Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 SLR Black

18 mm, f/3.5 - f/22, 13/11, 87 x 84 mm, 470 g <b>Master of the dramatic</b>

This compact, ultra-wide angle lens is ideal for spectacular landscape and architectural photography. And its unique field of view also offers you a range of creative possibilities when composing your photographs. Get right up close and give the impression you are in the middle of the action, extend the apparent depth of your image or highlight one object framed by a wide background – you will never get tired of the possibilities offered by an impactful perspective. The high performance of the Distagon T* 3,5/18 gives impressive image quality across the entire image field. Giving you a unique point of view wherever you go.

<b>Design</b>
In SLR systems, when extremely large image angles are needed, the distance between the rear element and the image plane must be considerably longer than the focal length – the original field of application of Distagon lenses. This advanced retrofocus design can also be put to outstanding use in modern, highly corrected lenses with longer focal lengths.

<b>ZEISS Classic lenses – a tradition of excellence</b>
The ZEISS Classic lenses have enjoyed an outstanding reputation with photographers all over the world for many years now – and rightly so. The solid all-metal mount ensures constant functionality and image performance, regardless of the number of photographs taken. Manual focusing promotes creativity in the design of the image.

<b>Floating Elements Design</b>
Today’s camera technologies and high-resolution sensors demand continuous improvement of lens performance. Thanks to the use of the latest floating element design principles, optical aberration effects in ZEISS lenses are reduced to a minimum throughout their entire focusing range. This is achieved by variation of the axial distance between individual lens elements or groups. This adjustment of the lens-to-lens distance is coupled to the distance setting to ensure correct compensation at all times. The mechanical construction of these lenses is extremely complex and they must be assembled with utmost precision – both of which are key competencies of ZEISS.

<b>Excellent image quality</b>
The ZEISS range of T*® lenses offers the highest possible standards in terms of performance, reliability and, of course, image quality. Quite simply, they are superior in every way. You can count on highly advanced flare control for crisp and brilliant images, for example. And virtually zero geometric distortion, ensuring precise accuracy when reproducing shapes – especially useful when photographing products and architecture.

<b>Elaborate stray light reduction</b>
Rich, vibrant colors are vital to creating a lasting impression. Stray light in the lens, however, would lead to a brightening of the image, which is particularly visible in shadow areas. Image contrast is lowered; the image appears dull and bleached. We combine various, elaborate techniques to reduce unwanted stray light. For example, all lens elements are coated with the famous ZEISS T*® anti-reflective coating. Additionally, a jet black special paint is applied by hand to all lens element edges to ensure that reflections are prevented from the start.

<b>ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating</b>
The optical elements of ZEISS lenses feature T*® anti-reflective coating on all surfaces and an optical design that guarantees images of superior brilliance at all times, even in unfavourable lighting conditions. We apply the anti-reflective coating to the lens surfaces by the vapour deposition of extremely thin, transparent layers on the glass. In this process, special substances are vaporized with extremely high energy in a high-vacuum environment and are subsequently deposited on the glass surfaces, one after another, as layers with precisely controlled thicknesses to achieve the desired reduction of reflective properties. The first coating techniques were employed by ZEISS as long ago as in the 1930s.

<b>High-quality all metal mounts</b>
Noticeable quality and high value stability qualify ZEISS lenses for decades of intense use. The high-quality craftsmanship of the all-metal mounts, the easy-to-grip metal focus and aperture ring and the robust front bayonet and filter threads ensure an amazing photographic experience.

<b>Distagon T* 3,5/18</b>
Every shot tells a different story, as you can see in this image taken with the Distagon T* 3,5/18. Capture incredible moments and share them at the ZEISS Flickr Community. Regardless of which ZEISS lens you use.