CONTAX T* 28MM F2 DISTAGON LENS
Updated February 8, 2013
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| Lens Composition | 9 Elements / 8 Groups |
| Floating Lens Group | Yes |
| Angular Field of View | 74º |
| Minimum Focus | .25 Meter / 10 inches |
| F-Stop Scale | F2 to F22 in 1 Stop Increments |
| Aperture | MM & AE - Fully Automatic on Contax RTS |
| Filter Size | 55mm - Non-rotating |
| Lens Cap | K-51 55mm Snap-type Plastic Cap |
| Lens Hood | 55 / 86 Ring + No. 1 Metal Hood |
| Hood Cap | K-94 99mm Metal Cap |
| Rubber Hood | G-2 Soft Rubber Hood |
| Lens Pouch | No. 2 |
| Lens Size | 62.5mm x 76mm / 2.46 in. x 3.00 in. |
| Weight | 485 Grams / 1.07 Pounds |
OVERVIEW
The Contax 28mm F2 Distagon’s optical formula is based on a Zeiss 28mm cinematic lens. The cinematic lens design was subsequently adapted for 35mm SLR use, so sometimes the 28mm F2 Distagon is referred to as the “Hollywood 28”. One of the key features of the 28mm F2 Distagon is the floating element design which provides significantly better near field performance and a short minimum focus distance. The Contax 28mm F2 Distagon has an extremely short 10" minimum focus distance.
LENS HANDLING AND BUILD QUALITY
I have used many different Contax lenses along with many other brands over the years. The Contax design aesthetics and ergonomics are my favorite. Most of the lens bodies are a simple cylindrical shape with the aperture ring slightly ahead of the bayonet with a textured rubber grip. The aperture ring is easy to find by touch, and easy to turn. The focus ring is almost the same length as the lens barrel, so it easy to find and any imaginable hand position will work. The Contax barrel designs may look simple and somewhat sparse, but that simplicity makes their operation easy and intuitive.
The lens body and barrel are all metal (as are all all the Contax lenses), so the 28mm Distagon is very solid. The 28mm Distagon has 9 elements, so the lens has a dense, hefty feel. The focus ring is smooth and nicely dampened. Likewise the aperture ring turns smoothly has subtle detents at each stop. The markings are engraved and filled with with paint. If the paint filling engravings is looking dull, that is easy to refresh with paint sticks.
LENS PERFORMANCE
As stated earlier, adding a floating element improves resolution, sharpens corners and provides better frame illumination across the entire focus range. Most often a floating focus design improves near field focus performance. The use of a floating element can also help minimize focus shift. Focus shift is the shifting of the plane of focus as the aperture is changed.
The Contax 28mm F2 Distagon's shallow depth field and outstanding near field performance result in the lens being well suited for full length portraits and close-up photography. 28mm is not often associated with close-up shots, but the 28mm F2 Distagon excels in this application (thanks to its floating lens element design).
The 28mm F2 Distagon does exhibit some curvature of field, resulting in soft corners. If a composition calls for sharp corners, focus maybe need to be pulled forward to accommodate. Stopping down the aperture will help also. At F8 the 28mm F2.0 Distagon’s landscape performance is the best I have used at 28mm (to date). The lens produces excellent resolution, perfect corners, micro contrast, little or no CA (fringing) and pleasing color.
CONCLUSION
Having owned both the Contax 28mm F2 Distagon and Zeiss 28mm F2 Distagon ZE, the new Zeiss ZE does seem better at F2. The Contax exhibits some halation at wide apertures (what Leica users call the “Leica Glow”). That seems to be gone with the "classic" Zeiss 28mm F2 Distagon ZE, or at least significantly reduced. The ZE also seems sharper at F2. One important consideration, Zeiss no longer services the Contax 28mm F2 in the older AE configuration (MM’s are still serviced). When buying a used lens that is 10, 20 or 30 years old, there is a good chance that the lens will need service in the near future.
Prior to the "new" Zeiss 28mm F2 Distagon ZE, I would have whole heartedly recommended the Contax 28mm F2 Distagon. But now we have a Zeiss 28mm F2 Distagon ZE in a native Canon mount with a fully automatic aperture, updated optical formula, new lens coatings optimized and full EXIF data. While I do feel the original Contax 28mm F2 has a better look or draw (mostly in its bokeh), the new ZE is a solid performing lens that can easily be purchased new and comes with a warranty - vs buying a 30 year old lens. And use prices on Zeiss 28mm F2 Distagon ZE's are incredibly cheap, so it is a tough argument (in my opinion) to justify buying the Contax 28mm F2 Distagon today. And if looking for the ultimate 28mm, there is always the Zeiss Otus 28mm F1.4 😀
