• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Reviews
  • News
  • Lenses
    • Lens Index
  • Forum
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Workshops
    • Support Us
    • Submit Content
  • My Account
    • Log In
    • Sign Up
  • Search
Home → Reviews → Cameras and Lenses → Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Review

Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZF.2

By Nasim Mansurov 16 Comments
Last Updated On July 3, 2020

« »

Summary

The Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 is a very interesting lens. While its optical performance is not as stellar as on the twice cheaper Sigma 35mm f/1.4 (see my in-depth review) or other modern 35mm lenses for the Nikon F mount, it certainly deserves the high respect when it comes to its all-metal build, beautiful design and ability to handle extreme temperatures. As I have pointed out in my article on exotic lenses, Zeiss lenses have phenomenal build quality, thanks to fine German craftsmanship, and they are built to last for generations. I really enjoyed taking pictures with the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, because it just felt right in my hands when mounted on my Nikon D800E. And the colors produced by the lens were outstanding, something unique to Zeiss optics.

Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Sample (2)
NIKON D5200 + Zeiss Distagon T* 1.4/35 ZF.2 @ 35mm, ISO 200, 1/640, f/5.6

However, even if the excellent build and craftsmanship try to balance out the somewhat weaker optical performance, it certainly does not address the fact that the Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 is a manual focus lens. So the first question you have to ask yourself is, what would you use a 35mm lens for? If you are a portrait photographer, forget about any manual focus lenses – you will be frustrated with them very quickly, especially when using such large apertures as f/1.4. Depth of field is so shallow at f/1.4, that any slight movement by your subject or you will result in missed focus. Newbies should also stay away from manual focus fast aperture primes, since they require time to get used to and some skill to nail focus. So for everyday and portraiture needs, I would just pick the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 or the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G (the Sigma is my top personal preference).

If you are a working landscape / architecture photography pro and you need a lens that will deliver consistent results year after year, and will live through all kinds of abuse, the Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 is a good investment. Just spend some time with the lens before going out on a serious shoot and understand its limitations when it comes to field curvature, handling of ghosting and flare, etc. So it all depends – as I have said a number of times before, Zeiss lenses are a niche product and they are certainly not for everyone.

If I were into landscapes though, I would personally pick the Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/2 (see my in-depth review) over the 35mm f/1.4. It is also a very sharp lens that performs extremely well when stopped down and it has the same superb Zeiss build and colors. It is also significantly cheaper (by over $700 USD). Since you would rarely use apertures faster than f/5.6 for landscapes, why spend so much money on a lens that is only one stop faster? I know that some people love shooting flowers, various objects, occasional portraits and landscapes at large apertures, but is that something you would do very often? If yes, then by all means, go for the 35mm f/1.4. If the answer is no, then the 35mm f/2 would give you much more value.

Where to Buy

Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 is no longer available from retail stores. If you would like to purchase one, I would recommend to look at sites like eBay to get a used one.

Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZF.2
  • Optical Performance
  • Features
  • Bokeh Quality
  • Build Quality
  • Handling
  • Value
  • Size and Weight

Photography Life Overall Rating

Photograhy Life Bronze Award
4.1

Table of Contents

  • Overview and Specifications
  • Optical Features
  • Lens Comparisons
  • Summary
  • More Image Samples
  • Reader Comments
« »
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options

Primary Sidebar

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Support Us

B&H Photo Video Banner

Recent Topics

  • Nikon Z5 recommended Nikon Z5 Settings
  • A7R IV and the gel stick
  • Nikon 14-24 f/2.8G vs Nikon 20 f/1.8G
  • sizing for digital print downloads
  • Tips for Photographing the Great Conjunction
  • Best Lens for Slide Digitisation
  • Z6ii vs. Z7ii which has better tonal gradation?
  • D850 lens mount is tight
  • Z6 II vs Z7 II – which one is better for enthusiast
  • VR Problem on AF-P 70-300 FX lens

Footer

Site Menu

  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Submit Content
  • Subscribe

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

Copyright © 2021 · Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment