Overview of Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2

According provided by Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 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 (+ original RAW)
   • Nikon D40 (+ original RAW)
   • Sony a3500 (+ source JPEG)
8. My experience
9. Prices
10. Original autofocus alternatives
11. Results
12. User Comments
13. Add your review / comment or question on the lens

Please note that Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 exists in versions for Nikon and Canon systems. This review shows the ZF.2 version for Nikon cameras. At the same time, there are versions for Canon (ZE), which looks a bit different and the Pentax (ZK) version.

In short

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 is a wide-angle lens for full-frame SLR cameras, only manual focus is available. Often this focal length is referred to as super wide angle.

Belongs to the Zeiss ZF / ZF.2 line, which includes only high-quality lenses.

Zeiss Distagon Class 21 / 2.8 Lenses considered one of the best wide-angle lenses of all time.

The main feature of Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 is its excellent assembly and convenient manual focus. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 optically very good. The lens has almost no obvious flaws.

Unlike conventional manual lenses, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 has microprocessor contacts, the aperture can be controlled from the camera.

History

In total, there are several similar models that were released in versions for Contax / Yashica (C / Y), Nikon (ZF, ZF.2), Canon (ZE) and Pentax (ZK).

1. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T *, C / y (Contax / Yashica), since 1994, Scheme 15/13
2. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 ZF T * for Nikon F, s 16 September 2008, with bunny ears, without CPU contacts, circuit 16/13
3. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 ZK T * for Pentax K, with CPU contacts, discontinued in 2010
4. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 ZF.2 T * for Nikon F, s November 16, 2009with CPU contacts
   
5. Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 ZE T * for Canon EF, with 28 September 2009, with CPU contacts, looks slightly different from ZF / ZF. 2
6. Milvus 2.8/21 ZF.2 Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21 T * for Nikon F, s 10 September 2015with CPU contacts
7. Milvus 2.8/2 ZE Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21 T * for Canon EF, with 10 September 2015with CPU contacts

It's important: all ZF / ZF.2 / ZK / Milvus lenses are built on the same 16/13 optical design, but Milvus 2.8 / 21 uses 5 elements with anomalous partial dispersion.

Separate lenses loxia 2.8 / 21 Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * and varieties of Biogon 2.8 / 21 for mirrorless (rangefinder) cameras.

Main technical characteristics of Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2:

Review Instance Name	near the front lens: 'Zeiss Distagon 2,8 / 21 ZF.2 T *' + serial number on the case: 'Lens made in Japan'
Basic properties	ZF.2 - version for cameras with Nikon F mount lens designed for full-frame cameras manual focus only automatic iris control from the camera T* - special enlightenment of Carl Zeiss T * optics built-in microprocessor simulating the operation of original lenses the presence of the aperture control ring (analog Nikon Non-g) the lens does not transmit the focus distance (analog Non-d) metal case Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter	82 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length	21 mm EGF for cameras Nikon DX, Pentax with APS-C sensor Kf=1.5 is 31.5 mm EGF for Canon cameras with APS-C sensor is 33.6 mm EGF for Canon cameras with APS-H sensor is 27.3 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.2' in the name is written 'ZE'. There is also a version for Pentax, in the name of which is written 'ZK'
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 (strip only), 8, 11 (strip only), 16 and 22 infrared label aperture value
Diaphragm	F / 2.8 to F / 22 There are F / 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 values ​​on the aperture ring. You can set one intermediate value between each pair of numbers (except between F / 16 and F / 22)
MDF	0.22 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 5
The weight	587 grams (measured, only the lens itself, version ZF.2)
Optical design	16 elements in 13 groups
Lens hood	Bayonet type, metal
Manufacturer country	Made in Japan (lens made in Japan)
Period	From November 16, 2009, in 2015 replaced by Milvus 2.8/21 ZF.2 Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T *
Price	Prices for this model can be see here

On subframe cameras, 21 mm of focal length is assigned to the ultra-wide-angle range of focal lengths.

Unfortunately, despite the presence of a microprocessor, the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 version does not work in the focus trap mode (when the shutter is only allowed with precise focus). Only a green dot in the viewfinder indicates sharp focus. It is advisable to use the Live View mode with the lens. On the camera, the lens is recognized as autofocus, but switched to manual focus mode.

The iris automation on the manual lens significantly adds convenience in work and post-processing (you can always see with what settings the photo was taken).

It's important: Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 on cameras Nikon D3400, D3500 can only work in 'M' mode. These cameras simply do not support NON-G type lenses (which have an aperture control ring). On all other cameras, the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 will work like any other original lens on which autofocus is disabled. All camera modes will be available.

Assembly and management

The lens is made very high quality. The body has a significant thickening near the front lens. The body is made of metal, the focus ring and aperture are also metal, not rubberized.

The Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 comes with a durable metal bayonet-type hood. On the inside, the hood has special coating, reminiscent of velvet, which adds a sense of premium things. The hood can be installed in the reverse position for transportation. In this position, access to the focus ring is a little difficult.

The diameter of the filter is as much as 82 mm.

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 has a manual aperture ring. To be able to control the value aperture from camera or for automatic installation aperture on modern digital cameras, you need to turn the control ring to the value F / 22, after which it is automatically fixed by a small special button-lock, which is located to the left of the marks aperture. If this is not done, then the display will show an error - 'fEE' (ring is not installed aperture) Some cameras having diaphragm rheostatallow you to control the aperture using the ring aperturebut only in metering modes exposure 'M' and 'A'. You can read more about this issue in the section on Non-G Lenses. Ring aperture rotates with clicks, the values ​​F / 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 (full stops) are plotted on it; You can set one intermediate value between pairs of numbers (except between F / 16 and F / 22). Other intermediate values ​​can only be set via the camera itself.

Focusing

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 may use manual focus only.

The focus ring is wide enough. The ring rotates on 120 degrees. The focus is smooth and pleasant one of the best I've ever tried. When extreme positions are reached, the focus ring abuts and cannot be rotated further, while a characteristic metallic sonorous knock is heard. The direction of rotation of the focus ring matches Nikon's original lenses, such as Nikon 20 / 1.8G.

The focus ring is poorly 'stretched' in the range from a meter to infinity, which is why it is not always convenient to focus in this range of distances.

Used floating focus, something like the original Nikon CRC technology (for example, as in the manual Nikon Nikkor 35mm 1: 1.4 AI-S) This technology is designed to receive high-quality images at all focusing distances.

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 uses ininternal focus, to be more precise - focusing using the rear lens group. The front lens and the filter thread do not rotate during focusing.

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 mark for working in the infrared spectrum.

The minimum focusing distance is 22 cm (the distance from the camera’s sensor to the subject). With such an MDF, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 5.

There is a very 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.

The Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 has a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) for quick and accurate aiming at infinity under any temperature operating conditions.

When used on cameras Nikon D3200, D40, D700, D5600, D7200 the green dot, confirming the correct focusing, works correctly.

Important: despite the fact that the lens has microprocessor contacts, it does not transmit the distance to the subject into the camera and is an analog of NON-D lenses. This can sometimes affect accurate metering. exposure, especially when using flash.

Image quality

Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 creates a very high-quality picture. But, of course, there are several minor flaws.

Sharpness

• very high sharpness in the center of the frame is already at f / 2.8
• slight drop in resolution at the corners of the image
• sharpness slightly increases with aperture closing

Distortion

• there is a slight pincushion distortion
• the nature of distortion is complex, it’s difficult to correct in editors

Vignetting

• at f / 2.8 vignetting is in the area of ​​2 steps
• vignetting almost disappears at values ​​after f / 5.6
• vignetting is easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

• low chromatic aberration

Other

• the lens tolerates lateral and backlight not bad, but still quite often you can get a reddish or greenish glare from hard backlight
  
• aperture blades form a regular octagon on any hidden aperture values
• on closed diaphragms you can get the effect of an 18-ray star

Under Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2, there is a profile in most popular RAW converters, for example, ACR and Lightroom.

Sample photos on Nikon D700

Sample photos with RAW source files helped prepare the photographer Natalya Romanenko (500px). Convert RAW source files with Nikon D700 original utility Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6. In several photos, artifacts from dust on the sensor were additionally removed.

Download RAW c source photos Nikon D700 can at this link (25 files, 400 MB). Several photos processed by Natasha here.

Sample photos on Nikon D40

I love contrasting kits from a cheap camera and an expensive lens, a kind of entertainment for me. Examples without processing. Convert source RAW files (12-bit) with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility.

RAW source photos can be download from this link (10 photos, 60 MB).

Sample photos on Sony a3500

All photos below are shown without processing. Camera used Sony a3500 (Exmor APS-C CMOS 20 MP). All photos are on-camera JPEG. Picture Control Mode 'Standard 0/1/1' (approx. 50/50). Functions' Corr. ob .: Shading ',' Corr. ob .: Chrome. aberr. ' and 'Corr. Rev .: Distortion 'were disabled.

Download jpeg source photos c Sony a3500 can at this link (24 files, 120 MB). On this camera I used a lens with a conventional adapter Nikon F -> Sony NEX / Alpha. More examples from the event here.

Prices

The price tag of Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 is at $ 1.000 per second. lens. The new Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 is very difficult to meet. At one time he was replaced by Milvus 2.8/21 ZF.2 Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T *. Prices for modern Zeiss manual lenses are available see here.

My experience

Many different photographers and amateur photographers have already told me more than once about the 'best' of the shirikov - Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 (in fact, it doesn't matter which version of it: C / Y, ZF, ZF. 2, ZE, ZK or Milvus).

With the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 everything is very simple - this is a really very good lens, indeed one of the best wide lenses available. But this does not mean that he is the best and does not mean that he is balanced.

Optically Milvus 2.8/21 ZF.2 Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * and Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 are almost identical. The same is confirmed by MTF charts for these lenses.

I have used the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 for almost a month, I shot a lot with it, I only have a very good opinion about it. Now I will be like its other owners - I will praise it in every possible way and tell their legends around the wonderful Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2... One of the legends is that at F / 2.8 it is no worse than at F / 5.6.

Original autofocus alternatives

Nikkor F for SLR cameras:

1. Nikon 14 mm 1: 2.8D AF
2. Nikon 16 mm 1: 2.8D Fisheye AF
3. Nikon 18 mm 1: 2.8D AF
4. Nikon 20 mm 1:2.8 AF
5. Nikon 20 mm 1: 2.8D AF
6. Nikon 20 mm 1: 1.8G N AF S
7. Nikon 8-15 mm 1: 3.5-4.5E Fisheye AF S
8. Nikon 14-24 mm 1: 2.8G N AF S
9. Nikon 16-35 mm 1: 4G VR N AF S
10. Nikon 17-35 mm 1: 2.8D AF S
11. Nikon 18-35 mm 1: 3.5-4.5D AF
12. Nikon 18-35 mm 1: 3.5-4.5G AF S
13. Nikon 20-35 mm 1: 2.8D AF

Nikkor Z for mirrorless cameras:

1. Nikon 20 mm 1:1.8 S
2. Nikon 14-24 1:2.8 S
3. Nikon 14-30 mm 1:4 S
4. Nikon 17-28 mm 1:2.8

Results

The Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 is a very high quality ultra wide-angle lens, both in terms of build and image quality. In 2015 it was replaced by a similar one Milvus 2.8 / 21 ZF.2 Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * based on the same optical design and practically the same image quality (MFT graphics confirm this). It is considered one of the best such lenses of all time.

10 main advantages:

1. full metal case
2. metal hood included
3. unusual design with a wide front of the case
4. internal focusing (using the rear lens group)
5. floating focus system, provides high image quality at all focusing distances
6. nine aperture blades
7. all the necessary tags are present: focusing distance, depth of field, infrared spectrum tag
8. T * enlightenment, which makes the lens glare-resistant and provides good color reproduction
9. microprocessor contacts for correct operation with EXIF and for convenient work with the lens
10. good optical performance, high resolution in the center of the frame already with F / 2.8, good resolution in the corners of the frame (which is very important for an ultra-wide-angle lens), low distortion

10 main disadvantages:

1. high cost (more expensive than autofocus and brighter Sigma 20 / 1.4 Art, Nikon 20 / 1.8G)
2. large front filter diameter 82 mm
3. lenses from other third-party manufacturers can offer much more functionality: auto focus, image stabilizer or higher aperture
4. focus ring poorly 'stretched' from infinity
5. no way to customize focus trap (when shutter release is possible only when accurate focus is achieved)
6. quite a lot of weight (600 grams with a hood and a front cover)
7. the lens does not transmit the focus distance to the camera (Non-d lens type, important for accurate metering exposure)
8. non-protected lens (security appeared in the version Milvus 2.8 / 21 ZF.2 Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T *)
9. palpable vignetting at f / 2.8. Although very low, but complex distortion
10. backlight glare

According provided by Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2 lens many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar lens Carl Zeiss.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.com.

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