Review of Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T *

According provided by Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * lens many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar lens Carl Zeiss.

Browse Navigation

1. In short
2. History
3. Main Specifications
4. Assembly and management
5. Focusing
6. Image quality
7. Sample photos with source
   • Nikon D700, FX (+ original RAW)
   • Nikon D3200, DX (+ original RAW)
   • Nikon D7200, DX (+ original RAW)
   • Nikon D5600, DX (+ original RAW)
8. My experience
9. Prices
10. Results
11. User Comments
12. Add your review / comment or question on the lens

Please note that Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * exists in several versions for different systems. This review shows the version ZF for Nikon cameras. At the same time, there are versions for Canon ZE и Pentax ZKas well as a newer version for Nikon ZF.2. There is even a rare version ZS with M42 thread.

In short

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * - high-quality wide-angle manual lens for full-frame SLR cameras. The 2007 model, already optimized for working with digital SLR cameras.

The main feature is excellent assembly, high-quality color reproduction and good optical performance. All in all, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * is optically good. There are practically no serious flaws in the lens.

History

Carl Zeiss 28/2 class lenses have been around since the mid-70s, the first of which was Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 T * for Contax / Yashica (C / Y, AEG and MM subversion, 9/8 scheme).

In 2007, the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 T * came out, which has several versions, the versions differ in the bayonet, the diaphragm ring and the microprocessor contacts:

1. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * for Nikon F, s 17 September 2007, with bunny ears, without CPU contacts (version shown in this review)
2. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZS T * with fitting thread M42
3. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZK T * for Pentax K, s 2009, with CPU contacts, discontinued in 2010
4. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZE T * for Canon EF, with November 16, 2009, with CPU contacts, without aperture ring, has slightly different design
5. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF.2 T* for Nikon F, development announced with November 16, 2009officially submitted spring xnumxwith CPU contacts
6. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF.2 / ZF-I T * (Industrial Edition) with special clamps for focus ring and aperture. Not common version, similar to ZF.2 version

The lenses from the list are built on the same optical scheme and do not have fundamental differences in their photographic capabilities. The lens options for Nikon / Canon / Pentax have the direction of rotation of the focus ring that is characteristic of a particular system.

In total there are 9 lenses from the ZF series: 18/ 3.5, 21/ 2.8, 25/ 2.8, 28/ 2, 35/ 2, 50final match., 50/2, 85final match., 100/ 2.

At one time, Carl Zeiss 28/2 was not updated to the Milvus version, but was reborn in the guise of a better Zeiss Otus apo distagon 1.4 / 28 T *.

Main technical specifications of Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T *:

Review Instance Name	Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * + Serial Number, Lens made in Japan
Basic properties	ZF - version for cameras with Nikon F mount manual focus only T* - special enlightenment of Carl Zeiss T * optics lens suitable for full-frame cameras the presence of a diaphragm control ring (analog Nikon Non-G, AI-S) metal case
Front Filter Diameter	58 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length	28 mm EGF for cameras Nikon DX, Pentax with APS-C sensor Kf=1.5 is 42 mm EGF for Canon cameras with APS-C sensor is 44,8 mm EGF for Canon cameras with APS-H sensor is 36,4 mm
Zoom ratio	1 x
Designed by	for digital cameras with a frame size of 24 x 36 There is a version for Canon EF mount, which instead of 'ZF' or 'ZF.2' in the name is written 'ZE'. There is also a rare 'ZK' version for Penax KAF mount. Most likely there is also a 'ZS' version for chambers with a M42 X 1 / 45.5 mounting thread
Number of aperture blades	9 petals, form a fairly regular polygon
Tags	focus distance scale in meters and feet plotted on the focus ring Depth of field scale for F / 4, 5.6 (not explicitly), 8, 16, 22 Hood mark (black dot) Infrared Label
Diaphragm	F / 2 to F / 22
MDF	0.24 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 4.7
The weight	502 grams (measured, without caps). The ZE version is significantly heavier due to the diaphragm module.
Optical design	10 elements in 8 groups. Usual spherical elements are used. The image of the circuit is enlarged by click.
Lens hood	Baynet type, metal
Manufacturer country	Lens made in Japan (lens made in Japan)
Period	From September 17, 2007, in 2010 was replaced by Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF.2 T *
Price	Prices for this model can be see here

For wide angle lenses aperture F / 2 is high enough. Making a quality wide-angle lens is no easy feat.

Assembly and management

The lens is made very high quality, has a stylish design with a chromed front of the frame. The whole body is made of metal.

The retractable frame of the body (trunk) consists of one metal part. The trunk only slightly extends the lens barrel. The diameter of the filter is 58 mm.

The focus ring does not have a rubberized insert, the edges of the focus ring and the diaphragm ring are metal.

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * can use a metal bayonet hood.

There are 9 pieces of aperture petals, they are rounded and form a fairly even aperture of the diaphragm.

Focusing

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * may use manual focus only.

The focusing ring is wide enough, not rubberized. The fins of the focusing ring are metal. The ring spins on 135 degrees (3/8 of a full turn). Focusing is smooth. When extreme positions are reached, the focus ring abuts and cannot be rotated further. The direction of rotation of the focus ring coincides with original Nikon lenses, such as Nikon 28 / 1.8G.

The focus ring is poorly 'stretched' in the range from 2 meters to infinity.

Used floating focus, something like the original Nikon CRC technology. This technology is designed to receive high-quality images at all focusing distances. During focusing, the thread under the front filter does not rotate, but the trunk drives forward.

On the focus ring there is a scale with the focusing distance in meters and feet. There is also a depth of field scale and a label for working in the infrared spectrum.

The minimum focusing distance is 24 cm (the distance from the camera’s sensor to the subject). With such an MDF, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 4.7.

There is a small effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards the MDF, the viewing angle decreases.

Focus Shift (shift focus, changing the focus distance due to iris) is missing.

For Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) for fast and accurate aiming at infinity under any temperature operating conditions.

When used on cameras Nikon D3200, D40, D70 и Nikon D700 the green dot, which confirms correct focusing, works correctly. On cameras with focus picking, the area of ​​sharpness is highlighted well.

Image quality

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * creates a high-quality image with minor imperfections that are almost invisible during actual operation.

Sharpness

1. at f / 2, the lens shows consistent sharpness in the center of the frame
2. peak sharpness falls in the area f / 5.6
3. there is a slight drop in sharpness to the edges and corners of the frame, most likely due to the curvature of the field
4. resolution at the corners of the frame increases significantly at values ​​around F / 5.6
5. there is a small coma
6. astigmatism very well fixed

Distortion

1. there is a small barrel-shaped distortion
2. distortion is unified, easily fixable in the editor
3. in most cases, distortion is difficult to notice

Vignetting

1. noticeable vignetting observed most strongly at F / 2 values. More than 2 steps
2. vignetting decreases with focus towards MDF. Most noticeable when focusing on infinity
3. vignetting almost disappears at f / 4
4. vignetting easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

1. the number of chromatic aberrations is small, they are quite easily removed in the RAW editor
2. chromatic aberration with this lens practically do not change during aperture, fall slightly at F / 2.8, and then barely noticeably grow to F / 22

Rest

1. the lens tolerates back and side light, has a good contrast. Only in the most difficult conditions can you get tangible flare and artifacts
2. you can get the effect of an 18-ray star, but the effect is weakly expressed

For Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T *, there is a profile for popular RAW converters.

Sample Photos Nikon D700

Sample photos with RAW source files for review prepared by the photographer Natalya Romanenko (500px). Convert RAW source files with Nikon D700 the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility.

Download RAW c source photos Nikon D700 can at this link (25 files, 350 MB).

Sample Photos Nikon D3200

D3200 is still one of the cameras with the highest pixel density, and therefore, from the images from it, you can easily judge about some of the optical capabilities of the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T *. Converting raw RAW files with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility. The lens was used without a filter and hood.

• Picture Control Mode: SD (Standard with default settings, 3, 0, 0, 0, 0)
• White balance: Auto (with default offset)
• Active D-lighting: ON (the camera does not allow you to select a level ADL)
• Noise Reduction: OFF
• use of the function 'Aut. distortion control 'with this lens on the camera Nikon D3200 not available, but Capture NX-D automatically removes some chromatic aberration
• The lens was used without filters.

You can download the original photos in RAW format (12-bit '.NEF') at this link (25 files, 400 MB).

Sample photos on Nikon D7200

Converting the original RAW files from the camera Nikon D7200 (14-bit, lossless compression) with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6.

• Picture Control Mode: SD (Standard with default settings 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0)
• White balance: Auto1 (with default offset)
• Active D-lighting: Auto
• Vignette Control: OFF
• Under. noise for long Exposure: OFF
• Under. noise for high. ISO .: OFF
• Auth. distortion control: OFF

You can download the original photos in RAW (14-bit) format at this link (15 files, 400 MB).

Sample photos on Nikon D5600

Converting the original RAW files from the camera Nikon D5600 (14-bit) Nikon's original Capture NX-D v 1.4.6.

• Picture Control Mode: SD (Standard with default settings 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0)
• White balance: Auto (with default offset)
• Active D-lighting: Auto
• Vignette Control: OFF
• Under. noise for long Exposure: OFF
• Under. noise for high. ISO .: OFF
• Auth. distortion control: OFF

You can download the original photos in RAW (14-bit) format at this link (15 files, 400 MB).

Prices

Prices for modern Carl Zeiss manual lenses are available see here.

Now it is very difficult to find a new Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * in the store - in 2009 it was replaced by the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF.2 T *.

At the start of sales, the price tag for Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * was about $ 1.200. Nowadays they are sold for 500-800 dollars.

My experience

The Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * is a very pleasant lens to work with with a 'pliable' and 'smooth' picture, but not as sharp in the center of the frame as some modern autofocus counterparts.

I would prefer to use either 24mm or 35mm, depending on the situation. 28 mm is just something between 24 mm and 35 mm, especially for those who cannot decide.

During the creation of this review, I noted for myself that Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * is so good that it’s even boring because of this. And to write in the results of 10 main shortcomings became unbearable torment for me.

If you need an uncompromising lens like this, you should definitely look at Zeiss Otus apo distagon 1.4 / 28 T *.

All Nikon Nikkor 28mm Autofocus Fixes

Nikon now has the following 28 mm autofocus fixes:

1. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)
2. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKII)
3. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII)
4. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.8G
5. Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.4D
6. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1: 1.4E ED

Results

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * is a high-quality lens, a classic representative from its line of Carl Zeiss lenses for the popular Nikon / Canon / Pentax systems.

10 main advantages:

1. high aperture
2. full metal housing, hood included
3. smooth focus ring, rotates 135 degrees
4. the front lens does not rotate during focusing; a correction system with floating elements is used
5. small enough MDF and a good enough maximum magnification ratio of 1: 4.7
6. nine aperture blades
7. separate aperture control ring (for example, in the ZE version there is no such ring)
8. all the necessary tags are present: focusing distance, depth of field, infrared spectrum tag
9. T * enlightenment, which makes the lens glare-resistant and provides good color reproduction
10. good optical performance, very good resolution on covered diaphragms, very low astigmatism

10 main disadvantages:

1. no microprocessor contacts for correct operation with EXIF and for convenient work with metering exposure on younger Nikon cameras (contacts appeared in version ZF.2)
2. no all-weather protection (later appeared on the Milvus line)
3. fairly high cost
4. big enough weight, more than 500 grams
5. focusing is not internal, the trunk of the lens goes forward (dust, dirt, moisture can get into the junction)
6. focus rings and apertures are not rubberized, metal ribs of rings can become chipped over time and lose their former beauty
7. version ZF.2 does not support the focus trap (when shutter release is only available with precise focus)
8. tangible vignetting on f / 2.0
9. a slight drop in sharpness at the corners of the frame on open apertures (most likely due to the curvature of the field), sharpness suffers a bit from coma
10. no lens upgrade to Milvus Class 28/2 version

According provided by Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF T * lens many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar lens Carl Zeiss.

UPDATED

Review appeared Carl Zeiss Distagon 2/28 ZF.2 T *.

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram