Very happy to have picked up this "legendary lens"—at $644
below the price of the new iteration (the Milvus).
There is essentially nothing different about the Milvus, except the new shape and a rubber focus ring replacing the Distagon's metal one
I prefer the Distagon
Interestingly, of all the 20mm lenses available (including Nikkor, Sigma Art, and Leica),
the Distagon/Milvus remain the best (made in 2008/2015, respectively).
I just picked up the last
brand new Distagon version that a western vendor had available ... for $1,200 (used ones go from $999 to $1,100)
Take a look at how the decade-old 2008 legendary Zeiss Distagon compares to today's modern marvels, including its revamped 'Milvus' brother (remember
contrast is what gives the 3D 'pop'):
The above is from LenScore ... showing the decade-old Zeiss still to be better than anything but its own newer version.
However, that said,
here is how I rate lenses:
As you can see, the Leica actually has the most advantages (according to my specs) while ranking
slightly behind the Zeisses in image quality.
(These comparisons warrant scrutiny ... a "quick look and an opinion" will generally not work well.)
Anyway, I am glad to have just taken delivery of the Distagon f/2.8 21mm lens. It is first class in both fit-and-feel.
The truth is, all of these are excellent in their own way (except the Sony, which blatantly sucks).
There are many charts and graphs that can help you decide "which" of a multitude of available options is right for you, based on the
categories, which are important to you.
For me, as a "lens investor,"
build quality and
image quality are paramount ... after which
reproduction ratio,
min. foc. dist., and
weight become important addenda.
No 'one' lens is better at 'everything.'
Based on 'my' criteria, the the Sigma Art 20mm is actually a sucky-lens at this focal length, esp. for nature photography, with not a single distinguishably-excellent feature, in ANY category, compared to its peer.
Meanwhile, the Zeiss 21mm Distagon is tied for
best build quality (with Leica), is a close second in image quality, while having the best contrast, the second-best reproduction ratio, and is "right there" with its true peers (Milvus/Leica) in image quality, while being cheaper than both.
Too much information? Probably.
Bored on a Friday? Most certainly.
Still, I will be posting images on here, as time/locale permit, and vacations are coming soon
But I would be delighted to see others share their images taken with this truly great lens also
Jack
