Camera Labs

Hello Mrfearless47

I have the Zeiss 2/35 ZF.2 and was a previous owner of the 35 f1.8 DX. I'm currently on a crop body and it's my first venture into a manual focus prime.

On DX, the Zeiss is fantastic. Manual focus is a breeze on a D90 with a replacement split prism focussing screen, and the rendition is IMO a cut above the Nikon 35 f2, and light years ahead of the 35 f1.8. On FX, results look even better, and with the brighter and larger viewfinder the replacement focussing screen is not as necessary.

If I want a fast(ish) prime, then I want it to be sharp wide open, and this certainly is. Not only that, but the microcontrast and 3D like rendering that's been mentioned before is apparent. Transition from focus to out of focus is buttery and the bokeh ain't bad either.

If you're not afraid of manual focus, which many people are for some strange reason, then I'd recommend getting to a store to try one if possible.

It is a large jump in price to the new f1.4s from Nikon and Zeiss, which actually makes the 2/35 look like good value nowadays too!

Just an update, regarding the use of the AF-S DX 35/1.8G on the new D800:
With the 1.2x crop of the D800 you should be able to use this DX lens quite well on the new body. that gives you 25MP and an equivalent focal length of 42mm.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

From the review:

Does that mean I should set +0.7EV when using this lens?

Hello jelb0, and welcome to the friendly Camera Labs forum!
To enjoy your stay here please have a look at the house-rules!
There is already one hint there for you, and I quote from the rules: "animated graphics can prove annoying [...] we encourage static images".
So could you please replace your avatar by a non-animated version?!
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As to your question: No, the metering system adapts the automatic exposure to any fluctuations in transmission of any lens. This is the same when you put a dark filter in front of the lens: the automatic will compensate for this.
Only if you manually expose this lens and compare it to e.g. the 35/2.0D or 35/1.4G at trhe same exposure you can see that less light is transmitted to the sensor.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Thomas,

Sure thing, I just changed my avatar picture.

Thanks for your answer

Thanks, jelb0. You're welcome!

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses