Comparison
Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) vs Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is a 35mm f/2 Canon FD lens made 1971-1979, valued at $150 to $500 used. The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is a 35mm f/2.4 M42 lens made 1975-1990, valued at $130 to $380 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) | Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2.4 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | M42 |
| Production years | 1971-1979 | 1975-1990 |
| Optical design | 9 elements / 8 groups, retrofocus wide angle | 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus wide angle |
| Typical used value | $280 | $210 |
| Value range | $150 to $500 | $130 to $380 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is 0.5 stops faster: f/2 against f/2.4.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $210 against $280, a gap of $70. Ranges: $130 to $380 versus $150 to $500.
- Both are 35mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is the older design; production began around 1971 against 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (1971-1979 versus 1975-1990).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and M42, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 9 elements in 8 groups for the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave), 6 elements in 5 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4.
Which one to buy
Choose the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) for the 0.5 stops of extra speed. Choose the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 for the $70 lower typical price. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.