Questions on Zeiss C-Sonnar 50mm 1.5

[anyone]

Hi there,

50mm is my favourite focal length, and I am watching the C-Sonnar 50mm already (literally) for years. I could imagine here are some users of it to answer a few questions. I would adapt the lens to mirrorless (Canon RP), and possibly also later on add a Leica M film body. I like its size.

(1) The first question is about how the lens compares to legendary peers on mirrorless. I own a Zeiss Ultron 50mm 1.8, and also a Minolta 58mm 1.2. Both of them produce a very nice bokeh. That should be also one of the main qualities of the C-Sonnar, so I wonder how they compare?
(2) Most classic 50mm primes have a nice bokeh, but they are not tack-sharp for landscape use. My use case would be clearly to use it as a snapshot lens for people AND landscape. Is it decent at f8? Will it be better than my Leica-R 50mm/2?
(3) Performance on mirrorless: I would use the lens on the Canon RP. Occassionally, lenses that are originally for Leica M are reported to show color shift. How about this one?

Thank you very much!

 

[KeithDM]

My 50mm C-Sonnar is usually attached to my M7. However for one of my first outings with my M10M (February last year) I decided to try the combination and was very please with the results. A small album on Flickr from that day. 50mm-wise in addition to the Sonnar I have the Summilux-ASPH, 5cm Summicron Collapsible LTM and earlier this year added a Noctilux v4. As to deciding on any given day which to choose...

 

[rayyan]

Make sure it is aligned for use with your camera at f1.5. I love the bokeh.Lovely on my M8. I am lazy to go to my archives to get some pics.
As good as they come for landscapes f5.6-f8; at least on my ME.

 

[Photon42]

I realize I am late to the game but I also do own the Sonnar. Mine is the normal one - no optimizations for f/1.5. I like the lens very much and it is much easier in practical use than the internet may make you to believe. Yes - there is some focus shift - so at f/1.5 and 0.9m I correct a very little with the focus ring. Focussing from say 1.5-2m even at full aperture does not require corrections anymore. It is not the sharpest 50mm wide open, obviously, but I like the look. I would not have any hesitations to use it as a snapshot lens at f/8. I will be plenty sharp. Just keep in mind this is not a modern lens. That is why I have it.

 

[anyone]

Thank you for your help! I really like the rendering of the lens, hence the question. From your answers I conclude that it is completely usable for my 'walkaround' purposes.

Now I'm facing the question how it compares to other good vintage 50mm - I do not own a Leica M body, so I'm (at this stage) adapting it to mirrorless. My Minolta 58mm 1.2 is wonderful for portrait, and almost not usable for landscape. The Zeiss Ultron 50mm 1.8 and Leica R 50mm are good choices for all occassions.

Probably it comes down to 'is it special enough to have yet another 50mm in the closet' ;-)

 

[Photon42]

I think it does. And it works well on a Z body, too.