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Comparison

Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4 vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8

The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4 is a 20mm f/4 M42 lens made 1960s-1980s, valued at $250 to $750 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 Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4 and Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8
Focal length20 mm24 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Native mountM42Olympus OM
Production years1960s-1980s1975-1980s
Optical design10 elements / 8 groups, retrofocus ultra wide8 elements / 7 groups, retrofocus wide angle
Typical used value$420$160
Value range$250 to $750$90 to $300
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 is 1 stop faster: f/2.8 against f/4.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $160 against $420, a gap of $260 (roughly 2.6x). Ranges: $90 to $300 versus $250 to $750.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 is longer at 24mm against 20mm, a 4mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
  • The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4 is the older design; production began around 1960 against 1975 for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 (1960s-1980s versus 1975-1980s).
  • They use different mounts, M42 and Olympus OM, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Construction differs: 10 elements in 8 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4, 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 1 stop of extra speed and the $260 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4 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: M42 and Olympus OM