Zeiss Distagon ZF T* 35mm f/2 - Review / Test Report
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Lens kindly provided for testing purposes by Peter-Cornelius Spaeth!

Introduction

The Zeiss ZF Distagon T* 35mm f/2 is another representative of the recently introduced ZF line-up. Zeiss ZF are a manual focus lenses compatible to the Nikon F(Ai-S)-mount (therefore ZF). On the APS-C DSLRs the Distagon has a field-of-view equivalent to 52mm so it behaves like a normal lens within this scope.

Typical for all ZF lenses the 35mm f/2 doesn´t feature AF nor an electronically controlled aperture. Reads: the lens has an automatic aperture but you have to stop down via the aperture ring on the lens (1/2 stop steps). Consequently the lens is not compatible to the consumer-grade Nikon DSLRs a la D40 or D70. However, it works just fine e.g. in aperture-priority mode on the D200.

The build quality of the full-metal Zeiss (brass with chromium-plated brass front bayonet) is superb. The fluted focus ring feels exceptionally well damped. Distagon lenses feature a rear-focus design (IF - inner focusing) so the front element does not rotate. The physical length changes when focusing towards close distances though.

Specifications
Optical construction9 elements in 7 groups
Number of aperture blades?
min. focus distance0.3m (max. magnification ratio ?)
Dimensions65x97mm
Weight530g
Filter size58mm (non-rotating)
HoodIncluded, barrel shaped (snap-on)
Other features-



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