Hollywood 28mm: Distagon vs Distagon
Zeiss Distagon 2/28 was named as Hollywood lens for decades. And originally, this lens was designed for movie. Having a floating elements design, the distortion and lens breathing were minimized. Even today, Distagon 2/28 is still widely used in movie industry. (note: Super 35mm movie format is 22x16mm so 28mm lens, indeed, is a standard lens.)
I have the Contax Distagon 2/28 for more than two decades. This is a AE version and can be used on most Canon SLR body. It is a big and heavy lens. The appearance of this lens is not like a wide-angled lens. It's good for snapshooting. This lens is sharp, really sharp. And the nearest focusing distance is 24mm! When I use Contax AX, Distagon 2/28 becomes a macro lens.
Recently, I had a chance to get a Zeiss ZF 28/2, a new version of the old design. It is a better choice than the ZE since this version has the aperture ring so I can use this lens on other brand cameras with suitable adapters. The Canon EF version has the electronic aperture control so we cannot control the aperture without the aid of electronic circuit.
I have the Contax Distagon 2/28 for more than two decades. This is a AE version and can be used on most Canon SLR body. It is a big and heavy lens. The appearance of this lens is not like a wide-angled lens. It's good for snapshooting. This lens is sharp, really sharp. And the nearest focusing distance is 24mm! When I use Contax AX, Distagon 2/28 becomes a macro lens.
Recently, I had a chance to get a Zeiss ZF 28/2, a new version of the old design. It is a better choice than the ZE since this version has the aperture ring so I can use this lens on other brand cameras with suitable adapters. The Canon EF version has the electronic aperture control so we cannot control the aperture without the aid of electronic circuit.
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The above are the MTF charts for both lenses. It is the ACTUAL measurement from a real lens and not a theoretical number, From the lens construction diagram, you can see how similar they are. Having with new glass types the new lens has a better overall performance at f/2. But look closer, the old 28mm has much closer Sagital/Meridonial lines. What does that mean? It means less coma/astigma.
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