{"product_id":"zeiss-zf-2-85mm-f1-4-apo-planar","title":"Zeiss ZF.2 85mm f1.4 Apo Planar - 3977","description":"\u003ch2\u003eZeiss ZF.2 85mm f1.4 Apo Planar - 3977\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=\"1w7mupp\" data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"284\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"61\"\u003eApochromatic precision 85mm:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Zeiss ZF.2 85mm f\/1.4 APO Planar is engineered for extremely high optical purity, minimizing chromatic aberration, distortion, and focus errors for reference-level image quality. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fec19j\" data-start=\"285\" data-end=\"526\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"325\"\u003eExceptional sharpness performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers strong center sharpness wide open with outstanding edge-to-edge resolution when stopped down, making it a benchmark short telephoto for demanding work. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dg9ks8\" data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"752\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"562\"\u003eTrue APO rendering advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed with low-dispersion and advanced optical elements to maintain clean contrast and color separation even in high-contrast lighting situations. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rstbqk\" data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"939\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"780\"\u003eSignature Zeiss look:\u003c\/strong\u003e High micro-contrast, deep tonal separation, and natural color response create the classic “Zeiss pop” that stands out in portrait and editorial photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rb4eqh\" data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"1115\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"971\"\u003eCreamy, controlled bokeh:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85mm compression combined with f\/1.4 aperture produces smooth background blur with strong subject isolation and pleasing highlight rendering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"55bv43\" data-start=\"1116\" data-end=\"1295\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1150\"\u003eFully manual precision tool:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, damped focus throw designed for deliberate focusing—favored by studio and controlled-location photographers over speed-driven workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10zzmfn\" data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1470\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1339\"\u003eBuilt like a professional instrument:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy-duty all-metal construction with premium mechanical feel, designed for long-term reliability in professional environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"dowvws\" data-start=\"1471\" data-end=\"1653\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1495\"\u003eSpecialist nature:\u003c\/strong\u003e No autofocus and significant size\/weight mean it’s best suited for photographers who prioritize absolute optical performance over convenience or portability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eQ\u0026amp;A\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:aff75c29-8ca7-4b98-83ed-878bac1f0710-20\" 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:aff75c29-8ca7-4b98-83ed-878bac1f0710-20\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:aff75c29-8ca7-4b98-83ed-878bac1f0710-20\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-40\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--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=\"596b9b9d-019d-49b5-9400-9ce9e809149c\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" 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\" 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\u003cp data-start=\"593\" data-end=\"804\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"593\" data-end=\"640\"\u003eQ: Does it have autofocus or stabilization?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"643\"\u003eA: No. It is fully manual focus with no optical image stabilization, designed for deliberate, precision-focused shooting. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"1063\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"838\"\u003eQ: What is it best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"838\" data-end=\"841\"\u003eA: High-end portrait photography, studio work, and cinematic shallow-depth images where subject isolation and “Zeiss rendering” (contrast, micro-detail, smooth bokeh) are priorities. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1320\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eQ: How is image quality?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1096\"\u003eA: Extremely sharp with strong micro-contrast and smooth out-of-focus rendering. At f\/1.4 it produces very shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh, improving further when stopped down. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1545\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1367\"\u003eQ: What is the APO Planar characteristic?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1370\"\u003eA: The apochromatic correction reduces color fringing and improves color accuracy and edge clarity, especially in high-contrast scenes. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1797\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1574\"\u003eQ: Any known drawbacks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003eA: Manual focus only, relatively heavy, and like many fast Zeiss 85mm designs it can show focus shift behavior at mid apertures, requiring careful technique for critical sharpness. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1989\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1820\"\u003eQ: Who is it for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1823\"\u003eA: Photographers who want a classic 85mm portrait look with modern Zeiss optical precision and are comfortable working fully manual for maximum image quality control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\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-36\" 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-36\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:a0a73f2c-f3c9-42d0-9958-01fbde1d827a-36\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-74\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--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=\"074ed443-f8ba-4ba7-9c67-f9b228c227c7\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" 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\" 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=\"1122\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"11rc9mn\" data-start=\"67\" data-end=\"148\"\u003eUltra-premium \u003cstrong data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"113\"\u003emanual-focus portrait lens\u003c\/strong\u003e in the Zeiss Classic ZF.2 lineup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pq833l\" data-start=\"149\" data-end=\"245\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"189\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e85mm focal length + f\/1.4 aperture\u003c\/strong\u003e → strong subject isolation and shallow depth of field\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fpc2c\" data-start=\"246\" data-end=\"347\"\u003eBased on the \u003cstrong data-start=\"261\" data-end=\"290\"\u003eApo-Planar optical design\u003c\/strong\u003e for high micro-contrast, color accuracy, and sharpness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"m7p9y2\" data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"452\"\u003eFull-frame coverage with Zeiss \u003cstrong data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"388\"\u003eT*\u003c\/strong\u003e anti-reflective coating for strong contrast and flare control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wmhi2b\" data-start=\"453\" data-end=\"531\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"476\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eManual focus only\u003c\/strong\u003e with long, precise focus throw for critical focusing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"9pt9qo\" data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"640\"\u003eClose focus around \u003cstrong data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"600\"\u003e0.8–1.0 m range (portrait working distance)\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ulfmm6\" data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"751\"\u003eHeavy-duty \u003cstrong data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"682\"\u003eall-metal build (~570 g)\u003c\/strong\u003e with premium mechanical feel \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l8liav\" data-start=\"752\" data-end=\"826\"\u003eKnown for extremely clean rendering, strong “3D pop,” and creamy bokeh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"119yzww\" data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"916\"\u003ePerforms best stopped down slightly for maximum sharpness, but still strong wide open\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"uommci\" data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"1008\"\u003eNo autofocus, no stabilization—built purely for optical quality and deliberate shooting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"127ptos\" data-start=\"1009\" data-end=\"1122\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eBest suited for \u003cstrong data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1082\"\u003ehigh-end portrait, studio, and fine-art photography\u003c\/strong\u003e where precision matters more than speed\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":45804897108159,"sku":"3977","price":3367.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/5703\/0079\/files\/3977-00.jpg?v=1782934344","url":"https:\/\/www.mybackyardzone.com\/products\/zeiss-zf-2-85mm-f1-4-apo-planar","provider":"Your Outdoor Setup Starts Here","version":"1.0","type":"link"}