
( Brand: Carl Zeiss ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 120F4 ), ( Model: MAKRO PLANAR 120F4 CF ), ( Maximum Aperture: F/4 ), ( Lens Barrel Material: Black Aluminum ), ( Type: Macro, Closeup, Reproduction, , Portraiture ), ( Focal Length: Fixed/prime ), ( Country Of Origin: Germany )
Introducing the Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens, a masterpiece of engineering and design from the renowned German optics manufacturer, Carl Zeiss, specifically tailored for Hasselblad medium format cameras. This lens is an excellent investment for photographers who seek exceptional image quality and versatility, particularly in macro and close-up photography.
The Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens boasts an impressive focal length of 120mm, providing an ideal balance between working distance and field of view. This focal length is particularly suitable for macro photography, allowing for a reasonable working distance between the subject and the lens, while still capturing intricate details with lifelike clarity.
The lens features a bright f/4 maximum aperture, which enables the capture of sharp, well-lit images even in low-light conditions. Moreover, this aperture ensures a shallow depth of field, making it an excellent choice for creating striking, beautifully blurred backgrounds.
One of the most notable aspects of this lens is its impressive macro capabilities. With a minimum focusing distance of just 13.3 inches (34 centimeters), the Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens can capture subjects at life size (1:1) or even larger, opening up a world of creative possibilities in macro photography.
The lens's optical design consists of 13 elements arranged in 11 groups, including one floating element that maintains optimal image quality throughout the entire focusing range. This advanced design results in exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy, making it an excellent choice for capturing fine details and textures in macro and close-up photography.
The Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens is constructed from high-quality materials, including a robust all-metal barrel and a large focus ring that offers smooth, precise focusing. It is also compatible with Hasselblad's CF (Central Shutter) mount, ensuring a secure connection and reliable performance.
Additionally, this lens features Carl Zeiss's renowned T* anti-reflective coating, which minimizes lens flare and ghosting, ensuring that every image is free from unwanted reflections and artifacts.
In conclusion, the Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens is a must-have for Hasselblad medium format camera users seeking exceptional image quality, versatility, and macro capabilities. Its bright aperture, impressive macro capabilities, and advanced optical design make it an indispensable tool for capturing intricate details and textures with lifelike clarity and vibrant colors.
The Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens for Hasselblad medium format cameras is a high-performance optic designed for macro and close-up photography. Here are some pros and cons that may help you make an informed decision about purchasing this lens:
Pros:1. High image quality: This lens is renowned for its excellent sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy, making it an ideal choice for capturing detailed macro images.
2. Versatile: The 1:1 macro capability combined with its minimum focusing distance of just 12.7 inches (32.2 cm) makes it an excellent all-around lens for various shooting situations, including close-up and landscape photography.
3. Durable: The lens is built with a high-quality, weather-sealed construction, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments and is suitable for outdoor use.
4. Manual focus: The manual focus ring allows for precise control over the focus point, which is essential for macro photography.
Cons:1. Price: The Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens is a premium optic, and its high price tag may be a barrier for some photographers.
2. Size and weight: As a medium format macro lens, it is larger and heavier than many 35mm lens counterparts, which may require additional support or transportation considerations.
3. Autofocus not available: Since this is a manual focus lens, you may need to spend more time focusing and adjusting the image for each shot, which could increase your workflow.
Ending conclusion:The Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens is a high-quality, versatile optic suitable for macro and close-up photography, as well as landscape and still life applications. Its excellent image quality, weather-sealed construction, and manual focus capabilities make it an attractive choice for photographers who demand the best from their equipment. However, its high price tag, size, and weight, as well as the absence of autofocus, may deter some photographers.
Recommendation:If you are a serious macro photographer, or if you require the highest possible image quality for your work, the Carl Zeiss 120mm f/4 Macro-Planar CF lens is a worthy investment. Its exceptional performance, durability, and manual focus capabilities make it an excellent choice for capturing intricate details and nuances in your subject matter. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly or lightweight lens, or if you prefer autofocus, you may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the decision to purchase this lens depends on your specific photographic needs and preferences.
I am not too familiar with Vintage Hasselblad lenses but having heard lots of praise for Carl Zeiss bought a bunch them as bundle from Santa Fe estate sale to try their character on my digital. Some suit my vision, some did not and I am slowly selling them here. If you purchase it at the asking value I will include book. For what I can tell It has moderate cosmetic wear, and its main functions are still operational.
Its optical imperfections will only minimally affect image quality. The lens has no dents ,fungus or haze and of course in my digital camera there is mechanical way to test the shutter other than verifying that it cocks fires. Since I am unfamiliar with them bought a Hasselblad book to help me out and included some clips .I tried this lens on my X1-D 50 an adapter using that camera internal electronic shutter obtained sharp well exposed images. However the test purpose was to sort out suitability of 6x6 lenses on 645 format and I am unqualified say anything beyond that they work my camera in manual mode using electronic shutter.