Skip to content
LensVault

Comparison

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8

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 Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 is a 24mm f/2.8 Olympus OM lens made 1975-1980s, valued at $90 to $300 used.

Specifications side by side

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) and Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8
Focal length28 mm24 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Native mountContax/YashicaOlympus OM
Production years1975-20051975-1980s
Optical design7 elements / 7 groups, Distagon retrofocus, T* coating8 elements / 7 groups, retrofocus wide angle
Typical used value$320$160
Value range$180 to $550$90 to $300
Adapts toSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFTSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • Both open to f/2.8, so neither has a speed advantage.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $160 against $320, a gap of $160 (roughly 2x). Ranges: $90 to $300 versus $180 to $550.
  • The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) is longer at 28mm against 24mm, a 4mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
  • Production of both began around 1975 (1975-2005 and 1975-1980s).
  • They use different mounts, Contax/Yashica and Olympus OM, 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), 8 elements in 7 groups for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 wins on the $160 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.

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 Olympus OM