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Comparison

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S

The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) is a 28mm f/2.8 Contax/Yashica lens made 1975-2005, valued at $180 to $550 used. The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is a 35mm f/1.4 Nikon F (AI-S) lens made 1976-2020s, valued at $350 to $900 used.

Specifications side by side

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) and Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
Focal length28 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Native mountContax/YashicaNikon F (AI-S)
Production years1975-20051976-2020s
Optical design7 elements / 7 groups, Distagon retrofocus, T* coating9 elements / 7 groups, retrofocus wide angle
Typical used value$320$550
Value range$180 to $550$350 to $900
Adapts toSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFTSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT

What actually differs

  • The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is 2 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/2.8.
  • The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) is cheaper. Typical used value is $320 against $550, a gap of $230 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $180 to $550 versus $350 to $900.
  • The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is longer at 35mm against 28mm, a 7mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
  • The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) is the older design; production began around 1975 against 1976 for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (1975-2005 versus 1976-2020s).
  • They use different mounts, Contax/Yashica and Nikon F (AI-S), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Construction differs: 7 elements in 7 groups for the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y), 9 elements in 7 groups for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S.

Which one to buy

Choose the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) for the $230 lower typical price. Choose the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S for the 2 stops of extra speed. 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.

Full reference pages

Mount references: Contax/Yashica and Nikon F