Production
1960 – 1989
Country
East Germany
Optical
6-7 elements in 5-6 groups, Gauss-type design
Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.4
M42 Screw Mount · 50mm · f/1.4
Overview
The faster version of the acclaimed Pancolar line. Offers professional-grade optics with the faster f1.4 aperture for enhanced low-light capability.
Verdict: The Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.4 is a solid vintage lens option. MFlenses forum members recommend it as a reliable performer for photographers seeking good optical quality with vintage character and affordability.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Pleasant bokeh from thoughtful aperture design
Color
Balanced color rendering, neutral to slightly warm
Sharpness wide open
Good sharpness from f4 onwards, improving with stopping down
Flare resistance
Moderate flare resistance with acceptable performance
Contrast
Good contrast with pleasant micro-contrast
Vignetting
Mild vignetting wide open, reduces significantly by f2.8-f4
Community Insights
What people love
- Reliable optical performance
- Good value for price
- Solid mechanical construction
- Consistent rendering
- Versatile for general photography
What people dislike
- Can be soft wide open in some models
- Limited distinctive character
- May require cleaning after storage
- Some copies affected by fungus
Pro Tips
- Peak performance usually at f4-f8 apertures
- Test on digital camera via appropriate adapter before purchasing
- Handle cleaning carefully to preserve original coatings
- Works well when adapted to modern mirrorless systems
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
MFlenses ForumForum
The faster version of the acclaimed Pancolar line. Offers professional-grade optics with the faster f1.4 aperture for enhanced low-light capability.
DPReview ForumForum
The faster version of the acclaimed Pancolar line. Offers professional-grade optics with the faster f1.4 aperture for enhanced low-light capability.