Zeiss Distagon T* 2/28 ZE

[dolina]

May ship one day (who knows with Zeiss)... if you have it post it.

Someone on flickr has a copy http://www.flickr.com/photos/silver2silicon/

[Brett]

I don't have one, but in researching what the different Zeiss designations (Planar, Distagon, Sonnar, etc.), I came across this link: http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/.../carlzeiss.htm

Interesting information about Distagon, from that link:

This is a reversed telephoto lens, consisting of a large negative lens in front of an ordinary lens. This allows it to obtain a short overall focal length with elements of a larger and more manageable size, helps design a system that is favorable for both high relative aperture and wild-angular field, and increased the back focal distance beyond it's usual magnitude, which give space for the mirror of a SLR. The downsides are that is must be physically large, and of complex construction to correct all the aberrations, making the lens more expensive to produce. Reversed telephoto designs are rarely over 2 inches in focal length, and then it is only used for specific applications. Compared to the Biogon, it has a larger circle of illumination full aperture, though softer when wide open, though it is sharper when stopped down. Rear element does not interfere with mirrors in SLR's.

[dolina]

Any samples?

[BlueTsunami]

Not a lot of people seem to have it (choose the 35/2 in favor between the two) but here's some samples with a 5DMKII on Flickr...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/einarso...7622968058457/

[p360]

I have become such a fan of Zeiss in the last year or so, that I might actually sell my 24-70L to fund purchase of this one.

Versatility of zoom vs. ZEISS prime.., hmm.

[p360]

Ok. I finally did it. Sold my 24-70L and ordered Zeiss 28/2 from B & H. Yaayy..!

I really like the Zeiss 3D look - rich colors and contrast, not to mention sharpness. The prime won over the zoom versatility.

It arrives on Friday.

[p360]

This lens is going to get a lot of love from me.

One from today in Tucson. Very happy with the performance.

[p360]

A couple more: Really liking this FL for walk-around photos. Great lens.

[BlueTsunami]

Looks fantastic! I really wanted to get this 28 but had to go with the Nikkor 28/2 AI since its cheaper. With that said the Zeiss 28 is supposed to be fantastic up close and at infinity where the Nikkor is bad at Infinity which is to say that I'll be getting the Zeiss 28 at some point in the future

Love the look of the blur in the third photo. The subject in focus pops too.

[p360]

^ Thanks.

This lens is on par with the rest of the Zeiss glass I own, great handling, very sharp, fantastic colors and contrast. And I just love the focal length: perfect for walk-around shots.

[Chris67]

Just got a good deal on this lens off of ebay. I am really liking the perspective so far.

[mcluckie]

Originally Posted by pratman64

I have become such a fan of Zeiss in the last year or so, that I might actually sell my 24-70L to fund purchase of this one.

Versatility of zoom vs. ZEISS prime.., hmm.

Yeah, I know. I have a 16-35 2.8II and Contax/Zeiss 24-85 and 70-200 2.8II, but I also have the Zeiss 21, 28 (much more fun than the 35), 35 (up for sale, not my FL), 50MP and 100MP. Damn, my bag is heavy, but of course I use different for different days. Oh, and a Rokkor 58 1.2

I need the AF for my street shooting. The 21 ZE is relegated to mostly landscapes, unless I carry it and my longer 2 zooms. I can carry the 21, 24-85 and 100 if I don't need longer.
Or I bring the 16-35 (I must have the only great one in existence), 50MP, and 70-200 -- gives me a macro and fills in the gap. I use the 28ZE and 58 Rokkor 1.2 low light.

Sorry for the discussion. Bottom line is: there's room for both. Except, with 2 bodies, I tend to break a back trying to carry on the big bag in an airplane. But I kinda have 3 kits.

[p360]

^ Your Zeiss kit is pretty much identical to mine: I have 21, 28, 50 MP, and 100 MP. And my 35/1.4 just arrived yesterday.

[mcluckie]

Originally Posted by pratman64

^ Your Zeiss kit is pretty much identical to mine: I have 21, 28, 50 MP, and 100 MP. And my 35/1.4 just arrived yesterday.

that's about the only reason I'd keep a 35mm, as a 1.4. but then I'd want the 85, haha, but the ZE is not well-reviewed. Guess I have my 58 1.2 rokkor for a fast lens, but that's off getting cleaned in prep of selling. I had canon 85 and 135; one too short, one too long, hence my first zeiss (100). I used to be a 35/85 guy (and alternating FLs all around those), but now they bore me.

I had a 28ZE before, but gave it up because I couldn't find a companion holy grail fast 50mm. There isn't one. Maybe a guy needs 2 50s -- the 50ZE and maybe the Canon 1.2. Big $$ for a single FL. So I gave up the 28 and the idea of a 50 in favor of the 35ZE.

I'm having a hard time justifying selling the 35 -- it's smack in the middle of my slower Zeiss 24-85. But then my 24-85 seems to go with my travel companion (wife or daughter) and spare 5D body.

I really can't afford both (28 and 35) -- I'd rather justify a 5D3.

[mcluckie]

Originally Posted by pratman64

^ Your Zeiss kit is pretty much identical to mine: I have 21, 28, 50 MP, and 100 MP. And my 35/1.4 just arrived yesterday.

Gee, how did you manage to not get the famed 35 f2 (before the 1.4 came out)? It's supposed to be superior to the 28, easier to get the Zeiss look and better from close to infinity than the 28ZE. There are many people here that think the 28ZE is one of the weakest Zeiss primes ever.