The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35 and the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35 is the longer of the two lenses at 99mm. The Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX with a length of 60mm, is 39mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX has a larger diameter of 73mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35's 72mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX weighs 340g, 40% (230g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35's weight of 570g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35 has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35 and the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35 is also available in Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX is also available in Nikon F (DX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
35mm but while Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/35 has the fastest aperture of
F2.0, the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX's widest aperture value is
F2.8.