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Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 CF

Carl Zeiss · 1982-2013

The Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 CF is the legendary standard lens for Hasselblad V system. Equivalent to roughly 50mm on 35mm format, this is the workhorse lens that defined medium format portraiture. The T* coating delivers excellent contrast and the Planar design provides outstanding sharpness across the frame.

Known for

  • Portraits
  • Fashion
  • Wedding photography
  • Studio work
  • Documentary

Considerations

  • Requires leaf shutter bodies
  • Manual focus only
  • Heavy compared to 35mm

Optical Characteristics

Sharpness (wide)
4/5
Sharpness (stopped)
5/5
Contrast
5/5
Flare Resistance
4/5
CA Control
4/5
Vignetting Control
4/5
Distortion Control
5/5

Bokeh: Smooth, classic Zeiss rendering

Rendering: Medium format 3D pop with beautiful micro-contrast

Color: Neutral with excellent skin tones

Common Issues

  • Shutter speeds can drift
  • Helicoid grease can dry out

Buying Guide

Test shutter at all speeds. CF version preferred over older C version for improved coatings. FE versions have electronics for 200 series bodies.

Specifications

MountHasselblad V
Focal Length80mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
Min Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades5
Min Focus0.9m
Filter Size60mm
Weight510g

Optical Design

FormulaPlanar
Elements7
Groups5
CoatingZeiss T*

Pricing

£400 - £700

Typical used price

Mint: ~£900

Most common Hasselblad lens, good availability

Last verified: Jan 2025Report an error
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