Zeiss ZF.2 28mm f/2 Distagon: a Classic Design having Optical Demerits Yields Beauty

2015-10-05 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: Populus tremuloides, Zeiss, Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon, Zeiss Distagon, Zeiss DSLR Lenses, Zeiss Lenses

I wrote about the Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon in response to the email from James K.

And just today I was admonished (very mildly) on stepping back to see the big picture, meaning that technical flaws are present in many lenses and yet the total rendering style can be highly desirable when used well. Of course, I’ve blogged on that subject many a time over years.

The rendering style of the Zeiss ZF.2 28mm f/2 Distagon is very 3D in feel, particularly at closer range as here. IMO it’s a classic that ought to be in every serious shooter’s bag, along with the ZF.2 25mm f/2.8 Distagon, which if anything has more flaws, and yet has great rendering appeal. I particularly like the 25mm and 28mm focals. They are close in focal length, yet distinctly different.

Shot wide open at f/2 with the Sony A7R II using the Novoflex lens adapter.

Four Aspen, Late Dusk Afer First Autumn Snow

f2 @ 25.0 sec, ISO 100; 2015-10-05 19:01:24
Sony A7R II + Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon

[low-res image for bot]