Can Canon Dethrone Zeiss for Best 50mm Lens?

I can honestly say that the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA was the best 50mm lens I have ever used by a long shot, but I tested it before the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM came out, which has been met with nothing but rave reviews. How do these two superstar lenses compare? Check out this great video to see.

Coming to you from Julia Trotti, this awesome video review compares two superlative 50mm lenses, the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA and the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. I have never been particularly fond of the 50mm focal length, but when I tested the Sony lens a few years ago, it was the first time I felt inspired using such a lens. The rendering was so impressively clean, contrasty, and sharp that it was addicting. Canon's 50mm f1/2.L has been receiving similar praise for its top optical quality, and it may just best the Sony lens. And while I personally do not use the 50mm focal length a lot, it is a highly versatile and useful option for a variety of genres, and the extra-wide apertures on both lenses make them great for low-light work as well. Check out the video above for Trotti's full thoughts. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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12 Comments

As with 99% of comparison videos... they look pretty much the same.

did you mean to say Can Canon dethrone? It says Canon Canon

Thanks! 😊

Briefly look at this video I think it does not matter much what. Kind of forget about it and be happy whatever:) Sony might be more budget friendly but the R6 better compares in specs and price. A grand for a clIck on the lens. Of cause the Zeiss goes for around 1200 second hand:) Well done Canon, you are killing it now.

Ah, I think the thing about the 50mm is that this focal length so simple to design and construct, thus most of the 50mm lenses are so good, that it really does not matter at all which brand you use. Each 50mm is better than any other lens with a different focal length (if the price stays in comparable regions).

Leica: kids

Sony "Zeiss" has nothing to do with Zeiss. The Otus 55 is Zeiss.

Zeiss still designs the Optics for Sony to make in Japan or China under license. A real Zeiss is Otus, you said it first.

No one, other than photographers will care. Both lenses look very similar and clients will be happy with photos from either lens. Besides if you are heavily invested in one of these systems, you’ll choose the lens for that system.

It’s worth noting, Julia Trotti has shown on her channel that she can make practically any camera and lens combination she tries look stunning for her portrait work, including some vintage manual lenses.

Both look great. Everyone wins. I'm pumped I took advantage of the Canon refurbished deal of $1750. I use that lens all the time. Just did a sold search on Ebay and some people are getting it for 1400-1700 used. Savings of $600 is pretty rad.

Can Canon dethrone Nikon for the best 50mm lens?
I'd say not, I bought a 50 mm Nikkor ƒ1.8 lens more than 20 years ago and I don't see how such lens could be any better, that Nikon lens is wildly sharp, small & light.
It's the perfect companion on my D600 when I don't need a zoom lens…