Carl Zeiss announces Zeiss ZE 28mm f/2 Distagon for Canon EOS
Related: Zeiss, Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon, Zeiss Distagon, Zeiss DSLR Lenses, Zeiss Lenses
Filling in one more of the Distagon line for Canon EOS, Carl Zeiss today announced the ZE 28mm f/2.8 T* Distagon [datasheet]. Like all the ZE lenses for Canon EOS, the mount is electronic, with full aperture control and “green dot” focus assist as with any Canon EF lens (manual focus of course). The ZE and ZF versions are optically identical.
Worth noting is the 1:4.7 reproduction ratio, which allows a bit closer imaging than even the 1:5 capability which I’ve enjoyed with the Zeiss ZF 21/2.8 Distagon. While not true macro, a ratio of ~1:5 is very close, and makes for great creativity with close-ups, extending the versatility of the lens.
The ZF and ZE line are also very well suited to videography because of very high image quality wide open, excellent manual focus feel, and minimal “breathing”.
I’ll be covering the ZE 28/2 Distagon in the coming weeks, including new sample images as I have with the ZE 18/3.5 and 21/2.8 Distagons. I expect a test sample this week.
As documented in Guide to Zeiss ZF/ZE Lenses, the 28/2 Distagon is an outstanding performer, but with some field curvature at close range — see my Dec 29 2007 blog entry for an example image.
Thornwood, NY – Carl Zeiss introduces the wide-angle lens Distagon T* 2/28 ZE with EF bayonet, suitable for all analog and digital EOS camera models. With an initial aperture opening of 1:2, it is among the fastest lenses of its kind in its focal length. From landscape photography at dawn to interior shots under available light, the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE offers photographers plenty of room for creativity for hand held photography. Following the recent introduction of its two ultra-wide-angle lenses, the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE and the T* 2,8/21, the new Distagon T* 2/28 ZE is Carl Zeiss’ first moderate wide-angle lens with EF bayonet.
Despite its fast aperture and complex retro-focus construction, the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE has a compact build. These characteristics make the lens a highly versatile and performance-driven tool for all types of photographers. Even with its wide angle, the lens enables photographers to play fully with an image’s depth of focus. With a wide aperture opening, for example, one can effectively separate the motif from its background. With a small aperture opening, photographers can use the sharpness of the lens system for the entire image range. It is also ideally suited for shooting HD video due to its wide focus rotation, superb image quality and minimal focus breathing characteristics.
The floating elements design guarantees high imaging performance each time, from close-ups to infinity, enabling the photographer to make razor-sharp close-up images of even the tiniest objects. Thanks to the Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and meticulously crafted lenses, the new Distagon T* 2/28 ZE deals effortlessly with reflections and stray light. Brilliant pictures work every time, even under tough lighting conditions such as a breaking dawn.
The Distagon T* 2/28 ZE will begin shipping on October 20th for a suggested retail price of $1,080.
Technical specifications: Focal length: 28mm mm Aperture range: f/2 - f/22 Number of elements/groups: 10/8 Focusing range: 0.24m – infinity Angular field (diag./horiz./vert.): 74/64/45° Coverage at close range: 18cm X 12cm Image ratio at close range: 1:4.7 Filter thread: M58 x 0.75 Mounts: ZF (Nikon), ZE (Canon EOS), ZK (Pentax) Lens hood included
