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Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f2D vs Zeiss Carl Distagon T 228

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Nikon 35mm f2D

Wideangle Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f2D
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Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28

Wideangle Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Carl Zeiss Distagon T 228
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Nikon 35mm f2D vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Nikon 35mm f2D for the F(FX) Mount and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 for the F(FX) Mount, two Wideangle Prime lenses from Nikon and Zeiss.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Nikon 35mm f2D Key Specs

  • 35mm Focal Range
  • F2.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 205g.
  • Diameter: 65mm
  • Length: 45mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.25m

Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 Key Specs

  • 28mm Focal Range
  • F2.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 520g.
  • Diameter: 64mm
  • Length: 93mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.24m
  • Max Magnification: 0.21x

What type of photography are the Nikon 35mm f2D and Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 35mm f2D and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Nikon 35mm f2D Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitAverageFair
TravelAverageAverage
StreetExcellentExcellent
WeddingAverageFair
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingGoodVery Good
LandscapeVery GoodGood

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 is the longer of the two lenses at 93mm. The Nikon 35mm f2D with a length of 45mm, is 48mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 35mm f2D has a larger diameter of 65mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28's 64mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon 35mm f2D weighs 205g, which means it is 315g (60%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 which has a weight of 520g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm f2.8D Lens Nikon 24mm f2.8D
46mm
65mm 270g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 35mm F1.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 35mm F1.8 Di VC USD
81mm
80mm 450g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 14mm f2.8D ED Lens Nikon 14mm f2.8D ED
87mm
87mm 670g Amazon B&H Photo
Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II Lens Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II
25mm
63mm 180g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f1.8G Lens Nikon 35mm f1.8G
72mm
72mm 305g Amazon B&H Photo
Rokinon 35mm f1.4 Lens Rokinon 35mm f1.4
112mm
63mm 660g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM A Lens Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM A
90mm
85mm 665g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm F1.8G ED Lens Nikon 24mm F1.8G ED
83mm
78mm 355g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both the Nikon 35mm f2D and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 is also available in Canon EF and Pentax KAF mounts.

Focal Range

Nikon 35mm f2D is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 52.5mm.
Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 28mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 42mm.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f2D over Carl Zeiss Distagon T 228

Focal Length - Tele 35mm vs 28mm 7mm more Tele coverage
Diaphgragm Blades 7 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Weight 205g vs 520g 315g lighter
Length 45mm vs 93mm 48mm shorter
Filter Thread 52mm vs 58mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Reasons to choose Carl Zeiss Distagon T 228 over Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f2D

Focal Length - Wide 28mm vs 35mm 7mm Wider coverage
Diameter 64mm vs 65mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.24m vs 0.25m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.21x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f2D and Carl Zeiss Distagon T 228
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs Yes able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Common Weaknesses of Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f2D and Carl Zeiss Distagon T 228
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon 35mm f2D vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T2/28 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Nikon Zeiss
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Prime Wideangle Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 35mm 28mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black -
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.0 F2.0
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring Yes Yes
Diaphragm Blades 7 -
Optics
Optical Elements 6 10
Optical Groups 5 8
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.25m 0.24m
Max Magnification - 0.21X
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Screw drive from camera None
Full Time Manual N/A
Focus Method - -
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 205g 520g
Diameter 65mm 64mm
Length 45mm 93mm
Materials Plastic barrel, metal mount -
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 52mm 58mm
Hood Supplied No Yes
Hood Code HN-3 -
Tripod Collar No No
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