The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 5.2.
Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/1600s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.0
Exposure
1/3200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.0
Exposure
1/3200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/320s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/1600s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.0
Exposure
1/3200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/320s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/800s
Verdict
The Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/2 ZF may not deliver superb results on full format DSLRs but the quality is still impressive. The lens is sharp straight from f/2 and especially around f/4-5.6. Lateral and longitudinal CAs are moderate, but for most subjects nothing to worry about. The moderate degree of distortions is about average for a prime lens in this class. However, a real weakness is the annoyingly high amount of vignetting at large aperture settings. The quality of the bokeh is pretty good for a lens in this class (and easily superior to the Nikkor AF-D 35/2.0).
Just like the rest of its family, the Zeiss lens is built to the highest standards. Some users may complain about the lack of AF but this isn't really a significant flaw for a wide-angle lens. The focus confirmation is available in the viewfinder and in very critical (close focus) scenes Live-View can give you the needed guidance. That said, it remains a bit of an anachronism these days. The price level is quite steep so you really have to have a itch for such classic lenses.
