prime35mmvintage
Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8
Carl Zeiss Jena · 1950-1980
The legendary 'Eagle Eye' Tessar. Four elements deliver sharpness that rivals far more complex designs. Compact, light, and optically excellent. A masterpiece of lens design.
Known for
- Landscape
- Street photography
- General photography
- Travel
Considerations
- f/2.8 limits low light
- 5 aperture blades
- 40.5mm filters uncommon
Optical Characteristics
Sharpness (wide)4/5
Sharpness (stopped)5/5
Contrast4/5
Flare Resistance3/5
CA Control4/5
Vignetting Control4/5
Distortion Control5/5
Bokeh: Smooth for 4-element design
Rendering: Sharp, clinical, classic Tessar
Color: Neutral to warm
Common Issues
- Focus ring wear
- Aperture blade oil
- Coating wear
Buying Guide
Check aperture operates cleanly. Simple design means fewer issues. The Tessar formula delivers exceptional sharpness for budget price.
Specifications
MountM42 Screw
Focal Length50mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
Min Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades5
Min Focus0.5m
Filter Size40.5mm
Weight120g
Optical Design
FormulaTessar
Elements4
Groups3
CoatingSingle Coated
Pricing
£30 - £70
Typical used price
Mint: ~£100
Outstanding value for Zeiss sharpness
Adapts To
Sony EFujifilm XCanon RFNikon ZMicro Four Thirds
Compatible Cameras
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Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error