing | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Missing | 45 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | Missing | 1.4 - 16 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 72 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | Missing | 83.5 mm |
| Aperture Blades | Missing | 11 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 9 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 12 |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Autofocus | Hayır | Evet |
| Macro | No | Missing |