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- Offers high speed, extraordinary resolving power and next to zero distortion
- Precise mechanism enables exact manual focusing
- Carl Zeiss T* lens coating
The Zeiss Distagon T* f/2.8 21mm ZE is a precision wide angle lens built with a Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflection coating that yields accurate color and professional-quality, high contrast images without any color fringes. It delivers exceptional results under all lighting conditions. With close focusing of only 8.64″ (0.22 m) it is useful for landscape photography and other subjects with dramatic perspectives. The Distagon T* f/2.8 21mm comes with an EF bayonet (ZE) mount for Canon film and digital full-frame SLRS. The large front filter diameter (82mm) allows for the use of standard screw-in filters when combined with a standard lens shade (included).
Virtually distortion-free optics
Dramatic perspectives and a view from extraordinary image angles – SLR lenses from Carl Zeiss open up new composition possibilities. Distortion would disrupt the composition because straight lines, whose image does not go through the image center, would be reproduced with a curved shape. This annoying effect is accordingly and largely compensated through elaborate optical designs at all focal lengths.
Elaborate stray light reduction
Rich, vibrant colors are vital to creating a lasting impression. Stray light in the lens, however, would lead to a brightening of the image, which is particularly visible in shadow areas. Image contrast is lowered; the image appears dull and bleached. We combine various, elaborate techniques to reduce unwanted stray light. For example, all lens elements are coated with the famous Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating. Additionally, a jet black special paint is applied by hand to all lens element edges to ensure that reflections are prevented from the start.
Floating Elements Design
State-of-the-art camera techniques and high-resolution digital image sensors increasingly demand more from the lenses. The modern floating element design compensates aberrations of the Carl Zeiss SLR lenses at different distance settings. This is accomplished by changing the axial distance of single lens elements or element groups to each other. The adjustment of the element distance is coupled to the distance setting so that it always results in the right correction. The mechanical design of these lens elements is very complex and the workmanship must be particularly exact – both specialties of Carl Zeiss.
Excellent image quality
The Carl Zeiss range of T* lenses offers the highest possible standards in terms of performance, reliability and, of course, image quality. Quite simply, they are superior in every way. You can count on highly advanced flare control for crisp and brilliant images, for example. And virtually zero geometric distortion, ensuring precise accuracy when reproducing shapes – especially useful when photographing products and architecture.
Precise manual focus
Manually focusing a lens means controlling the image result from your fingertips. A good ergonomic design makes all the difference. Carl Zeiss SLR lenses stand out with their large rotation angle which enables precise focusing. Changes are immediately visible in the viewfinder. The high-quality focusing mechanism moves smoothly without play, thus also supporting the intuitive interaction with the focal plane. The precise engraving in meter and feet, and the depth of focus scale provide additional support for manually focusing.
Links
Reviews
Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZF (ZE) (on Canon EOS) – Review by photozone.de
The Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 is not only a legendary lens – it is also capable of delivering its qualities on today’s DSLRs. The sharpness is already impressive at f/2.8 and it does even get slightly better at medium apertures.
Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review by the-digital-picture.com
If the Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens is not the best wide angle lens available, it is definitely a very close contender to the ultimate wide angle lens.
Zeiss 21mm Comparison by kenrockwell.com
On Canon, I’d give this Zeiss lens serious consideration for nature and landscape use. It’s a better lens than Canon’s own zooms.
The Zeiss lens is superior to Canon’s, although stopped down, the Canon 16-35mm L II is almost as good.
