Reader Comment: Zeiss ZF 25mm f/2.8 Distagon
See my Zeiss DSLR lenses wishlist and diglloyd Zeiss DSLR Lenses.
Reader Ed M writes:
I recently pulled out a Nikon FM2-T from my dry box, bought new back in 1995 and recently CLA’d. A Zeiss ZF 25mm f/2.8 Distagon came up for sale at a reasonable price (<$500) and I decided to take a chance on it as an interesting companion to a NOCT Nikkor bought ages ago. You were one of the few to laud the Zeiss' unique but creative character.
What a fantastic lens! The ‘pop’, vivid colors and close focus is just crazy good. If you take the time to learn the optic, it will reward you for the patience. Tragic shame Nikon never made optional a split-screen or microprism focusing screen for the DSLR line, at the least for the Dƒ, the only new body compatible with non-AI glass. Counter-intuitive that a new but archaic Nikkor 24/2.8 AIS sells for more.
The diminutive Zeiss is a truly misunderstood ‘sleeper’.
DIGLLOYD: the Zeiss ZF 28mm f/2 Distagon has similar qualities and is also lovely.
The Zeiss ZF 25mm f/2.8 Distagon was never offered in Canon EF mount, so it’s a bit of an oddball and easily forgotten.
Both and more are on my to-do list to take a fresh look at lenses like the Zeiss ZF 25mm f/2.8 Distagon in Multi-Shot High-Res mode on the Panasonic S1R.