Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar (50mm F/2.8)

It’s been called the cheapest Carl Zeiss lens, but it’s what came with the Praktica MTL3 when I inherited it, and I love it.

It’s compact, and supports F/2.8-22 (remember the MTL3 only shoots at up to 1/1000). This is plenty, when paired with the right ISO film, for everyday urban shooting.

This is the lens I chose to take with me for my 30-day eastern/western Europe travel. It performed beautifully.