The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 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. Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 155mm. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 with a length of 84mm, is 71mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18'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 T3,5/18 weighs 470g, 56% (600g) lighter than the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR's weight of 1070g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 have the same Filter thread size of 82mm.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR has a focal range of 24-70mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 105mm.
On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 18mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27mm.