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Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z

The Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z is a 100mm f/2 lens designed for Canon EF, Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z

Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z

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Lens Overview — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

The Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z is a full-frame prime lens built for DSLR systems, available in both Canon EF and Nikon F mounts. At 100mm with a maximum aperture of f/2, it sits in telephoto prime territory and is classified as a macro lens, making it a versatile choice for photographers who demand precise manual control over their focus. Speaking of which, this lens is strictly manual focus — there is no autofocus mechanism, which places full creative authority in the hands of the shooter.

This is a deliberate design choice that appeals to photographers who value deliberate, considered composition over speed. Weighing in at 680g, it has a solid, substantial feel without being cumbersome for handheld or tripod-mounted work. The 67mm filter thread accommodates a wide range of standard filter accessories.

Image stabilization is not present, so stable shooting technique or a sturdy support system is advisable, particularly when working at closer focusing distances or in lower light. For photographers working in controlled environments — studio setups, still life, or detailed portrait work — this manual-focus prime offers a compelling combination of a wide f/2 maximum aperture and a full-frame-compatible optical design in a telephoto focal length.

Key Features — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

100mm f/2 Macro Prime: A telephoto macro prime with a wide f/2 maximum aperture, combining close-focus capability with strong light-gathering performance.

1:2 Macro Reproduction: Achieves half life-size magnification, making it well-suited for detailed close-up work in studio and still life photography.

Zeiss T* Coating: Multi-layer anti-reflective coating reduces flare and ghosting, delivering high contrast and color fidelity characteristic of Zeiss optics.

Makro-Planar Optical Design: Planar-type construction optimized for flat-field sharpness, ensuring edge-to-edge clarity critical for macro and copy work.

Manual Focus Only: No autofocus mechanism is included, placing full focus control in the photographer's hands for deliberate, precise shooting.

Canon EF & Nikon F Mounts: Available in both major DSLR mount standards, offering broad compatibility across full-frame and APS-C bodies.

Lens Specifications — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesMacro, Portrait, Studio, Product
Lens TypeMacro
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length100mm
Maximum Aperturef/2
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountCanon EF, Nikon F
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread67mm

Description — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

The Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z is a manual focus, full-frame prime lens in the telephoto focal length category, designed for DSLR camera systems. It is available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, giving it broad compatibility across two of the most established DSLR platforms. The lens features a 100mm focal length and a f/2 maximum aperture, providing meaningful light-gathering performance within its macro classification.

Focus is entirely manual, placing precise control with the photographer — an approach well-suited to deliberate, careful work such as studio photography, still life, or close-up subjects. The lens accepts 67mm filters and has a stated weight of 680g, making it a substantial but manageable addition to a DSLR kit. There is no image stabilization, so a steady hand or tripod support is recommended for best results.

For photographers seeking a full-frame compatible, manually focused 100mm prime with a wide f/2 aperture and compatibility with Canon EF or Nikon F systems, this lens offers a focused and capable option.

Pros — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

  • ✓Wide f/2 maximum aperture offers significant light-gathering capability for a macro-category prime
  • ✓Full-frame lens format ensures compatibility with both full-frame and crop-sensor DSLR bodies
  • ✓Available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, covering two major DSLR ecosystems

Cons — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

  • ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may not suit fast-paced or action shooting
  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady technique or external support for sharp results
  • ✗At 680g, the weight may be noticeable during extended handheld sessions

Videos — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

Let's Talk About ZEISS Baby - CONTAX CARL ZEISS LENSES — Mark Holtze

Frequently Asked Questions — Carl Zeiss 100mm f/2 Z

Does the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z have autofocus?+
No, this lens is manual focus only. There is no autofocus mechanism, so the photographer controls focus entirely by hand. This is a common characteristic valued in precision-oriented shooting scenarios.
Which camera mounts is this lens available in?+
The lens is available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, making it compatible with a broad range of DSLR camera bodies from both manufacturers. It is a full-frame format lens but will also work on crop-sensor bodies using those same mounts.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Photographers should plan for a stable shooting platform, especially when working at closer focusing distances where camera shake is more pronounced.
What filter size does the Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 Z use?+
The lens has a 67mm filter thread, which is a common size with wide availability across polarizers, ND filters, and other filter types.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 680g. This gives it a solid, quality feel while remaining manageable for most shooting scenarios, including handheld portrait or studio work.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens format is specified as Full Frame, so it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle and will perform optimally on full-frame DSLR bodies in Canon EF or Nikon F mount.

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