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Mini Review: Zeiss ZF/ZE 28mm f/2 Distagon
Related: Canon, Canon Wide, distortion, Nikon, Nikon Wide, optics, Zeiss, Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon, Zeiss Distagon, Zeiss DSLR Lenses, Zeiss lenses
The Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon is a workhorse lens that is easier to focus in dim light than the 25/2.8 Distagon while giving up only a modest amount of angular coverage.
Unlike the 25/2.8 Distagon, the 28/2 Distagon is corrected for close distances, utilizing a floating element for improved close-focus quality.
The 28/2 Distagon is a superb choice for all-around indoor/outdoor shooting where apertures f/2 – f/4 will be used, and high imaging quality is demanded.
The main feature of note is field curvature, which can be exploited to excellent effect, but will not test well on a resolution chart (close up). Other lenses fare less well in this regard, so maintain perspective. I love this lens for walk-around shooting at dusk or dawn.
Specifications
Canon and Nikon and Pentax versions are optically identical.
Focal length: | 28.5mm |
Aperture scale: | f/2 - f/22 |
Focusing range: | 0.24m - infinity |
Angular field, diag./horiz./vert | 74° / 65° / 46° |
Coverage at close range: | 18 X 12 cm |
Image ratio at close range: | 1:5 |
Number of elements/groups: | 10 elements in 8 groups |
Filter thread: | M 58 X 0.75 |
Weight: | 530g |
Dimensions (with caps): | 65mm in diameter, 94mm w/ caps |
Entrance pupil: | 29mm behind the front lens |
List price: | $1283 street price |
Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon distortion
The distortion is wave-type distortion: first barrel distortion (bowing outwards), then reversing to faint pincushion distortion.
Examples
Much larger and more numerous examples are found in the full review.
The machine seen below is used to pound rice into elastic material for making Japanese “mochi”. I can testify that it does an impressive job, so long as the operator is skilled enough to avoid crushing his hand in the process. There is a lot to be appreciated about such elegant machinery, and the skilled person who can operate it.
Conclusions
If you were to pick one great all-around lens for shooting, you could hardly do better than the Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon. A moderate wide angle, it can be applied to everything from portraiture to landscape to documentary photography. It’s high brilliance and fast f/2 aperture make it a great lens for shooting at dusk or night also.
You can get the 28/2 Distagon at B&H Photo for Canon or Nikon.
Learn more
For in-depth coverage to these Zeiss lenses for Nikon and Canon, please subscribe to our Guide to Zeiss ZF/ZE Lenses.
The Guide has numerous examples at much higher resolution, along with actual-pixels crops for each and every lens, in most cases several pages of examples per lens.
New material is constantly being added to the Guide, so don't wait, subscribe now!
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