Zeiss ZF.2 28mm f/2

A superior wide angle manual focus lens with unparalleled f2.0 aperture, the Zeiss 28mm features a minimum object distance of 24 cm from the front element and offers the formidable sharpness and color that the Zeiss lenses are known for. The lens also offers virtually no geometric distortion, providing useful accuracy when photographing architecture.

The ZF.2 designation adds a microchip to the lens that automatically lets the camera know time, aperture setting, and manual exposure settings, including those for cameras that are not AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data photographers no longer need to set the parameters manually. Optically the ZF.2 lenses are identical to the original ZF lenses, so if these functions aren’t important to you you save some money by getting the original ZF mount.

Roger’s take: Here it sits — the neglected Zeiss wide-angle lens, stuck between arguably the best wide-angle lens made (the 21mm Distagon) and the universally acclaimed 35mm f2 in the Zeiss lineup. So why isn’t this one quite as heralded as its siblings? To be honest, its not quite as sharp. Its a great lens at f4 or so, but wide open the corners and edges are a bit soft on a full-frame camera. On the other hand, if you’ve got a major jones on for a 28mm prime lens, there’s nothing out there any better.

If you’re interested in finding good reviews of the various ZF lenses, with in-depth analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, we recommend spending a few dollars and getting Lloyd Chambers online review of the ZF lineup.

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