Carl Zeiss 18mm Wide Angle Lens

Distagon T* 3.5/18: Super Wide Angle Lens for Dramatic Perspectives

Jun 26, 2008 Philip Northeast

Distagon T* 3.5/18 wide angle lens expands Carl Zeiss's range of SLR lens, providing dramatic perspectives for architectural, landscape and close-range photography.

With an impressive field of view of 99°, this new, rectilinear lens is for photographers utilizing full-frame and APS-C DSLRs or film-based cameras. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is a derivative of the ZEISS designs for the Contax RTS series of cameras, but utilizing all modern materials and eco-friendly glass materials. In the past lens manufacturers used materials such as lead and arsenic. However, the ecological consequences were minimal as most photographers keep their lenses.

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is designed with a floating lens element in the rear lens assembly, which Carl Zeiss say results in impressive image quality from infinity to the closest focus range.

Naturally the new Distagon T* 3.5/18 uses the ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating and along with critically designed interior elements, Carl Zeiss say this makes the lens remarkably free from stray light artifacts and internal reflections.

Apart from their outstanding optical qualities, the Distagon T* 3.5/18 inherits the attributes of all ZEISS lenses. This includes an all-metal mount for secure mounting to the camera, extreme robustness for professional applications in a wide range of conditions and precision workmanship, which result in a ‘silky’ smooth focus rotation.

Manual Focus

The Zeiss Distagon T* 3.5/18 is a manual focus only lens, but Nikon and Pentax DSLRs the autofocus system should give a focus confirmation in the viewfinder when manually focusing. This still gives photographers the benefit of the autofocus sensing system even though they have to turn the focus ring themselves. This might be slightly slower than modern ultrasonic autofocus motors but for landscapes and other similar subjects, optical quality is more important than speed.

Rectilinear Design

The rectilinear design of this lens aims to minimize the perspective distortion characteristic of the “fish eye” design. This is important for architectural photography where viewers expect most buildings to go straight up and not bend and lean. The example photo shows the series of windows extending in a straight line and not curving near the edge of the image.

Full Frame

Carl Zeiss have designed the Distagon T* 3.5/18 for 35mm film use or full frame DSLRs such as the Nikon D3. Of course, it will produce stunning images on the more APS-C sensors found in the rest of the Nikon and Pentax range of DSLRs. On these cameras, it will have a narrower field of view, equivalent to 27mm on a full frame camera.

Availabilty

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZF for F-mount cameras is scheduled for delivery beginning July 2008 through authorized Carl Zeiss photo dealers. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZK for K-mount cameras will be available within Q3/2008. The suggested list price is 960,00 Euro (without VAT) , about $US 1500 and includes the standard lens shade.

Technical Specifications

Focal length 18 mm
Aperture range f/3.5 - f/22 (1/2 stop intervals)
Number of elements/groups 13/11
Focusing range 0.3 m (0.98 ft) - inf.
Angular field* (diag./horiz./vert.) 99/90/67 °
Coverage at close range 44 x 29 cm (1.7 x 1.1")
Image ratio at close range 1:12
Filter-thread M 82 x 0.75
Length (with caps)** 84 mm (3.3")
Diameter** 87 mm (3.4")
Weight** 470 g (16 oz.)
Camera mounts ZF (F bayonet)
ZK (K bayonet)
Scope of delivery Lens Shade included

* referring to 35 mm format

** dimensions and weight may vary according to the camera mount

The copyright of the article Carl Zeiss 18mm Wide Angle Lens in Photography is owned by Philip Northeast. Permission to republish Carl Zeiss 18mm Wide Angle Lens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.