Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts
The Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens is designed floating lens elements that deliver consistent high-quality over the entire distance range from 0.98'(0.3 m) to infinity. The Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating yields images with depth, contrast and brilliance even under a difficult lighting situations. Optimal color correction yields images with contrasting edges, delivered without color fringing. This ultra-wide provides the photographer with a tool that enables dramatic perspectives and creative possibilities.
When combined with a digital SLR using a DX type sensor, this lens has an effective focal length of 27mm.
- Optimum reflection absorption for brilliant pictures even under difficult lighting conditions.
- Excellent image performance over the entire image field.
- Optimal color correction for extremely contrasting edges without color fringes.
- 2-Year Zeiss U.S.A Warranty
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 99° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.81" (30 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.083x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:12 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/13 |
| Diaphragm Blades | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 82 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.31 x 3.43" (8.41 x 8.71 cm) |
| Weight | 1.04 lb (472 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (7)
- Durable (6)
- Strong construction (6)
- Rugged (5)
- Easily interchangeable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (5), Photo enthusiast (3), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (10)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I use for vistas,.. it's a great lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I have EF 17-40 F/4, 16-35 F/2.8 and am getting more and more fussy about image quality. From my research, the Carl Zeiss 21mm has the best reputation, but so much of my landscape shooting is done at the UWA, so I opted for the 18mm.
Having compared the CZ 18mm f/3.5 and the Canon 16-35 @ 18mm* for the past 2 weeks, I am of the mind that the Canon lens holds up well for corner to corner sharpness and distortion.
Given the zoom, that, in my opinion, makes the Canon lens more versitile. An obvious comment, but an important one when looking at shelling out good money.
The saving grace for the Carl Zeiss lens, I am finding the colour and contrast a touch more pleasing than the EF 16-35mm f/2.8.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Contrasty
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
This Lens is super sharp. I love it. It's also very contrasty. It takes some getting used to. It's a tough lens to use in harsh light or dim light because the Highlights go and the Blacks are blocked up but it makes you really pay attention to the light. If you can simplify the light or shoot in non contrasty situations this bad boy shines. Amazing lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
very useful for video shooting, well built and it is as advertised, I use it with the D5 MKII, manual focus is a must.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I use this lens with a Canon 7d recently and was able to capture sharp landscape photos. It feels solid. The lens hood is metal and not plastic which enhances its durability. This Zeiss lens was my first...but it may not be my last.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Short
Cons
Best Uses
- Wide angle lens
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
On my 7D the effective focal length is just shy of 29mm and on my better half's 10s film camera it will capture the grand panoramas she appreciates. I wanted something easy to carry - compact and discreet - while providing the ability to capture the entire group and scene at various family events (close quarters indoors and outdoor cookouts). I have captured nice colorful pictures indoors and out with this lens and quality edge to edge is very satisfying even cropped.
This fills my wide angle portfolio-gap and now I will no longer whine about my 24-70 mounted on the film camera. I really liked the reviews on the Zeiss 21mm but their 18mm is appreciably shorter (one inch) and wider by an effective 9 or 10mm focal length compared to the wide end of my 24-70mm lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Solid Construction
Cons
- Chromatic aberration
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I've read reviews that show a fairly decent comparison between this lens and the Canon 14mm T/S. For some reason the tilt shift does a better job of controlling chromatic aberration. However, other than that, which is an issue I fix in photoshop, this lens is fantastic. It's the widest I would go while shooting video, you're on the very boundary of getting a spherical shift that takes the audience out of the moment, it's got a 99 degree field of view.
HDR looks great with this wide panoramic perspective, it's a beautiful lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I am very happy with this lens.
I have had another 21mm zeiss.
These two are my favorites.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
Fantastic lens for Canon EF System
Makes my new Canon 5D Mark II go from "wow" to "out of this world quality.
Looking forward to purchasing another.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Sharp
Cons
- Silver Filter Thread Ring
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I bought this lens after testing a friend's head to head against my Canon 16-35mm. After seeing the results, I could barely look at the edges of my 16-35, they were that soft in comparison! The Zeiss is a beautifully made lens, that is incredibly sharp from center to corner, from edge to edge.
My one con is that Zeiss made the filter ring out of shiny silver. I find that it easily reflects in all kinds of surfaces. Flat black would have been much better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Sharp
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Wide Angle Lens Canon EF Mounts:
I'm really pleased with this lens, I am running it on a 5D mk2. It is super sharp right into the edges which is something that I'd struggled to get out of other lenses in this category.
I was a little nervous about the manual focus but it's great easy to use and I think it improves my photography as it slows me down a little.
Displaying reviews 1-11
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $91.00
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
-
- Original: $11.99
- Save: $1.20
- Price: $10.79
What's in the Box
- ZE Bayonet Mount for Canon EF Mount Cameras
- Front and Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- 2-Year Zeiss U.S.A Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
