Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f/1.4

The Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm is perfect for portrait (head and shoulder) and general photography when one wishes a concentrated picture. Fast enough to use indoors with 100 ISO sensitivity. A big favourite.

Carl Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 that I have is in MM version. This lens is big, you will be surprised how big it is, compared to the focal length. This lens is a good definition of portrait lens. I used to use the macro lens for portrait but the macro lens was too sharp. It's not nice to bring out all wrinkles of my model. I put Zeiss Softar on it to make it softer, but the sharpness are lost. The same situation applies to many portrait lens -but not the planar 85/1.4. I don't know how Zeiss makes this lens but it's really great. There is no distortion whatsoever. Photodo rates it for 4.6, which is the highest on this focal length -compared to other brands. But I think the MTF value is only number, once you try it -you will know what I mean. Now I transit to 645 (studi0 and serious shot) and rangefinder (street shot and travel). However, I still keep one Aria and this planar 85/1.4 (and 50/1.4) as the SLR. Even though I don't use it as much as I did, but whenever I use it, I know what I am going to get from this lens.