Zeiss Ikon 100mm f/2.0 Makro Planar ZE MF Macro Lens
The Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE is a 100mm f/2 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $999 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Zeiss Ikon 100mm f/2.0 Makro Planar ZE MF Macro Lens
Used Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
Key Features — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
100mm f/2.0 Macro Prime: A fixed 100mm focal length with a fast f/2.0 maximum aperture, unusually wide for a dedicated macro lens and useful for low-light work and subject isolation.
1:2 Maximum Magnification: Achieves half life-size reproduction at closest focus, covering a wide range of macro subjects while maintaining comfortable working distance.
Canon EF Mount: Natively mounts to Canon EF DSLR bodies without adapters, ensuring full mechanical compatibility across Canon's full-frame and APS-C DSLR lineup.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full 35mm image circle, making it fully compatible with Canon's full-frame DSLR sensors with no vignetting.
Manual Focus Only: Dedicated manual focus operation gives precise, repeatable control at close focusing distances where autofocus can struggle.
Zeiss T* Anti-Reflection Coating: Zeiss's proprietary T* lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, helping maintain contrast and color accuracy in challenging lighting conditions.
Lens Specifications — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Portrait, Product |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 100mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
Description — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
The Zeiss Makro Planar 100mm f/2.0 ZE is a full-frame prime lens built for Canon EF mount DSLRs, offering a fixed focal length and a wide maximum aperture of f/2.0 — notably fast for a macro-type prime. Designed exclusively for manual focus, it gives photographers direct, tactile control over focus placement, which is often the preferred approach for precise close-up work. The 100mm focal length sits in the standard range and provides a comfortable physical distance between the lens and subject during macro shooting.
A 67mm filter thread keeps accessory compatibility broad and straightforward. Weighing 680 grams, the lens has a confident, substantial build. There is no image stabilization, so a stable shooting platform is important when working at slower shutter speeds or very close distances.
Compatible with the Canon EF mount natively, it integrates directly with Canon EF DSLR bodies with no adapter required, and its full-frame coverage ensures no crop or vignetting on full-frame sensors.
Pros — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
- ✓Fast f/2.0 maximum aperture for a macro prime, enabling shallower depth of field and better low-light capability
- ✓100mm focal length on a full-frame sensor provides a comfortable working distance for macro subjects
- ✓Native Canon EF mount means direct, no-adapter compatibility with Canon EF DSLR bodies
Cons — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus available, which may slow down shooting in fast-moving situations
- ✗No image stabilization, making handheld shooting at close distances more demanding
- ✗Limited to Canon EF mount only, with no listed compatibility for other camera systems
Videos — Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 ZE
Zeiss Classic Makro Planar 50mm F2 Review - Comparison VS the Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 — Luca Bono