Distagon T* 3,5/18: the super wide angle lens for dramatic perspectives

Thornwood, New York – June 2008. Carl Zeiss expands its range of SLR lenses with the addition of the Distagon T* 3.5/18 super wide angle lens. With an impressive field of view of 99°, this new, rectilinear lens provides dramatic perspectives for architectural, landscape and close-range photography for photographers utilizing full-frame DSLRs or film-based cameras. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is a derivative of the ZEISS designs for the Contax RTS series of cameras, but utilizing all modern materials and eco-friendly glass materials.

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is designed with a floating lens element in the rear lens assembly, which results in impressive image quality from infinity to the closest focus range. Utilizing the superior ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating and critically designed interior elements, the lens is remarkably free from stray light artifacts and internal reflections. Images are brilliantly rendered, with extremely crisp resolution right to the edges – even at wide-open apertures under the most difficult lighting conditions. Like all Carl Zeiss SLR lenses, the Distagon T* 3.5/18 uses the ZEISS ‘color matching technology’, which provides homogeneous color rendition across all focal lengths in the product range. The front filter diameter of 82 mm allows for use of standard screw-in filters when combined with the included lens shade.

In addition to the outstanding optical qualities, the special hallmarks of all ZEISS lenses are designed into the Distagon T* 3.5/18. This includes an all-metal mount for secure mounting to the camera, extreme robustness for professional applications in a wide range of conditions and precision workmanship which results in a ‘silky’ smooth focus rotation.

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZF for F-mount cameras is scheduled for delivery beginning July 2008 through authorized Carl Zeiss photo dealers. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZK for K-mount cameras will be available within Q3/2008. The suggested list price is $1,450 and includes the standard lens shade. For more information about this new lens, please visit: www.zeiss.com/photo.

Technical Specifications

* referring to 35 mm format
** dimensions and weight may vary according to the camera mount

About Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss is a leading international group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. Carl Zeiss AG is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The business groups are generally ranked first or second in the strategic markets of medical and research solutions, industrial solutions und lifestyle products. They offer products and services for biomedical research and medical technology, as well as system solutions for the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries. Planetariums and high-quality consumer goods such as camera lenses and binoculars carry the ZEISS name to millions of people around the world.

In fiscal year 2006/07 (ended 30 September), the Carl Zeiss Group, which is wholly owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, generated revenues totaling EUR 2,604 million. The Carl Zeiss Group has approximately 12,300 employees, including about 4,300 outside Germany. It is directly represented in more than 30 countries and operates production facilities in Europe, America and Asia. The eyeglass business operates as Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH and is the number two eyeglass provider in the world. This company is owned equally by Carl Zeiss AG and a private equity company.

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