Zeiss Distagon 1.4/35mm T*/HFT

[denoir]

There is no ZE version of this lens yet, although there is a possibility that Zeiss will launch one at Photokina 2010. Regardless of that, it remains one of the most popular Zeiss lenses ever made and they are quite popular adapted for Canon. On other boards, such as FM, there are long sample threads with images exclusively from this lens, so this thread is an attempt to remedy the situation here at POTN.



The Distagon 1.4/35 was introduced in the late 1960's and has gone through a number of revisions. The two most popular versions are available in Rollei and Contax mount. There are two important differences between them. One is that the Rollei version has three aperture blades, creating a unique triangular bokeh when stopped down. The Contax version has a more traditional 8 aperture blades. The second difference is that the Rollei version has HFT coating while the Contax version has T* coating. This has some impact when it comes to flare resistance but also influences the general color cast.

This lens should not be confused with the more recent 2/35 Distagon design - they are quite different in rendering style. Unlike the two fast f/1.4 lenses in the ZE lineup (The 50/1.4 Planar and the 85/1.4 Planar) the 35/1.4 Distagon has a floating element resulting in good performance up close. It has better center sharpness than for instance the 35L while it is comparable or slightly weaker in the corners (depending on version). It is not as sharp as the 2/35 until both are stopped down to about f/5.6.

I got this lens two days ago, so I am by no means an expert in using it, but I will post some of my early shots anyway.

[denoir]

Example of Rollei triangular bokeh when the lens is stopped down ( at f/8 )

[denoir]

[zincozinco]

cool man, I almost picked a C/Y mount some time back - looks good!!!

[denoir]

Thanks

[cholla]

Excuse me Sir ,

How did you get triangular bokeh shot ?

ciao

[bkdc]

Originally Posted by cholla

How did you get triangular bokeh shot ?

The lens has a 3-blade aperture, and the bokeh is triangular.

[banpreso]

the c/y mount version of this lens sure isn't cheap!

it's amazing how well these lenses hold their value. the 100mm f2 planar, 35mm f1.4 distagon, and 28mm f2 distagon. all will put major dings in your wallet!!!

[Combatmedic870]

Who...3 blade aperture...never heard of that before...That produces some interesting bokeh..

[JelleVerherstraeten]

That triangular bokeh is very nice!

Which one would you choose? The f/1.4 or the f/2?

[zincozinco]

check this out, im loosing my pants!!

http://cgi.ebay.es/Carl-Zeiss-Contax...#ht_500wt_1154

[denoir]

Originally Posted by JelleVerherstraeten

That triangular bokeh is very nice!

Which one would you choose? The f/1.4 or the f/2?

Difficult choice - I have both and plan on keeping them as they are quite different. The f/1.4 is really nice wide open in terms of bokeh. The 35/2 is sharper. The sharpness-to-blur transitions are different as are the colors. The 35/2 is in line with the rest of the ZE glass while the 35/1.4 is different. If I had to pick one.. I don't know. If the 35/1.4 comes out in ZE version then probably it. Adapted 35/1.4 vs native 35/2 is a coin toss.

Originally Posted by zincozinco

check this out, im loosing my pants!!

http://cgi.ebay.es/Carl-Zeiss-Contax...#ht_500wt_1154

Well, that's not a reasonable price. I got my Rollei version (typically the same price as the Contax versions) for $1,000. It had some cosmetic scratches but the glass is perfect. A mint 35/1.4 typically sets you back $1,200 - $1,500. Anything above that is a ripoff - at least if you intend taking photos with it. The one in your link seems to be a collector's item rather than something that will be used.

Anyway, a few more shots:

[denoir]

[Lofty]

That is some razor.....and I mean razor sharp stuff there sir!!!

[denoir]

Actually, the 35/2 is sharper at comparable apertures. The 35/1.4 has the benefit of being a stop faster and has a less dramatic and more subtle rendering style. The 35/2 has a more precise, more clinical feel to it.