The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 4.8.
Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/100s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/1600s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/1600s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/80s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/320s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/2000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/640s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/2500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/2000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/320s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/125s
Verdict
The Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZF is not only a legendary lens - it is also capable of delivering its qualities on today's DSLRs. The sharpness is already impressive at f/2.8 and it does even get slightly better at medium apertures. Lateral CAs are very low and as such contributing to the high resolution perception. Distortions are also well controlled but if you want to correct the remaining artifacts this may not be all that easy due to the secondary mustache style here. A weakness is the level of vignetting at f/2.8 and, to a lesser degree, at f/4.
Just like the rest of its family, the Zeiss lens is built to the highest standards. Some users may complain about the lack of AF but, frankly, this is usually a non-issue for an ultra-wide lens. The focus confirmation is available in the viewfinder and in very critical (for example close focus) scenes Live-View can give you a helping hand. All-in-all highly recommended!
(just)
