Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 vs Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Carl Zeiss
Jena Biotar 58mm f/2
Pentax
Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8
Verdict at a glance
- Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is faster by 0.3 stops (f/1.8 vs f/2.0), letting in more light.
- Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 goes wider (55mm vs 58mm).
- Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 reaches further (58mm vs 55mm).
| Spec | Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 | Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Carl Zeiss | Pentax |
| Mount | M42 | M42 |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 58mm | 55mm (wider) |
| Max aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 (faster) |
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2
A Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 in M42 mount from the Biotar family, the design that inspired the Helios lenses. It is known for swirly bokeh.
Pros
- Characterful bokeh
- Good build
- Easy to adapt
Cons
- Soft wide open
- Sample quality varies
Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8
A Pentax M42 normal lens from the Takumar line, slightly longer than 50mm. It has a metal build and an f/1.8 aperture.
Pros
- Metal build
- Easy to adapt
- Compact
Cons
- Soft wide open
- Coatings are dated