Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35

Canon EF

Review

The Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35 is a remarkable wide-angle lens designed for full-frame Canon EF mount cameras. With its impressive build quality and optical performance, it has made a name for itself among both landscape and architectural photographers as well as street photography enthusiasts. This lens offers a unique combination of sharpness, contrast, and color rendition that is a hallmark of the Zeiss brand.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things you'll notice about the Distagon T* 2/35 is its robust construction. The lens is built with precision, featuring a metal housing that exudes durability. The focus and aperture rings operate smoothly and have a satisfying tactile feedback, making it a joy to manipulate. The lens also comes with a weather-sealed design, providing an added level of protection against dust and moisture—an invaluable feature for outdoor shooting.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Distagon T* 2/35 lives up to the Zeiss reputation. Images taken with this lens display exceptional sharpness from corner to corner, even wide open at f/2. The T* coating minimizes flare and ghosting while enhancing color saturation. This makes the lens particularly effective in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit scenes. Distortion is minimal for a wide-angle lens, making it an excellent choice for architectural photography where straight lines are critical.

Focusing and Aperture

The lens features a maximum aperture of f/2, which allows for great low-light performance and a shallow depth of field when desired. While the lens does not have built-in image stabilization, the fast aperture helps compensate for this in low-light situations. Manual focusing is smooth and precise, thanks to the generous focus throw, but autofocus is absent, which may deter users who prefer the convenience of autofocus in fast-paced scenarios.

Compatibility

Being designed for the Canon EF mount, this lens is compatible with a variety of Canon full-frame and APS-C cameras. On APS-C bodies, it offers a field of view similar to a 56mm lens, making it versatile for portraiture and general photography as well. Its unique angle of view grants a sense of space and depth that is excellent for storytelling through your images.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with durable metal construction
• Outstanding optical performance with sharp images
• Minimal distortion and great color rendition
• Fast maximum aperture for low-light shooting
• Weather-sealed design for outdoor use

Cons

• No autofocus, which may not suit all users
• Lacks built-in image stabilization
• Higher price point compared to other 35mm lenses

Verdict

In conclusion, the Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35 is an exceptional lens that caters to serious photographers looking for optical excellence and build quality. Its strengths lie in its stunning sharpness, vibrant color rendition, and solid construction. However, those who depend on autofocus or want a more budget-friendly option may want to consider alternatives. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate manual focus and the artistry of photography, the Distagon T* 2/35 is a worthy investment that will undoubtedly enhance your photography experience.