{"product_id":"zeiss-ze-85mm-f1-4-apo-planar","title":"Zeiss ZE 85mm f1.4 Apo Planar - 3976","description":"\u003ch2\u003eZeiss ZE 85mm f1.4 Apo Planar - 3976\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinpoints of light in the background envelop the individual and conceal a mysterious message. The ZEISS Planar T* 1.4\/85 lens brings out the best in its subject, while masterfully manipulating both sharpness and soft focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis classic portrait lens captures people in their surroundings, playing with a range of sharpness, soft focus and contrast effects. Its distinctive circular bokeh is a crucial creative element. The ZEISS Planar T* 1.4\/85 produces very high quality and shallow depth-of-field when wide open. This is especially suitable for isolating the main subject from the foreground and background. This lens is also suitable as a general-purpose lens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent image quality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe range of ZEISS T* lenses offers the highest possible standards in terms of performance, reliability and, of course, image quality. Quite simply, they are superior in every way. You can count on highly advanced flare control for crisp and brilliant images, for example. And virtually zero geometric distortion, ensuring precise accuracy when reproducing shapes – especially useful when photographing products and architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal aperture with nine blades\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotographers want to guide the observer through the image. Minimal depth of focus is often used as a design element. This keeps the background intentionally blurred to keep the attention of the observer on the main subject. These different representations of the blurred areas, as well as the quality of the transition, are referred to as the Bokeh of a lens. The finely tuned features of the optical design on ZEISS SLR lenses ensure a particularly harmonious effect of the blurred areas of the image. The nine diaphragm blades and the resulting, virtually circular aperture on ZEISS SLR lenses are crucial to favorable rendition of highlights in the fore and background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZEISS Classic Lenses – a tradition of excellence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ZEISS Classic lenses have enjoyed an outstanding reputation with photographers all over the world for many years now – and rightly so. The solid all-metal mount ensures constant functionality and image performance, regardless of the number of photographs taken. Manual focusing promotes creativity in the design of the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZEISS T* anti-reflective coating\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical elements of ZEISS lenses feature T* anti-reflective coating on all surfaces and an optical design that guarantees images of superior brilliance at all times, even in unfavorable lighting conditions. ZEISS applies the anti-reflective coating to the lens surfaces by the vapor deposition of extremely thin, transparent layers on the glass. In this process, special substances are vaporized with extremely high energy in a high-vacuum environment and are subsequently deposited on the glass surfaces, one after another, as layers with precisely controlled thicknesses to achieve the desired reduction of reflective properties. The first coating techniques were employed by ZEISS as long ago as in the 1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrecise manual focus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManually focusing a lens means controlling the image result from your fingertips. A good ergonomic design makes all the difference. ZEISS lenses stand out with their large rotation angle which enables precise focusing. Changes are immediately visible in the viewfinder. The high-quality focusing mechanism moves smoothly without play, thus also supporting the intuitive interaction with the focal plane. The precise engraving in meter and feet, and the depth of focus scale provide additional support for manually focusing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat our Experts Think\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"atvcj1\" data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"205\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"52\"\u003eOptical excellence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Outstanding sharpness even wide open at f\/1.4, delivering professional-grade image clarity with Zeiss APO correction for minimal chromatic aberration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ksww29\" data-start=\"206\" data-end=\"356\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"232\"\u003ePortrait specialist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Widely regarded as one of the best 85mm portrait lenses, producing natural perspective and exceptional subject isolation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1r6ie0j\" data-start=\"357\" data-end=\"480\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"379\"\u003eSignature bokeh:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth, creamy background blur with high micro-contrast that makes subjects stand out beautifully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3kgnqq\" data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"603\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"483\" data-end=\"501\"\u003eBuild quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully metal construction with precise manual focus ring, engineered for long-term professional use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1aio8vz\" data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"714\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"626\"\u003eColor rendering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Classic Zeiss “3D pop” look with rich contrast and highly natural color reproduction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"e96tw6\" data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"843\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"739\"\u003eManual focus only:\u003c\/strong\u003e Demands skill and experience—preferred by professionals who value control over autofocus convenience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3o43jx\" data-start=\"844\" data-end=\"979\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"846\" data-end=\"869\"\u003ePremium investment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy, expensive, and purpose-built for serious portrait and fine-art photographers rather than casual users.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eQ\u0026amp;A\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"315\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"57\"\u003eQ: What is the Zeiss ZE 85mm f\/1.4 APO Planar (3976)?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"60\"\u003eA: A professional manual-focus portrait prime lens in the ZE series, designed for full-frame DSLR cameras (Canon EF mount), known for its Planar optical design and strong subject isolation with an 85mm focal length. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"549\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"356\"\u003eQ: What are the key specifications?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"356\" data-end=\"359\"\u003eA: 85mm focal length, f\/1.4–f\/16 aperture, full-frame coverage, 72mm filter thread, all-metal construction, and ~600–670g weight depending on version. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"551\" data-end=\"738\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"551\" data-end=\"581\"\u003eQ: Does it have autofocus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"584\"\u003eA: No. It is fully manual focus, designed for precision focusing with a long, smooth focus throw for fine control. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"946\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"772\"\u003eQ: What is it best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"772\" data-end=\"775\"\u003eA: Portrait photography, low-light shooting, and cinematic-style images with strong background blur (bokeh) and subject separation. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"989\"\u003eQ: What image quality can you expect?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"992\"\u003eA: Extremely sharp stopped down, with rich contrast and smooth bokeh; wide-open performance is slightly softer but improves quickly by f\/2–f\/2.8. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003eQ: What makes this lens special?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1215\" data-end=\"1218\"\u003eA: Classic Zeiss Planar optical design, premium metal build, and T* coatings for strong color rendering and flare control, favored for its “3D pop” rendering style. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1574\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1445\"\u003eQ: Who is it for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1448\"\u003eA: Photographers who prioritize image quality and manual control over autofocus speed—especially portrait and studio shooters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eMaintenance Tips\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:a0a73f2c-f3c9-42d0-9958-01fbde1d827a-26\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:a0a73f2c-f3c9-42d0-9958-01fbde1d827a-26\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:a0a73f2c-f3c9-42d0-9958-01fbde1d827a-26\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-54\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-3 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-conversation-screenshot-content=\"\" class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"6eee7e2e-364c-47cf-b0c0-d0ffb514fea8\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"694\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3hiog\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"71\"\u003e85mm f\/1.4 manual-focus portrait lens for Canon EF \/ Nikon F mounts\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1msu8y3\" data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"164\"\u003eClassic Zeiss Planar optical design with T* coatings for high contrast and color clarity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"472uxh\" data-start=\"165\" data-end=\"243\"\u003eStrong subject separation and smooth background bokeh, ideal for portraits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1frgbys\" data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"324\"\u003eBest sharpness around f\/2.8–f\/4; wider apertures have a softer, glowing look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16rju1e\" data-start=\"325\" data-end=\"393\"\u003eFully manual focus with long, precise focus throw (no autofocus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vbmvgs\" data-start=\"394\" data-end=\"463\"\u003eSolid all-metal build with premium mechanical feel and durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dx9ucn\" data-start=\"464\" data-end=\"544\"\u003eExcellent “cinematic” rendering with strong micro-contrast and natural depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xv39wv\" data-start=\"545\" data-end=\"608\"\u003eHeavier and slower to use than modern autofocus 85mm lenses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ksi6ht\" data-start=\"609\" data-end=\"694\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eBest suited for deliberate portrait, studio, and video work rather than fast action\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zeiss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45804862472383,"sku":"3976","price":3367.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/5703\/0079\/files\/3976-00.jpg?v=1782932636","url":"https:\/\/www.mybackyardzone.com\/products\/zeiss-ze-85mm-f1-4-apo-planar","provider":"Your Outdoor Setup Starts Here","version":"1.0","type":"link"}