The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM and the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM 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 Biogon T2,8/21 ZM is the longer of the two lenses at 75mm. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM with a length of 71mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM has a larger diameter of 65mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM's 53mm 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 Biogon T2,8/21 ZM weighs 280g, 19% (70g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM's weight of 350g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM has a 46mm 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 T4/18 ZM:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM and the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM has the same Leica M lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica M lenses are Leica M EV1, Leica M11-D and Pixii Max.
Focal Range
Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 18mm.
On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 21mm.
