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Contax Distagon 2.8/28 vs Jena 2.8/28
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:02 am    Post subject: Contax Distagon 2.8/28 vs Jena 2.8/28 Reply with quote
I have been always wanting a wide angle prime for ease of day-to-day shooting. 28mm on a Full Frame is a really classic Focal Length and especially these goodies. Anyone have comparisons between these 2 lens, very similar but yet the pricing is indeed very much different.

It goes similar Flektogon 2.4/35 vs Distagon 2.8/35, any main different on IQ other than C/Y mount vs M42 mount?


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 7:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Jena 2.8/28????

Klaus


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 11:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
exaklaus wrote:
Jena 2.8/28????

Stupefied? http://www.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-ii-28mm-f28-macro-japanse-version.html (that's a 2nd version apparently)


@Imperian: I don't think the CZJ lens will be very similar to the Contax Distagon 28/2.8. The CZJ may be a decent lens, but I don't know what kind of reputation the lens has. I like the Contax 28/2.8 very much on my 5D.

The CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 has a very good reputation though. It has a different character from the Contax 35/2.8 (which is similar to the Contax 28/2.8), but it's very sharp. Build quality is better on the Contax lenses.

Last edited by AhamB on Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:51 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 12:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Expected something like this.
There must be a second Jena (Carl Zeiss Jena II) in Korea, Japan, or elsewhere. Very Happy Very Happy
That lens is not a Zeiss Jena lens. Cheap stuff that was made for UK market, where Carl Zeiss Jena name was still allowed to be used.

Klaus


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 12:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I think you're right. Lenses actually made by Carl Zeiss Jena should say "Made in East Germany" or something similar.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/119653-question-about-carl-zeiss-jena.html

The Flektogon 35/2.4 definitely is a real Carl Zeiss Jena lens though (to avoid confusion).


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
AhamB wrote:
exaklaus wrote:
Jena 2.8/28????

Stupefied? http://www.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-ii-28mm-f28-macro-japanse-version.html (that's a 2nd version apparently)


@Imperian: I don't think the CZJ lens will be very similar to the Contax Distagon 28/2.8. The CZJ may be a decent lens, but I don't know what kind of reputation the lens has. I like the Contax 28/2.8 very much on my 5D.

The CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 has a very good reputation though. It has a different character from the Contax 35/2.8 (which is similar to the Contax 28/2.Cool, but it's very sharp. Build quality is better on the Contax lenses.


Thanks for the good info in this. Just to confirm with you, is the Contax Distagon 2.8/28 hitting mirror or losing infinity when mounted on 5D with adaptor?


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
imperian wrote:


Thanks for the good info in this. Just to confirm with you, is the Contax Distagon 2.8/28 hitting mirror or losing infinity when mounted on 5D with adaptor?


It's a hit and miss situation with the 5Dc and this lens. Some have no problem, others get mirror hitting problems.


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
And it's Cosina not Sigma.


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pancolart wrote:
And it's Cosina not Sigma.


Correct, both Cosina and Sigma made lenses for the GDR at the end. The sigma ones are usually labelled 'Pentacon Prakticar'

The Sigma 2.8/28 is not very good, it's fairly sharp but not in the same league as the proper Pentacon 2.8/28.

The 2.8/28 Pentacon was only available in PB mount and is a great lens, it is made by Pentacon.

This lens is also seen with 'Carl Zeiss Jena P' labelling, same lens just different label.

I haven't tried the Cosina made 2.8/28 but I expect it's like the other Cosina lenses of the same age I've tried - very mediocre indeed.


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pentacon PB mount 28mm lens is a great lens in my opinion too, at F8-F11 I doubt there is any difference vs Distagon


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 1:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Attila wrote:
Pentacon PB mount 28mm lens is a great lens in my opinion too, at F8-F11 I doubt there is any difference vs Distagon


Maybe that would be a proper question in first place - comparison of these two lenses: Pentacon Prakticar (PB bayonet, DDR made) 2.8/28mm and Distagon.


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 2:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pancolart wrote:
Attila wrote:
Pentacon PB mount 28mm lens is a great lens in my opinion too, at F8-F11 I doubt there is any difference vs Distagon


Maybe that would be a proper question in first place - comparison of these two lenses: Pentacon Prakticar (PB bayonet, DDR made) 2.8/28mm and Distagon.


My Bad. I have impression of the CZJ 2.8/28 is from West Germany Zeiss....


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 3:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
there isn´t any city named Jena in west germany, or? Smile


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 3:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
berraneck wrote:
there isn´t any city named Jena in west germany, or? Smile


not really Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing


PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 4:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pancolart wrote:
Attila wrote:
Pentacon PB mount 28mm lens is a great lens in my opinion too, at F8-F11 I doubt there is any difference vs Distagon


Maybe that would be a proper question in first place - comparison of these two lenses: Pentacon Prakticar (PB bayonet, DDR made) 2.8/28mm and Distagon.


PB mount Pentacon 2.8/28 is one of the cheapest 28mm lenses you can buy, therefore it is a lot better value than a Distagon.


PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
As far as I know (as a Praktica B user from before the Berlin Wall came down) the PB-mount Carl Zeiss Jena P 28mm f2.8 is a reworked version of the M42 Meyer Orestegon/Pentacon 29mm f2.8, a lens which some people like and others say is rubbish!

The most common PB version I've seen in the UK is the plastic barrelled (Mk2) version, the Mk1, which I've never seen has a metal barrrel.

The one at http://www.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-ii-28mm-f28-macro-japanse-version.html is not one I've seen before, but does look like the other CZJ-badged Sigmas I've seen in other mounts, e.g. OM-mount. Although it is marked 'II' it is NOT the Mk2 version of the real CZJ lens!

I actually have another version CZJ/Pentacon 28mm f2.8 in PB which is definitely a later Sigma, and yet another design.

As far as I'm aware there were never any Cosina lenses rebranded as CZJ in the UK, because the UK distributor of Praktica was CZ Scientific (now called Jenoptik UK) who also were the UK distributor for Sigma!

If you want to compare the lens construction etc the real CZJ/Meyer plastic barrelled (Mk2) lens is shown here:
http://www.praktica-users.com/lens/blenses/pp2.8_28.html
and the Orestegon here:
http://www.praktica-users.com/lens/mlenses/morp2.8_29.html

I also Googled the C/Y CZ Distagon T and found this:
http://bit.ly/yIZFdY (Sorry the normal URL seems to mess up the BBCode and stops the reply from posting!)

Remarkably the construction (7 element in 7 groups), angle of view (75 degrees), and closest focus (0.25m) are identical for both the CZJ PB 28mm and the Distagon, they appear to be exactly the same design! But the CZJ lens is smaller and about 40g lighter...


PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
imperian wrote:
Thanks for the good info in this. Just to confirm with you, is the Contax Distagon 2.8/28 hitting mirror or losing infinity when mounted on 5D with adaptor?

Zero problems with the D28/2.8 on my 5D at infinity focus.


PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I've had 28/2.8 Distagons in both AE and MM style and both were fine on my 5D Smile


PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lord Minty wrote:
The one at http://www.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-ii-28mm-f28-macro-japanse-version.html is not one I've seen before, but does look like the other CZJ-badged Sigmas I've seen in other mounts, e.g. OM-mount. Although it is marked 'II' it is NOT the Mk2 version of the real CZJ lens!

I actually have another version CZJ/Pentacon 28mm f2.8 in PB which is definitely a later Sigma, and yet another design.

As far as I'm aware there were never any Cosina lenses rebranded as CZJ in the UK, because the UK distributor of Praktica was CZ Scientific (now called Jenoptik UK) who also were the UK distributor for Sigma!


I think you're wrong here. Google image search "sigma mini-wide 2.8/28mm" and you'll see how different Sigma looks like. 24mm Sigma is presented here (it looks nearly identical to 28mm): http://forum.mflenses.com/pentacon-prakticar-2-8-24-mc-t18672.html

Cosina Prakticar has all identification marks from COSINA lenses. It's 24mm brother: http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=37204

ManualFocus-G wrote:
I've had 28/2.8 Distagons in both AE and MM style and both were fine on my 5D Smile


Did you ever compare them with Prakticar 28mm? I mean real one of course: http://www.praktica-users.com/lens/blenses/pp2.8_28.html


PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Here is a metal barel Prakticar 28/2.8. (the left one, the rest are newer versions)



PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lord Minty wrote:


....

Remarkably the construction (7 element in 7 groups), angle of view (75 degrees), and closest focus (0.25m) are identical for both the CZJ PB 28mm and the Distagon, they appear to be exactly the same design! But the CZJ lens is smaller and about 40g lighter...


Sorry, they have different optical design. Prakticar 28/2.8 might have been derived from Pentacon's Orestegor 29/2.8 design.
See this figure (left Orestegor 29/2.8, right Prakticar 28/2.8 )



I disassembled one of Prakticar 28/2.8's I own, so I found some new design. Though it not deadly accurate, but the entire design
looks like the right one.

Btw, the optical design of Contax Distagon 28/2.8:


PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 8:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pancolart wrote:
Lord Minty wrote:
The one at http://www.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-ii-28mm-f28-macro-japanse-version.html is not one I've seen before, but does look like the other CZJ-badged Sigmas I've seen in other mounts, e.g. OM-mount. Although it is marked 'II' it is NOT the Mk2 version of the real CZJ lens!

I actually have another version CZJ/Pentacon 28mm f2.8 in PB which is definitely a later Sigma, and yet another design.

As far as I'm aware there were never any Cosina lenses rebranded as CZJ in the UK, because the UK distributor of Praktica was CZ Scientific (now called Jenoptik UK) who also were the UK distributor for Sigma!


I think you're wrong here. Google image search "sigma mini-wide 2.8/28mm" and you'll see how different Sigma looks like. 24mm Sigma is presented here (it looks nearly identical to 28mm): http://forum.mflenses.com/pentacon-prakticar-2-8-24-mc-t18672.html

Cosina Prakticar has all identification marks from COSINA lenses. It's 24mm brother: http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=37204


The CZJ/Pentacon 28mm f2.8 in PB I have is definitely a Sigma and is exactly like the Sigma in that link - I could post a photo of it.

I agree that the other 28mm looks like a Cosina (I have the 20mm f3.8 in M42), but I have never seen any non-Sigma version in Praktica Bayonet (PB-mount) branded as CZJ, Pentacon or Prakticar in the UK.


PostPosted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Zeiss Jena Prakticar 2.8/28mm & CANON 5DmkII. Made with (first) metal barrel model as shown above by Koji.

Click (2x?) on photo for 1800x1200 pixels.















PostPosted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
In my own, personal experience, the Distagon 2.8/28 and the Pentacon 2.8/29 play in different leagues completely.
It is one of those cases where the difference in price really has a meaning.


PostPosted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 6:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Nice samples Pancolart. Slovenia looks quite like northern Italy to my eyes.

I have never tried the Distagon but I have the Pentacon 2.8/28 and had the Orestegon 2.8/29.

My opinion is that the 29, if a good copy, is a very good lens. However, the 28 is better, I think the 28 is a top lens.
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