The Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM lens is officially announced at Photokina 2014 event this year. The ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is a new prime lens for Leica M rangefinder cameras.
The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4 that creates a pleasing bokeh, which optically enhances the background as the main composition element. Optimized for digital sensors, the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM also stands out for its excellent flat image field.
Thanks to the Distagon’s optical design, the lens delivers a high resolution across the entire image field. The Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM will be available worldwide, in silver and black, starting in the fourth quarter of 2014. The suggested retail price will be €1,679.84 or US$ 2.290,00.
Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM Lens Officially Announced
Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM Lens Specifications
| Focal length | 35 mm | |
| Aperture range | f/1.4 – f/16 | |
| Lens elements/Groups | 10/7 | |
| Focusing range | 0,7 m (27.56″) – infinity | |
| Free working distance | 0,61 m (24.01″) – infinity | |
| Angular field** (diag. / horiz. / vert.) | 62.15° / 53.40° / 36.99° | |
| Diameter of image field | 43,27 mm (1.70″) | |
| Coverage at close range (MOD)** | 609,52 mm × 406,34 mm (24.00‘‘ × 16.00‘‘) | |
| Image ratio (MOD) | 1:16.9 | |
| Rotation angle of focusing ring (inf – MOD) | 90° | |
| Filter thread | M49 x 0.75 | |
| Diameter max. | 63,2 mm (2.49‘‘) | |
| Diameter of focusing ring | 60,6 mm (2.39‘‘) | |
| Length (without lens cap) | 65,2 mm (2.57‘‘) | |
| Length (with lens cap) | 87,3 mm (3.30‘‘) | |
| Weight | 381 g (13.4 oz.) | |
| Camera mounts | M-mount | |
The New ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM for Professional Reportage Photography
The ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is latest member of the ZM lens family
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16/09/2014.
The ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM continues the success story of the ZEISS ZM lens family and sets a new standard in the market. First, it is notable for its very high speed. With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, the lens creates a pleasing bokeh, which optically enhances the background as the main composition element, while at the same time directing attention to the main motif in the foreground. The ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM, which is optimized for digital sensors, also stands out for its excellent flat image field. Thanks to the Distagon‘s optical design, the lens delivers high resolution across the entire image field.
Very fast and precise – the ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is a “storyteller”. The main motif becomes the focus, whether it’s a portrait, a group of people or an everyday scene. Details are recognizable, as well as facial expressions, movements of the body, and surface structures. At the same time, the focal length of 35 millimeters captures the surroundings, placing the object within its natural context. If the photographer wishes to direct the viewer’s attention even more, he or she may compose the picture with the large aperture of f/1.4 with a low depth of field, thereby separating the focused motif from its background.
In poor lighting conditions the ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is also a top performer. The large aperture ensures the photographer is independent from the ISO limitations of his camera. The lens also has excellent focusing characteristics when the light is weak.
For generations of photographers, individuality, rangefinder camera and a no-compromising optical quality have been an inseparable combination. The focal length of 35 millimeters is, and remains, the ‘basic lens’ that should not be absent on any camera with an M-mount. In classic rangefinder photography, short focal lengths such as the ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM have advantages over longer focal lengths when it comes to focusing, because the picture seen through the optical finder corresponds almost completely to the motif actually shot. The limitation imposed by the viewfinder frame is negligible for the composition of the image. With this angular field, image dimensions still remain natural. The combination of an elegant-reserved rangefinder camera and a 35-mm lens puts the photographer at the center of the action – not too far away and not too close. It is not for nothing that this system has always been the standard tool for discerning reportage photographers.
In addition, as a member of the ZM family of lenses, the ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM has all of its assets. Complex measures inside the lens minimize any stray light that might occur. The T* anti-reflective coating from ZEISS guarantees a very high degree of flare control. The aperture consists of 10 aperture blades and is therefore almost circular. The iris can be set in steps of 1/3 through the precise and sensitive notch mechanism and with exact photometric increments. The easy-to-grip focus ring with an ergonomic finger rest enables fast, precise focusing. The mechanical quality is outstanding; the focus operation is smooth, with a large rotation angle. And the robust all-metal barrel guarantees a long product life in the rough everyday life of professional photographers.
“For the M system there is today almost no alternative to the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM. It is the best ZM lens that you can get under these conditions,” assures Christophe Casenave, Product Manager with ZEISS Camera Lenses.
The ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM will be available worldwide, in silver and black, starting in the fourth quarter of 2014. The expected recommended retail price is €1,679.84* or US$ 2.290,00* (excl. VAT).
