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Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T Lens

The Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T is a 58mm f/2 lens designed for M42 Screw Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T Lens

Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T Lens

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Lens Overview — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

The Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T is a vintage prime lens built for full-frame SLR cameras, using the M42 Screw Mount. With a fixed focal length of 58mm and a maximum aperture of f/2, it sits comfortably in the standard focal length range, making it a natural fit for portraiture, everyday shooting, and documentary work. The lens is entirely manual focus, so there is no autofocus system to worry about — operation is fully mechanical, which many photographers appreciate for the tactile control it offers.

Weighing in at 230g, it is a reasonably compact and lightweight option that won't add significant bulk to a camera kit. The 49mm filter thread size means a wide variety of affordable filters are compatible without adapters. Image stabilization is not present, which is expected for a lens of this era and design.

As a full-frame lens, it covers the entire 35mm image circle, making it usable on both full-frame and smaller sensor bodies via the M42 mount. For those drawn to classic optics and manual shooting disciplines, the Biotar T offers a distinctive character that modern lenses rarely replicate.

Key Features — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

58mm f/2 Biotar Optics: The classic Biotar optical formula delivers a distinctive rendering character with smooth focus transitions that modern lenses rarely replicate.

M42 Screw Mount: Universal M42 thread mount adapts to a wide range of modern mirrorless and SLR systems using inexpensive, readily available adapters.

Full-Frame Coverage: Projects a full 35mm image circle, making it usable on both full-frame and crop-sensor cameras without vignetting.

f/2 Maximum Aperture: Fast maximum aperture provides strong light-gathering for low-light shooting and effective background separation in portraiture.

Manual Focus Only: Fully mechanical focus ring gives photographers tactile, precise control with no electronic components to fail or maintain.

49mm Filter Thread: Common 49mm filter diameter ensures compatibility with a wide range of affordable filters without step-up rings.

Lens Specifications — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Creative Effects
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length58mm
Maximum Aperturef/2
Camera SystemSLR
Lens MountM42 Screw Mount
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread49mm

Description — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

The Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T is a prime lens designed for full-frame SLR cameras, mounted via the classic M42 Screw Mount. With a fixed 58mm focal length placing it firmly in the standard focal length range, it is a versatile choice for a wide variety of photographic subjects. The maximum aperture of f/2 allows for strong performance in available light situations and provides meaningful background separation at typical portrait distances.

Operation is fully manual focus — there is no autofocus system — giving photographers direct, tactile control over focus placement. At 230g, the lens is light enough to carry comfortably without weighing down a bag. The 49mm filter thread is compatible with a broad and affordable range of filter accessories.

Image stabilization is not included, consistent with the lens's vintage design lineage. The M42 Screw Mount is broadly adaptable, and with the right adapter this lens can be mounted on many contemporary digital camera bodies, making it an accessible option for photographers interested in manual prime lenses with classic optical heritage.

Pros — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

  • ✓Fast f/2 maximum aperture provides strong light-gathering capability for a standard prime
  • ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) ensures compatibility with a wide range of sensor sizes
  • ✓Lightweight at just 230g, keeping overall kit weight manageable

Cons — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

  • ✗No autofocus support — manual focus only, which may be a limitation for fast-moving subjects
  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady technique or faster shutter speeds in low light
  • ✗M42 Screw Mount requires an adapter for use on most modern cameras, adding cost and potential vignetting concerns

Resources & Downloads — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T

What camera mount does this lens use?+
The Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T uses the M42 Screw Mount. This is a universal screw mount found on many vintage SLR cameras, and adapters are widely available to fit it onto a variety of modern camera systems.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No, this lens is manual focus only. There is no autofocus mechanism, so the photographer must adjust focus by hand using the focus ring. This makes it well-suited to deliberate, controlled shooting styles.
Will this lens cover a full-frame sensor?+
Yes, the lens is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to cover the full 35mm image circle. It can also be used on smaller sensor cameras via M42 adapters.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 49mm filter thread, which is a common size compatible with a wide selection of filters including UV, polarizing, and ND filters.
How heavy is this lens?+
The Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 Biotar T weighs 230g, making it a relatively lightweight option that is easy to carry for extended shooting sessions.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None. Photographers should account for this when shooting in lower light conditions, relying on technique or in-body stabilization if their camera supports it.

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