Zeiss C Biogon T* 35mm f/2.8 ZM

This Zeiss prime is made for Leica M cameras and covers full frame. Its compact body suits street, travel and everyday documentary work. The fixed 35mm focal length can include a person with some surroundings, depending on your position. Check the view when walls or barriers limit movement.

Zeiss introduced the lens in 2008. It focuses manually and has no built-in stabilisation. The f/2.8 maximum aperture is useful to consider when planning work in dim interiors. Choose it when the size and fixed view fit your intended subjects and way of working.

The lens weighs 7.1 oz (200 g) and measures 2.05 in (52 mm) across and 1.18 in (30 mm) long. Its short body takes little space in a bag. Allow extra room for caps, the hood and any attached filter. Keep the rear element protected when the lens is off the camera.

The front takes screw-in 43mm filters, so a polariser or ND filter must match that thread.

On full frame, 35mm gives a moderately wide view for street corners, people and indoor scenes. How much fits depends on your position and the scene. Moving closer changes perspective as well as framing, making near objects larger relative to the background.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture admits more light than a smaller opening. At a given shutter speed, it can allow a lower ISO in dim light. A close subject can have a soft background when there is enough space behind it. Choose aperture and focus position for the picture you want.

Closest focus is 2.3 ft (70 cm), measured from the sensor. This describes a minimum limit, rather than the distance to use for every subject. Check that a tabletop object or companion is within focus range before composing a close picture.

Focusing is manual. Turn the ring to set distance, then check the important detail. Refocus when the camera or subject moves. Stopping down increases depth of field, which can help when setting focus in advance, but does not remove the need to choose a suitable distance.

There is no image stabilisation in the lens. Choose a shutter speed that suits both camera shake and subject movement. Firm support helps with long exposures of still scenes, but a moving person can continue to blur.

The lens carries no dust or moisture sealing. In rain, sea spray or heavy dust, pack it away or shield it rather than trusting the joints to keep conditions out.

Remove loose particles before wiping the front glass. Check for fingerprints when photographing towards a bright window or lamp. Keep both ends capped during transport and dry the exterior before storage.

The optical design uses seven elements in five groups. The manual focus and aperture rings give direct control over distance and opening. Check both settings after moving the camera. A smaller aperture can increase depth of field, but the reduced light may require a longer exposure or higher ISO.