The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/21 and the Canon TS-E 17mm f4L 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 T2,8/21 is the longer of the two lenses at 109mm. The Canon TS-E 17mm f4L with a length of 107mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon TS-E 17mm f4L has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/21's 87mm 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. Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/21 weighs 600g, which means it is 220g (26%) lighter than the Canon TS-E 17mm f4L which has a weight of 820g.
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/21 and the Canon TS-E 17mm f4L 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 T2,8/21 is also available in Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/21 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 21mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
33.6mm.
On the other hand, the Canon TS-E 17mm f4L is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 17mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27.2mm.