Production
1951 – 1991
Country
Soviet Union / Russia
Optical
6 elements in 3 groups (Sonnar type)
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Jupiter 8 50mm f/2
Leica M (LTM/M39)
Overview
The Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 is another Soviet Zeiss copy — this time the legendary Zeiss Sonnar 50mm designed for rangefinders. Originally fitted to the Zorki and early Leica copies, it brought German optical design to Soviet masses. The rendering is classic Sonnar — smooth, warm, three-dimensional — and it remains popular today for adapted mirrorless shooting.
Verdict: A solid, affordable vintage 50mm. Nothing exotic, but reliable character and easy to adapt. Great entry point to Soviet glass.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth and refined, not dramatic but never distracting
Color
Classic Leica rendering - neutral, accurate, refined
Sharpness wide open
Stunning sharpness even wide open at f/2, exceptional stopped down
Flare resistance
Well controlled across all versions
Contrast
Excellent micro-contrast, that 'Leica glow'
Vignetting
Some wide open, corrects quickly
Community Insights
What people love
- Compact size
- Classic Sonnar rendering
- L39 mount adapts to everything
- Very affordable
- Good build quality
What people dislike
- f/2 not fast by today's standards
- Quality control varies
- Some copies soft
- Not exciting
Pro Tips
- Great affordable 50mm for mirrorless
- L39 to E-mount adapter works well
- Good starter vintage lens
Sample Photos
Sources (5)
unknown-
https://www.mflenses.com/jupiter-8-50mm-f2-lens-review.html
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https://50mmf2.com/writings/jupiter-8-50mm-f2-ltm-lens-review
unknown-
https://www.analog.cafe/r/jupiter-8-50mm-f2-lens-review-malq
unknown-
https://www.leicalensesfornormalpeople.com/2020/05/06/jupiter-8-50mm-f2-review/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 is another Soviet Zeiss copy — this time the legendary Zeiss Sonnar 50mm designed for rangefinders. Originally fitted to the Zorki and early Leica copies, it brought German optical design to Soviet masses. The rendering is classic Sonnar — smooth, warm, three-dimensional — and it remains popular today for adapted mirrorless shooting.