• AI Coupling
• CPU Coupling for Camera Integration
• Exceptional Color Control
• Filter Size – 82mm
• Knurled Focusing Ring
• Embossed Aperture & Distance Rings
• Manual Focusing

The Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount cameras is a manual focus professional lens distinguished by having exceptional color control which allows for breathtaking high contrast pictures without any color fringes. Thanks to the legendary Carl Zeiss T * anti-reflection coating, the Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 delivers outstanding results. Its wide aperture delivers fantastic performance for both daylight and in lowlight shooting. This lens is equipped with an F bayonet (Nikon) lens mount, and is ideal for landscape, architecture, portrait, group, and commercial photography.

The new ZF.2 lenses are an enhanced version of ZF lenses. They feature an electronic interface (CPU) that enables support of all important camera operating modes such as shutter priority, aperture priority and programmed auto exposure or manual exposure settings. Photographers no longer have to set the parameters in the camera menu as the lens now transmits standard data such as focal length, speed and the aperture setting to the camera. This data can then be viewed in the EXIF data of each picture.

The ZF.2 lenses have a mechanical lock on the aperture ring to lock the aperture ring at the lowest setting and prevent unintentional adjustment while taking pictures.

For technical reasons, these lenses do not have a half-step aperture lock between the lowest (stop position) and the second lowest aperture setting. This guarantees reliable recognition of the automatic position. The lowest aperture on ZF.2 lenses is colored orange to emphasize the automatic position of the aperture ring.

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

Press release

Reviews

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8/21 ZF.2 lens review by olegnovikov.com

The lens is a spectacular optic and easily one of the best performers across various brands at this focal length.