Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

This lens is manual focus only. If you need an autofocus lens this may not be the lens for you.

Otherwise you're going to LOVE this lens. The contrast is amazing. The colours are amazing. The sharpness is amazing. It practically NEVER flares, even wide open. The focus ring is smooth like butter.

It has an all-metal construction; it's a little heavy although I think most of that weight is heavy glass. It has a metal lens hood which offers great protection.

Highly recommended. This was my entry into Zeiss glass and I'm going to be an owner of Zeiss lenses for life I was so impressed with this one.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I purchased this lens for my Canon 5D Mark II, along with the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZE and 85mm f/1.4 ZE, and I am very satisfied with its sharpness, contrast and speed. I chose it over Zeiss' 28mm offering because it offered a wide enough FOV without suffering the effects of field curvature. As with all the Zeiss primes in the ZE line, aperture control and focus-assist work flawlessly with my 5DM2. Mechanical construction and optical quality are unsurpassed! HIGHLY-RECOMMENDED!!!!

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Out-of-this-world contrast, micro-contrast, rendition. Exceptional build quality, fit and finish. Very sharp.

When you apply a bit of sharpening to this and the other Zeiss glass it's like a mystical event. The images are sharp to begin with, but move it up a bit and all of that micro-contrast reveals images so detailed and real it has to be seen to be believed. I very rarely apply any "clarity" adjustments, and if anything saturation and contrast need to be left alone - any bump can be cartoonish.

That said, the least amount of actual image adjustments take place on this lens. Oh, it's manual focus - but on 35mm on down, this is really not a big issue. I spend more time fiddling with a zoom ring than I do manually focusing this thing, so it's a draw. I don't care about IS except on telephoto - also overrated - how often do subjects NOT move?

It's not all perfect, it vignettes like crazy at f2, but by f4 this pretty much clears up. I'll take it though as the balance of performance is amazing. Their are sharper lenses, though this is very sharp - the micro-contrast is where the Zeiss products shine - they can appear sharper and more real because of this - they "pop" like nothing else.

Did I mention this is built like a tank?

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Documentary
- fantastic
- solid
- precise
- bright
- optimal

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I am giving it 4 due to the lack of autofocus, however the manual focus is excellent and the focus rings operates very smoothly and precisely. It would be 4 stars as well for the video due to the fact that aperture control is electronic. It is not heavy and very sharp with very pleasant bokeh for this focal range.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

this lens is essential for video, I use it with the 5D MKII, well built.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

A classic Zeiss lens with all the qualities of a high quality product. Super sharp, great micro contrast, nice color rendition, all in all great "drawing" quality. Well made, very precise focusing, could not ask for better mechanical or optical characterisitics.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I bought this because at the time it was an astounding deal compared to the Canon 35mm 1.2 L. I got it for $850 then and I'd probably still seriously consider it at it's current price (just over $1100).

First it's build quality. This lens is precision equipment. The manual focus is better than even the TS-E lenses from Canon and after heavily using it for a year it's still exquisite and not showing any signs of wear. This lens is possibly going to outlive me. I wouldn't hesitate to use this beast as an impact weapon if somebody were to try to mug me for my camera! I'm sure it would survive too (don't know about the camera). I've smacked the lens against cupboards, fence posts, etc with the metal lens hood on, hearing very loud "chunks" but this thing still performs like I bought it new. Did I mention it has a metal hood? I've got some very deep nicks on the hood where a plastic one would have shattered. I often get too used to the build quality of this lens and end up mistreating some of my other, not-so-sturdy lenses.

As for image quality I have zero complaints. I've had images that are pixel perfect at a far corner at F2.8 so don't be afraid to use this lens wide open. The colour rendition is very good. It handles highly contrasting colours very well (purple against yellow, red against green, etc). Very very low flare. Distagons should be very highly respected.

I use this lens mainly for landscape and cityscape. I've shot events with it and the superb manual focus helps for events where the environment is much too dark for autofocus to work in my 5D. My keeper rate is pretty high. If you're on a budget and need a high quality 35mm lens for event work this lens could work for you if you're willing to improve your manual focusing skills. It's 35mm so the depth of field is pretty wide.

Only issue: it has trouble communicating with my body sometimes mid-picture. Sometimes while firing the shutter the lens locks up the camera and I have to restart the camera. The image isn't recorded so I've lost a few critical images shot during paid events. Not fun. The problem is that I can't do without this lens and I can't afford a second one while it's out to get warranty work by Zeiss. So I just deal with it. I think it happens about once every 400-500 pictures but it's a big deal if it happens on a very important shot.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Everything you have read online about this lens is true. I wish it was a bit smaller, but you can't fight physics. This lens nicely compliments the Zeiss ZE 50/1.4 because it is very sharp at large apertures near MFD, and it does not suffer from focus shift. 35mm is not my favorite FL, but if it's one of yours you will really like this lens.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I dont have time to write a long review, but I will say this:

I have owned the Zeiss 100mm Macro, the 24-105L, the 35L, the 50 (1.4), the 100L IS and this is by far my best lens.

The picture quality is exceptional, but really, for me, its all about video. All of the above lenses have good to great IQ, there are few lenses that can perform at the level of the Zeiss 100, but I really needed a wide angle for the majority of my shots and the footage I got from this lens, especially in low light + concert settings has been ...hate to use the word...but... Epic.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Well...I was in between Canon 35L and this gorgeous lens. I have heard about reputation of Carl Zeiss, so I decided to move from Canon L series lens to Carl Zeiss. Obviously, Canon L series lenses are excellent lens in terms of build quality and image output, but there's something different on Zeiss lens.

Personally, Zeiss lens is good for those who want to be serious in photography because there's huge difference btw manual and auto. It's like stick drive and automatic drive. Also, those who want to verify optic quality of Carl Zeiss.

I usually use this lens for landscape and low light indoor condition. However, it is not recommendable for something unexpected situation like photographing flying seagulls on a beach or sports game unless you've mastered manual focusing. I'm still learning and practicing it.

Overall, I highly recommend this lens.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Wow! Where can i start? I thought Canon L was the ultimate in Lens quality, design, and IQ. Boy was i wrong..

After hearing from fellow photographers about the Zeiss lenses and their reputation, i went ahead and ordered the 35 2.0, since its a FL i use quite frequently.

Un-boxing: From the moment you un-box it, you know you are using a professional grade lens. The lens is nice and heavy for its size but not excessive. The entire lens is made of metal including the lens hood. It looks amazing and i believe it to look better built/made than any L lens i have, if you could imagine that.

IQ: This is where the lens shines. This lens takes some of the most amazing looking photos of any lens i have used. And i have tried just about all L lenses made today. The photos have colour and a certain 3-D look to them that i could only dream about duplicating with a L prime from Canon. Canon just doesnt compare to the quality of the images this lens produces. Its that good!

Its been a while since i wrote a review, or a review of this size for that matter. Well, this lens deserves it.

Bottom line: If you don't mind the manual focus, then order this lens with confidence. You wont be disappointed.....

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I own a few of these Zeiss primes and this is the one I keep on my camera. After buying the 21mm and 100mm which I love I finally asked myself why on earth I didn't have the most practical and popular focal length for cinema. This lens is incredibly sharp even opened up all the way. I would highly recommend it. It is manual focus only but the gearing is fantastic. This lens rules my world.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I have paired this lens with the canon 5D. Because the 5D does not have live view I was concerned that focusing might be a problem. However I have found no problems with eyepiece focusing. Someone with problem vision might find otherwise on a similar camera model.
The color rendering is outstanding and not anything I have seen with other lenses. Sharpness is outstanding particularly when stopped down. Having heard of it's 3D effect I was anxious to see it in action. It is quite remarkable.
Focusing as close as 10ft. works well for portraiture.
The only possible negative I can give it is that it is a bit heavy but i think it's short length compensates.
Far easier, in my opinion, to carry than for example the 70-200 and very versatile.
Entirely pleased with this acquisition.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

This lens super sharp and easy to use (Auto Focus Confirmation, lens data in meta-data, and smooth focus operation is just the beginning.) I had looked at the Canon 35MM L and was not as impressed. (I am manual focusing with other canon auto focus lenes lik 70% of the time anyway) I would totally recommend this lens.
The focus operation feels so good. (read: it reminds me of the Hasselblad that was replaced by my 5D MII)
Love this Lens!

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

The optical quality is astounding. The image is very sharp wide open at F/2 and improving to reach its peak around f4. CA is well-controlled in general but it can be visible at high-contrast edge. However it could be remove by Photoshop so it's not a big deal.

The mechanical quality is top notch. The lens is solidly built. Focus ring is very smooth but dampen to allow accurate focusing. The lens is compact but relatively heavy.

Manual focusing is easy with focus confirmation and matte focusing screen. With focus confirm, it's not hard to pull action shot.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Very durable, strong construction and consistent output. I'm using Zeiss 50ZE with Canon 5D before and give the out standing images at all time. Now it's time for 35mm and never go wrong.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Great construction with smooth focusing. Photos, especially of people, are gorgeous. Background blur very nice.

Easily on par with my 100L macro and 135L Canon primes, but with nicer feel.

I now want more of these Zeiss lenses for my EOS 5D and 3 (film) cameras.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

I typically use this lens for street shooting. It's easy to focus, built like a tank, and one of the sharpest lens I've ever owned. Only drawbacks I've seen are 1) there's noticeable vignetting from f/2-2.8 (which isn't uncommon for wide angle lens on full frames) and 2) it's larger/heavier than I anticipated.

Comments about Zeiss Distagon 35mm T* f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras:

Beautiful build quality. Great performance.

I love this lens, if I take only one, it's the one.