Zeiss Milvus 2/50M (f/2 Makro) | Image Quality and Review

Zeiss Milvus 2/50M (50mm f/2 Makro) | Image Quality and Review | Photographer Dustin Abbott takes a detailed look at the image quality and handling of the Zeiss Milvus 2/50M. Is this a lens for you? Visit the Image Gallery: bit.ly/milvus250mig | Purchase the Zeiss Milvus 2/50M: B&H Photo: bhpho.to/2gwkD5K | Amazon: amzn.to/2yAtkGR | Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2xXZtIA | Amazon UK: amzn.to/2yBkoAM
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Keywords: Zeiss Milvus 2/50M, Zeiss Milvus 2/50M Review, Zeiss, Makro Planar, MP50, 50mm, f/2, 2/50mm, 2/50M, Carl Zeiss, Lens Review, Dustin Abbott, Lens, Review, Macro, Examination, Comparison, Image Quality, Canon, Photography, 2017, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EOS 6D, EF, EOS, Real World, Hands On, Sample Images, Photographer, Reviewer, Manual Focus, ZE, EG-S Focus Screen, Weather Sealing, Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 VC, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART, Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4, Milvus2050

[@theSantiagoDog]

As a hobbyist photographer, this is the only lens I use on my Canon 5DIV. As long as you're okay with manual focus, its combination of 50mm focal length, otherworldly image quality, 1:2 macro capability, f2 aperture, weather-sealing, and a tank-like build quality makes it the best general purpose lens I could find.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair. It does a lot of things well.

[@belgiboing]

Thanks for the review. I already have the lens and really appreciate your personal take. It was interesting to know the flare resistance to watch out for and how to go around it. To me what makes this special is indeed the ability to see the big picture and dig down to the small, using the same lens. Couldn't find any other lens in the market today in the same niche - a normal focal with a macro with outstanding image quality and a weather-tough body. I don't mind manual focus so long as the image quality is outstanding. I have a Nikon D600 and future camera upgrades can only bring out the potential of this lens in terms of resolution and/or low light capability. Also not bad is that the lens is the size of a soft ball with the lens hood reversed for stowing. Because it's a relatively low-price for a Zeiss, it's nicely positioned to be a 'taster' of what Zeiss image quality and handling is like. Now I want more Zeiss glass! The Milvus 25mm f1.4 comes to mind. However that one is on the more expensive and heavy end! So I keep my Sigma 24mm f1.4 Art :-) The Milvus 35mm f2 is another in the Zeiss 'taster' category that others would want to bite. :-P Thanks again for the high quality review and the beautiful images that support your points!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Nice to hear the feedback from a real owner. You seem to have a similar view of the lens as myself.

[@belgiboing]

Dustin Abbott Thanks for your comment Dustin. By the way, for me, the nearest alternative to this lens is the Voigtlander 40mm f2 SL II N that is now updated with an integrated close up focus. I had this too (and sold for this Milvus50f2) and also watched your review some time ago which I thoroughly enjoyed back then. While the Voigtlander was special in its compactness, the Zeiss image quality is just way above that I forget the bulk and weight when I look at my images. Followed you on Flickr too. Cheers.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The integrated close focus is huge. I have the older version with the close up adapter, and it's just too much trouble most of the time.

[@CameraMystique]

I have the 25 1.4, but I also miss my 25 f2 which I sold (a mistake). The latter has superior dimensionality and micro-contrast than the Sigma, and is a bit cleaner too (sharp but with a more clean look, not harsh).

[@chrisrout1654]

Great review as ever Dustin, colour and rendering of Zeiss glass is hard to match, it just has a special quality to it

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's very true, and people that haven't used Zeiss glass have a hard time understanding that.

[@kkyeung2050]

I have bought this lens after your review!! Love it

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Great to hear!

[@diogenusdisinope3015]

waiting for zeiss milvus 2/35. Thx a lot!

[@dfj555]

Great review! Which one is better the Milvus version to the Zeiss classic version?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are optically the same. The Milvus gets a redesigned build with weather sealing and better quality of focus.

[@CameraMystique]

IMHO, this lens is superior to its 1.4 cousin. The latter has strong CAs up to f/4 on the D850 in many shooting scenarios. The much lower CAs of the f/2 makes manual viewfinder focusing far more accurate (Nikon's optical confirmation dot is highly affected by CAs). The f/2 I think has also much smoother bokeh. Add the better contrast which make it look punchier for impressionistic nature scenarios, the far smaller size and weight, and this little one is a winner.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a nice lens, for sure.

[@Geoffa1972]

Thanks for the review very detailed. BTW: There is a MILVUS 50MM that is not Macro. How would you compare those two. Would you say the 50mm Macro gives you more variety over the non macro at the same focal length. What would you lose in that scenario?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 50mm F1.4 gives a shallower depth of field and is arguably more useful for portraiture. The F2 lens is more of a jack of all trades.

[@Geoffa1972]

@@DustinAbbottTWI So the Macro would be good for Portrait as well. Just loose the depth of Field?

[@cescabaltica1046]

great review as always, i'm on the point of buying my first macro between this lens vs 100mm macro of canon "L" lens. since the price range is almost the same..but i'm a bit hesitant which one i have to go for..any helpful input Mr. Dustin between the two?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Zeiss has a little more special color and contrast, but the Canon L lens (which I own) is so incredibly useful. Beautiful image quality, great autofocus, and excellent IS. It would be my choice.

[@edgardoramos5639]

Hi Sir. Your reviews are really informative and concise. I have zeiss 50mm 1.4 zf planar and about to replace it with zeiss 50mm f2 makro planar zf.2. My question is how is this lens compared with 50mm f2 makro-planar zf.2? Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They have the same optics, but the housing and function has been updated and improved. The focus feel is better, there is weather sealing, etc...

[@miguel92gom]

Hi Dustin, awesome review. Are you planning to do a review of the Milvus 25mm f1.4 any time soon? I think it's quite an interesting lens and planning to buy but I'd like to get some info first since there's not much out there.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a little weird. I've been scheduled to review it for months, but unfortunately Zeiss has dropped the ball in getting it to me something like three different times. I was originally schedule to have it before it was even released.

[@miguel92gom]

hahah I understand! hopefully they'll reschedule soon enough.

[@zackchoy1969]

Thanks for the great review! May I ask would you recommend the Milvus over the Classic since the optics design is the same while weather sealing is added to the construction design?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I also like the handling a lot, lot better.

[@zackchoy1969]

Thanks!

[@mgaindia1527]

Mr. Dustin Milvus 2/50M or Milvus 1.4/50 ? which Milvus lens is more sharper in all aperture range specially f9 to f14 between ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are both incredibly sharp at that point. Determine whether or not you need the macro capabilities. I think the 1.4 lens has more special rendering.

[@ChristopherFynn001]

@@DustinAbbottTWI With either lens, beyond f.8 you are going to start losing resolution due to diffraction on any modern sensor

[@ibrahimziazadeh2797]

Thanks for your review. Which one of the following has the best sharpness from center to corner from f2.8-f5.6: Zeiss Milvus 50/1,4 ZE or Zeiss Planar T* 50/2,0 ZE Macro?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't directly compared the two lenses, but both of them are fantastically sharp across those aperture values.

[@tenmuter4033]

Hey Dustin, got a quick question for ya. How do you nail the manual focus on the zeiss lenses? I find it difficult to get my eyes and focus points to be pin sharp. For example, did you swap out your focusing screens for aftermarket screens with split focusing? Do you use viewfinder magnifiers? Thanks in advance! Love your reviews!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do have a Canon 6D kitted out with an EG-S focus screen, but I mostly did this review on my 5D Mark IV with the original screen. My technique for using focus confirm is to focus past the subject, have the appropriate focus point where I want it, and, with the shutter half pressed, focus back towards the subject. As soon as the focus points lights and beeps, I fully depress the shutter. Works pretty well. I'll also use Live View at times and magnify the image as needed. I'm probably going to pick up a Sony a7R III when they are out instead of my 6D as my primary body for MF glass.

[@tenmuter4033]

Dustin Abbott thanks for that. I was expecting a reply like “I eyeball it”. What you wrote was extremely helpful. I will try that when I return home from work!

[@chrisrout1654]

I do the same and with the 5Dmk4 the screen is already clear to nail focus compared to earlier EOS body versions

[@sonvfave]

great as always.. I really would love to see a sbs from the older ziess cy mounts vs these new zeiss

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The problem is that it is hard to source lenses out of production. I can get pretty much anything that is currently retailed sent to me, but that's not the case with CY stuff.

[@sonvfave]

I understand.. let me know if you want to borrow and review some of my older gear,,, I would ship obviously

[@oliverlison]

I did a lot of portrait but I dropped my old planar 50/1.4. I am looking for a new one. This one or the Milvus 1.4/50. Which one do you recommend for portraits only?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like the Milvus 1.4/50 for portraits more. It has a more pleasing bokeh and falloff

[@oliverlison]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for your opinion :-)

[@oliverlison]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank your for your opinion again. I ended up with buying a Milvus 2/50. The reason was finally the price. I got a new one with a fair discount. Shooting portraits on F1.4 is almost impossible for me that is why I chose the 2/50 too. Bokeh is very good on this lens already. OK, light falloff... But it is ok.

[@NCSTalkid]

I “think” i want to get the lens for replace my afd 50/1.4. Dunno i already got milvus 50/1.4 but lens size not suited for my fg and fm2n. Better suited for my f90. And i dont like af slr large footprint

[@NCSTalkid]

Dunno. I definitly get milvus 35/2 later. After i sell my afd 50/1.4 and ai 28/2.8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is definitely a lighter lens. I really liked the look of images from the Milvus 1.4/50, but this is a very versatile lens.

[@Altitude2011]

Hi Dustin, it would be nice if you have the chance to review the new Zeiss Milvus 25 mm f/1.4! Thanks for all your great reviews!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm expecting it any day.

[@Altitude2011]

Dustin Abbott Great Dustin! I think that it would be interesting to make in your review a comparison between the Zeiss Milvus 25 mm, on the one hand, and the Zeiss Otus 28 mm and the Zeiss Milvus 35 mm, on the other hand.

[@geoffkeeton4311]

I love my 50 f2 ZE...thanks for reviewing this...maybe in the future....I actually prefer the Canon cameras because you can focus easier than Sony (I focus with my eyes)...I also like to use the LCD screen on my 5d2 or 77d...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting, as I've rarely heard anyone say they prefer DSLR for manual focus over mirrorless.

[@frankwoodbery2473]

Another great review. For me, MF and price make it a dealbreaker compared to the Sigma 50 1.4 art.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not really a direct competitor in some way if you need any kind of real magnification. The ART only has around 0.17x magnification.

[@frankwoodbery2473]

I would actually prefer to use other dedicated macro lenses that I already own if I needed true macro magnification. BTW - why the dressy clothes? Church event?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm a pastor, and I also try to convey a little higher sense of professionalism on my channel. I figure there are already plenty of guys in T shirts on KZbin.

[@chrisrout1654]

I own the Sigma 50mm Art lens and it's truly sharp with good AF, However, I also own two Zeiss Milvus lenses (85mm & 135mm) the colour rendering, contrast wide open, bokeh quality and feel are just superior compared to the Sigma lens, so at the end of the day you have to decide what is personally best for your style or subject shooting.

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

Bokeh of this Zeiss is a lot better than Canon 100mm L. It's just too expensive for me right now.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It does have very nice bokeh quality.

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

if you need a Name brand, Zeiss is for you . but for the $$$, Tamron is about $399 now (on sale)... I was looking at the Milvus 50 and 85mm at the Expo, but after this review i will keep my $$ and go with Tamron. thanks as aways, great review...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's hard to consider any Zeiss lens a value, but they are undeniably special. The Tamron is a great lens for the money, though. I own it and really like it.

[@silvere36]

To me it's clear, this Zeiss is quite unique and versatile. Color rendition and contrast are superior. One can argue you can "fix" that in post, but that's extra time spent. Going by your same logic, why not go with a Canon 50 and save even more?

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

good observation and advise, i shoot Nikon and fuji, LOL

[@gyrdin]

@@JuanLopez-oz9kh it depends on how you look at it. Tamron has an AF and made of plastic (easier to screw for motor), so once motor dies (and it will happen, modern lenses aren't made to last a decade) and/or gaps of worn off plastic will affect optical quality of taken images, it will cost nothing since. Zeiss, on the other hand, will probably last a lifetime and will hold a value even then. Not even to mention that Zeiss can be used on old film cameras which is a huge advantage for some people like me.

[@hsbokra]

I use sigma 105mm its great with cheap price!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

The sample images are a little bit hazy despite its sharpness.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

??? I'm not sure at all what you are referring to. I went back to the image gallery and am not seeing that at all.

[@shakalaka7502]

Shang-Hsien Yang yup... that lens has pretty bad flare performance.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Flare and general haze are two very different things.

[@DessieTots]

Are you on your way to a wedding?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't remember the context. This has been nearly 100 reviews back.

[@dontgetmadgetwise4271]

Folks, bare in mind this is designed as a macro lens. Yet, most of the sample images are.... landscape (I really want to say 'macro' in the dictionary sense of the word).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+No Gandalf there are many more macro images in the image gallery. I was demonstrating the versatility of lenses like this one