Reader Says “WOW” With the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon

Curtis W writes:

I finally got my Zeiss 35 1.4 lens. All I can say is WOW. It is everything you stated. The clarity and color is great. I have printed a few images before I ran out of paper. The detail is fantastic, much better in my opinion than Nikon.

I am looking at one more lens comparison next is the Nikon 85 1.4 AF vs. the Zeiss 85 1.4 ZF. Any thoughts or thoughts. I am going to have to save up a little but that will be my next acquisition.

DIGLLOYD: Indeed, the 35/1.4 Distagon is an exceptional lens, and is now among my favorites (the 21/2.8 and 100/2 are the other two of my top 3 Zeiss favorites). And the results are not always something one can quite quantify, a point lost on most testing sites; every lens draws in a unique way, with its own signature look.

85mm: the Nikon 85/1.4 is a better choice for AF and easier to shoot. BUT the Zeiss has that "look", though some focus shift can make it more of a challenge. Different animals. I recommend the 100/2 Makro-Planar over the 85/1.4 for most shooters, but for those looking for a classic portrait lens, the Zeiss 85/1.4 Planar is as classic as it gets.

See my Zeiss Guide for an in-depth look at all the Zeiss lenses.

No matter what aperture, the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon delivers outstanding color, contrast, sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and a compelling three dimensional image quality. A few examples shown below from a peaceful July day high in the White Mountains of California.