The ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is a new prime lens for Leica M rangefinder cameras. At a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens creates a pleasing bokeh, which optically enhances the background as the main composition element. At the same time it directs attention to the main motif in the foreground. Optimized for digital sensors, the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM also stands out for its excellent flat image field. Thanks to the Distagon’s optical design, the lens delivers a high resolution across the entire image field. The Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM will be available worldwide, in silver and black, starting in the fourth quarter of 2014. The suggested retail price will be EUR 1.679,84 or USD 2.290,00.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

The new ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM: a fast companion for reportage tours

For generations of photographers, individuality, rangefinder camera and no-compromising optical quality have been an inseparable combination. The focal length of 35 millimeters is, and remains, the ‘basic lens’ that should not be absent on any camera with an M-mount. The new ZEISS Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is notable for its very high speed.

At a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens creates a pleasing bokeh, which optically enhances the background as the main composition element. At the same time it directs attention to the main motif in the foreground. Optimized for digital sensors, the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM also stands out for its excellent flat image field. Thanks to the Distagon’s optical design, the lens delivers a high resolution across the entire image field.

Very fast and precise — the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is a true “storyteller”. The main motif becomes the focus, whether it’s a portrait, a group of people or an everyday scene. Details are recognizable, as well as facial expressions, movements of the body, and surface structures. At the same time, the focal length of 35 millimeters captures the object’s surroundings, placing it within its natural context. If the photographer wishes to direct the viewer’s attention even more, he or she may compose the picture with the large aperture of f/1.4 with a low depth of field, thereby separating the focused motif from its background.

In poor lighting conditions the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM is also a top performer. The large aperture makes the photographer independent from the ISO limitations of his camera. The lens also has excellent focusing characteristics when the light is weak

In classic rangefinder photography, short focal lengths such as the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM have advantages over longer focal lengths when it comes to focusing, because the picture seen through the optical finder corresponds almost completely to the motif actually shot. The limitation imposed by the viewfinder frame is negligible for the composition of the image; with this angular field, image dimensions still remain natural. The combination of an elegant-reserved rangefinder camera and a 35-mm lens puts the photographer at the center of the action – not too far away and not too close. It is not for nothing that this system has always been the standard tool for discerning reportage photographers.

As a member of the ZM family of lenses, the Distagon T* 1,4/35 also has all of its assets. Complex measures inside the lens minimize any stray light that might occur. Die T* anti-reflective coating from ZEISS guarantees a very high degree of flare control. The aperture consists of 10 aperture blades and is therefore almost circular. The iris can be set in steps of 1/3 through the precise and sensitive notch mechanism and with exact photometric increments. The easy-to-grip focus ring with an ergonomic finger rest enables fast, precise focusing. The mechanical quality is outstanding. The focus operation is smooth, with a large rotation angle. The robust all-metal barrel can withstand the rough everyday situations that professional photographers face, guaranteeing a long product life.

“For the M system there is today almost no alternative to the Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM. It is the best ZM lens that you can get under these conditions,” assures Christophe Casenave, Product Manager with ZEISS Camera Lenses.

The Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM will be available worldwide, in silver and black, starting in the fourth quarter of 2014. The suggested retail price will be EUR 1.679,84 or USD 2.290,00, net of VAT.

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