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Product Description
The high-speed, moderate wide-angle Distagon T* 2/35 ZE fits all analog and digital EOS cameras. Its classic 35mm focal length is particularly well-suited for advertising, travel and nature photography as it captures dynamic perspectives with high depth of focus and few distortions. With a moderate wide angle of 53 degrees (horizontal), the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE can easily capture wide scenery without forcing photographers to consider perspective effects as design elements as they would have to with shorter focal lengths. The relatively short angle of rotation of the precision focusing mechanism enables fast but precise focusing when required For the growing number of photographers and videographers using DSLR's for movie making, the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE is one of four prime lenses making a core set, joining the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE, Planar T* 1.4/50 ZE and Planar T* 1.4/85 ZE. These lenses are well suited for HD video applications due not only to their exceptional image quality, but for the smooth focus and long focus rotations. The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE features high image quality for the entire aperture and focusing range. Thanks to its sophisticated optical design in which nine lens elements are perfectly aligned, it permits particularly high imaging performance across the entire image field. When a tripod is not available, the fast f/2 aperture allows easily handling under low light, making perfect pictures possible even under difficult lighting conditions. Thanks to its special optical design and the Zeiss T* anti-reflection coating, this lens captures bright light sources without artifacts. The Distagon T* 2/35 is also perfect on-the-go thanks to its all-metal and extremely durable precision mechanics for which Carl Zeiss lenses are well-known.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By Scott Tokar
I own a lot of Canon "L" glass for my 5D MkII and 1D Mk III, and I love Canon lenses for their optical performance and swift auto-focus... But...
The Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon T* ZE is by far the most pleasing (and rewarding) lens in my bag.
I started researching lens performance (beyond sharpness) when I discovered the magical rendition of "contrast" with Leica lenses... If you look at a Leica photograph there is something EXTRA to the way it sees the world. I wanted to capture that "magic" too, but their is no way I could make a Leica my primary camera system, it was simply beyond my budget... Now, there is no way that you can equate this $1000 lens on a Canon to a Leica M9 and Summicron f/2 lens, but this is as CLOSE AS IT GETS (For about $9,000.00 less than a Leica system)! Until I can afford a Leica, THIS is my work-around.
The Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon T* ZE delivers exceptional sharpness (edge to edge), but it is the contrast and color rendition that make this lens a superb piece of glass... It's truly a lens with character. It's hard to get that character in Canon Glass (except for a few $2000 "L" primes, like the 85mm f/1.2).
Part of the reason you get a better photo with THIS lens (Or with a Leica for that mater) is that it takes extra time and care to shoot in manual focus. This care aids in your composition and in your determination for a great shot. Of course, if you stop-down the lens to f/11 or f/16 it's easy to "shoot from the hip" and "zone focus" using the distance scale printed on the lens, and a 35mm is perfect for street photography. But, it's the shooting at f/2 that delivers that beautiful shallow depth of field and dreamy bokeh that I was looking for in a standard to wide angle lens.
I have used this lens for landscape and location portraiture work with great results. I would NOT recommend this lens for fast focus work like journalism, sports, or birding (Unless you are comfortable with zone-focus style shooting). I would recommend this lens to a camera aficionado or perfectionist in optical rendition for it's superb character and manual focusing quirkiness.
HERE IS AN IMPORTANT TIP: Since the ZE lens is a Canon mount. On your Canon camera, use the back "AF-ON" thumb activated focus (instead of the half-press shutter button focus option in the set-up menu). While pushing the "AF-ON" thumb button, rack the manual focus of theZeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon T* ZE until the red-square and/or "beep" signals that you have achieved sharp focus thru the viewfinder. Using this focus method resulted in 100% critical focus for me, without the added expense (and disadvantages) of a specialized after market focusing screen.
Or when ever possible, use the "Live-View" function to pull critical focus while working with any manual focus lens. (Let's see a Leica do THAT!)
The Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon T* ZE is by far the most pleasing (and rewarding) lens in my bag.
I started researching lens performance (beyond sharpness) when I discovered the magical rendition of "contrast" with Leica lenses... If you look at a Leica photograph there is something EXTRA to the way it sees the world. I wanted to capture that "magic" too, but their is no way I could make a Leica my primary camera system, it was simply beyond my budget... Now, there is no way that you can equate this $1000 lens on a Canon to a Leica M9 and Summicron f/2 lens, but this is as CLOSE AS IT GETS (For about $9,000.00 less than a Leica system)! Until I can afford a Leica, THIS is my work-around.
The Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon T* ZE delivers exceptional sharpness (edge to edge), but it is the contrast and color rendition that make this lens a superb piece of glass... It's truly a lens with character. It's hard to get that character in Canon Glass (except for a few $2000 "L" primes, like the 85mm f/1.2).
Part of the reason you get a better photo with THIS lens (Or with a Leica for that mater) is that it takes extra time and care to shoot in manual focus. This care aids in your composition and in your determination for a great shot. Of course, if you stop-down the lens to f/11 or f/16 it's easy to "shoot from the hip" and "zone focus" using the distance scale printed on the lens, and a 35mm is perfect for street photography. But, it's the shooting at f/2 that delivers that beautiful shallow depth of field and dreamy bokeh that I was looking for in a standard to wide angle lens.
I have used this lens for landscape and location portraiture work with great results. I would NOT recommend this lens for fast focus work like journalism, sports, or birding (Unless you are comfortable with zone-focus style shooting). I would recommend this lens to a camera aficionado or perfectionist in optical rendition for it's superb character and manual focusing quirkiness.
HERE IS AN IMPORTANT TIP: Since the ZE lens is a Canon mount. On your Canon camera, use the back "AF-ON" thumb activated focus (instead of the half-press shutter button focus option in the set-up menu). While pushing the "AF-ON" thumb button, rack the manual focus of theZeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon T* ZE until the red-square and/or "beep" signals that you have achieved sharp focus thru the viewfinder. Using this focus method resulted in 100% critical focus for me, without the added expense (and disadvantages) of a specialized after market focusing screen.
Or when ever possible, use the "Live-View" function to pull critical focus while working with any manual focus lens. (Let's see a Leica do THAT!)
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Alex D. Katz
I am going to start off this review by saying i am no pro but take my photography extremely serious and choose my equipment very carefully and put each item through a series of tests before deciding on if its for me or if it getting returned.
I am currently using a 5D-2 which after testing a few different Canon bodies i found to be the best for my shooting needs. To me the most important thing in photography is IQ and dont care too much for speed and nor sports. Ill take a camera with outstanding IQ over just about anything else. So here i am stuck with the 5D-2 which in my opinion up until now is hands down the camera that has produced the nicest quality prints out of the many Cannon bodies i have tried (T21, 7D, 1D markIV, etc.).
Now on to the lens...
Up until i got this lens i have been a Canon L series fanatic. I currently own the 16-35 2.8 II, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8 II, and the 85 1.2 II (which i think is think is the most amazing lens Canon has produced!) So after much reading and debating i decided to take the plunge and buy the Zeiss 35mm 2.0 Distagon ZE.
First ill list the cons.. It has no Auto focus. Thats it!!!
From the moment i opened this lens i realized i was opening a work of art. This lens has the build of a work of art. From the lens craftsmanship, to the weight, to the lens hood. No detail went unnoticed, and have to admit they did one hell of a job in the creation of this lens.
After taking a few shots and running some tests on this lens (as i do with all lenses i buy) I have to say im hooked on Zeiss! I have never shot a Canon lens (included my beloved 85 1.2) that renders the colors, and contrast of this lens. This lens gives my shots a total 3-D look that i have never seen from anything else i have shot before. And paired with my 5D-2, its simply amazing. I am now in the process of selling some of my Canon lenses to buy another Zeiss.
If anybody out there is even thinking about buying this lens. Just buy it! Its that good. You will not believe the pictures, rendering of colors and contrast and sharpness this lens produces. Im sorry Canon but there is just no comparing with this work of art.
Zeiss you have a customer for life....
I am currently using a 5D-2 which after testing a few different Canon bodies i found to be the best for my shooting needs. To me the most important thing in photography is IQ and dont care too much for speed and nor sports. Ill take a camera with outstanding IQ over just about anything else. So here i am stuck with the 5D-2 which in my opinion up until now is hands down the camera that has produced the nicest quality prints out of the many Cannon bodies i have tried (T21, 7D, 1D markIV, etc.).
Now on to the lens...
Up until i got this lens i have been a Canon L series fanatic. I currently own the 16-35 2.8 II, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8 II, and the 85 1.2 II (which i think is think is the most amazing lens Canon has produced!) So after much reading and debating i decided to take the plunge and buy the Zeiss 35mm 2.0 Distagon ZE.
First ill list the cons.. It has no Auto focus. Thats it!!!
From the moment i opened this lens i realized i was opening a work of art. This lens has the build of a work of art. From the lens craftsmanship, to the weight, to the lens hood. No detail went unnoticed, and have to admit they did one hell of a job in the creation of this lens.
After taking a few shots and running some tests on this lens (as i do with all lenses i buy) I have to say im hooked on Zeiss! I have never shot a Canon lens (included my beloved 85 1.2) that renders the colors, and contrast of this lens. This lens gives my shots a total 3-D look that i have never seen from anything else i have shot before. And paired with my 5D-2, its simply amazing. I am now in the process of selling some of my Canon lenses to buy another Zeiss.
If anybody out there is even thinking about buying this lens. Just buy it! Its that good. You will not believe the pictures, rendering of colors and contrast and sharpness this lens produces. Im sorry Canon but there is just no comparing with this work of art.
Zeiss you have a customer for life....
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Super Frog
I have now spent 5 months with this lens so I am pretty comfortable with it. This is the first lens (and I have gone through several, including Canon L lenses) that has exceeded my expectations. Yes, it is a manual focus lens so this is not a lens for everyone. I am using it on a Canon 50d and I have replaced the focus screen as well. I will say this, manual focusing is not that challenging. The lens does have a chip so that the camera will beep and the focus light turns red when the camera detects correct focus. You can also use live view as well.
The build. When you first get this lens this will be the first thing you notice. It is a very solid lens. All metal, including the small lens hood. It feels good in your hands. Heavy but not overly heavy. It is well balanced on the 50d. Focusing the lens is very smooth and you are able to make small corrections as it has a long focus throw. There is a big difference in manually focusing with an auto-focus lens and one that is made for manual focus. It seems like the auto-focus lenses have fairly short focus throws in order for them to try and focus faster.
The images. There are plenty of discussions about the Zeiss effect on the web. I was pretty skeptical about it and how it would compare to a Canon L lens. There is definitely something different about it. My images definitely have more pop to them. The colors have more life. I believe this is due to the micro contrast that Zeiss is famous for. The lens is very sharp even to those that like to pixel peep. It is sharp not only in the center but at the edges as well where a lot of lenses tend to start going a little soft. I can definitely tell the difference between this lens and my others. I spend less time in post processing with this lens than others.
I believe the main comparison to this lens is the Canon 35L, which I have not used so I can't help you there. To me, it really comes down to how you shoot and what you want to shoot. I have two kids under two and I have gotten many excellent pictures using this lens even though it is manual focus so I would not let that deter you. If in doubt you can always rent the lens and see how it feels to you.
This is definitely my favorite lens to use. I was skeptical that it would not be all that I have read in the past but it has delivered. To many times I have read reviews about how absolutely great a lens is only to shoot with it and it turned out to be okay but nothing much different from any other lens. If you are looking for a lens with character then this is a good choice. Okay, less writing and more shooting. Enjoy.
The build. When you first get this lens this will be the first thing you notice. It is a very solid lens. All metal, including the small lens hood. It feels good in your hands. Heavy but not overly heavy. It is well balanced on the 50d. Focusing the lens is very smooth and you are able to make small corrections as it has a long focus throw. There is a big difference in manually focusing with an auto-focus lens and one that is made for manual focus. It seems like the auto-focus lenses have fairly short focus throws in order for them to try and focus faster.
The images. There are plenty of discussions about the Zeiss effect on the web. I was pretty skeptical about it and how it would compare to a Canon L lens. There is definitely something different about it. My images definitely have more pop to them. The colors have more life. I believe this is due to the micro contrast that Zeiss is famous for. The lens is very sharp even to those that like to pixel peep. It is sharp not only in the center but at the edges as well where a lot of lenses tend to start going a little soft. I can definitely tell the difference between this lens and my others. I spend less time in post processing with this lens than others.
I believe the main comparison to this lens is the Canon 35L, which I have not used so I can't help you there. To me, it really comes down to how you shoot and what you want to shoot. I have two kids under two and I have gotten many excellent pictures using this lens even though it is manual focus so I would not let that deter you. If in doubt you can always rent the lens and see how it feels to you.
This is definitely my favorite lens to use. I was skeptical that it would not be all that I have read in the past but it has delivered. To many times I have read reviews about how absolutely great a lens is only to shoot with it and it turned out to be okay but nothing much different from any other lens. If you are looking for a lens with character then this is a good choice. Okay, less writing and more shooting. Enjoy.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
not as sharp as some claim
Let us say that I am just spoiled by fast auto USM focusing lenses and tack sharp images, but it is not so, I have a few manual lenses that do not even have a chip to confirm... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Vania
5.0 out of 5 stars
Zeiss 35m
Waoh, thats all i can say. Up to now my main lens has been the 50mm 1.8 canon. a decent but cheap little lens. Since i have got this,(about2weeksago) i have used nothing else. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Mayedo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful product
Wonderful product but it is just hard to Manual Focus.
Pictures are so sharp - if you focus right.
Pictures are so sharp - if you focus right.
Published on January 14, 2011 by Frank A.
