Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8 / 35mm Contax mount

cybersword · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Ireland

Hi all. I'm pretty new to photography and after reading for a few weeks, I decided that I would buy a manual focus lens for my EOS 500D.

After even more reading I found the Distagon 2.8 35mm for €150 , which I think would be a really good lens, but it's slightly above my budget.

So, my question is; is it worth to make the extra effort and get this lens, or are there cheaper alternatives with similar performance?

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

hi
although the Distagon 2.8/35 is a good lens, it's not the top performer in the Contax line.
You can spend much less and obtain a very similar performance with the Yashica ML 2.8/35
(same mount)
The Yashica ML can be had for around 40 Euros
Just make sure you do pick the ML and not the cheaper DSB.

cybersword · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Ireland

Thanks for response, I went out and had a look on eBay, but couldn't find the 35mm (just one for €100). Are there any other places where I can order lenses that would ship to Ireland? I looked around locally, but there don't seem to be any good places.

I should add though, that I'm specifically looking for a Contax mount, any mount that I can adapt to the EOS without a glass adapter will do Smile

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

You just need to have a little patience, if you need a lens right now you may need to spend the extra money. Bargains do not happen at every time. People here often monitor and wait for months for the right occasion to rise up at Ebay. For the Yashica ML 35 you should not have to wait that much, one is likely to appear in a couple of months.

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

The ML is indeed a good lens, but doesn't have the same "pop" as the Zeiss (foreground / bakground seperation). I sold the ML and kept the Carl Zeiss Wink

aoleg · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 1387 Location: Berlin, DE

I think I saw one Yashica ML 35/2.8 selling here in the Marketplace. I have one, and can confirm it's a great lens, one of the best 35mm I ever used.

cybersword · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Ireland

alex · Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 561 Location: UK

The 35mm ML lens is a peach, and a relatively unknown one since 28mm seems to have displaced 35mm as the standard wide. I have both the ML and the CZ versions, and though I like the ML a great deal, the Distagon 35 has been on my camera more than any other lens since I got it. By all means go for a 35 ML if it comes your way, you won't be disappointed, but I don't believe you'd ever regret shelling out for the Zeiss. Quality is what's left long after you've forgotten what you paid for it.

vulko · Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 8:44 am Post subject:

There was a topic, the best 35mm lens.

AhamB · Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 733 Location: Germany

I am guessing the Yashica will not have the Zeiss microcontrast and T* color. If you like it, get the Zeiss.

cybersword · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Ireland

Thanks for all your advice, I have agreed to buy a Yashica ML 2.8 35mm from another forum member in the marketplace. I'm just waiting for him to check with the others who have also shown interest before me.

When I include shipping the Yashica is nearly a 3rd cheaper then the Zeiss and since I'm just starting out, I can always replace it with something better when the time (and money) comes.

If and when I receive the new lens, I'll post some pics and impressions. And thanks again!