Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)
The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) is a 28mm f/2.8 manual-focus lens for the Contax/Yashica mount, made by Carl Zeiss from 1975-2005. It uses 7 elements / 7 groups, Distagon retrofocus, T* coating. Typical used value is $180 to $550, with most examples near $320, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) specifications
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) specifications
| Brand | Carl Zeiss |
|---|---|
| Model | Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 |
| Native mount | Contax/Yashica |
| Production years | 1975-2005 |
| Optical design | 7 elements / 7 groups, Distagon retrofocus, T* coating |
| Adapts to | Sony EFuji XMFTCanon RFNikon ZL-mount |
Why collectors want it
A well corrected Zeiss wide angle with strong contrast and color for the Contax system. It is sharp across the frame stopped down and compact for its quality. It adapts well to full-frame mirrorless bodies.
Mount and adapters for the Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)
The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) has a native Contax/Yashica mount. Contax/Yashica (C/Y) is the 1975 bayonet with a 45.5mm register shared by Carl Zeiss T* lenses and Yashica ML lenses until 2005. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 45.5mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain adapter ring, no mechanism required. Zeiss and Yashica ML lenses share the mount and use the same adapter.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 27.5mm | Yes | 28mm on full frame; 42mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 27.8mm | Yes | 42mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 26.25mm | Yes | 56mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Contax/Yashica to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 25.5mm | Yes | 28mm on full frame; 45mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Contax/Yashica to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 29.5mm | Yes | 28mm on full frame; 42mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 25.5mm | Yes | 28mm on full frame; 42mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)?
The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) has a native Contax/Yashica mount. Contax/Yashica (C/Y) is the 1975 bayonet with a 45.5mm register shared by Carl Zeiss T* lenses and Yashica ML lenses until 2005. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) worth in 2026?
A used Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) typically sells for $180 to $550, with most clean working examples near $320. Basis: eBay sold listings, KEH and MPB, 2024-2025. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. Contax/Yashica has a 45.5mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple Contax/Yashica adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) frames as a 28mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 42mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 45mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 56mm. Plain adapter ring, no mechanism required. Zeiss and Yashica ML lenses share the mount and use the same adapter.
When was the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) made?
Carl Zeiss made the Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) from 1975-2005. It launched the same year as the Contax/Yashica mount itself (1975).
What is the optical design of the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)?
The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) uses 7 elements / 7 groups, Distagon retrofocus, T* coating. Retrofocus wide angles put a negative group in front so the rear element clears an SLR mirror box, which is why they are larger than rangefinder wides of the same focal length.
Which lenses are similar to the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8 (24mm f/2.8, $90 to $300), the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (35mm f/2.4, $130 to $380), and the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) (35mm f/2, $150 to $500). The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8, The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4, and The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) cost less on the used market. The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 and The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) are faster.
Alternatives to the Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y)
Lenses within 15mm of 28mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.
Side-by-side comparisons
- Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave)
- Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/4
- Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4
- Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8
- Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
- Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 (C/Y) vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f/2.8