DR summicron or Zeiss Planar 50mm?

[AndrewNYC]

I'm having a ton of trouble deciding. The planar is a known item for me, as I've shot Zeiss in the G2 and am leaning that way. Anyone care to opine? 😉

 

[mfogiel]

The Planar is much sharper, especially wide open, more contrasty, does not flare, and has a less paintery bokeh, it will also give you great colour and 3d rendering. The DR Summicron has a nice mix of roundness, good resolution and low contrast, which makes it IMHO better as a portrait lens. It definitely likes B&W, but is less suited for colour. If you shoot a lot wide open, or in colour, I'd take the Planar - for a normal B&W shooting the Summicron is inimitable.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I owned both, and agree with most of what Mr. Fogiel says, except that the DR makes for a better "portrait" lens. It's a 'gentler' portrait lens, possibly. If you want to flatter the subject, the DR might be better. If you want a National Geographic/anthropological portrait, i'd pick the Planar.

 

[AndrewNYC]

Planar on order from KEH.

Planar on order from KEH.

It's a known thing for me, and I love the Zeiss look, so i went with what I know.