Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZF (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)

Sample Shots

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!

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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