The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 25mm f/2 ZE and ZF.2 lenses for Canon and Nikon mount just got DxOMark tested.
The Zeiss Distagon T* 25mm f/2 ZE lens tested on 5D Mark III get a DxOMark Score: 27
The Zeiss Distagon T* 25mm f/2 ZF.2 lens tested on D800 get a DxOMark Score: 34
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2 ZF.2 vs. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED vs. Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2.8 ZF2
The Zeiss 25mm f/2 version offer a better quality over Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 ZF.2. A DxOMark score of 23 compared to 34 (tested on the D800) demonstrates an improvement in image quality overall, and an increase in Sharpness of 7P-Mpix from 15P-Mpix to 22-P-Mpix is significant. All this needs to be placed in the context that the f/2 version is bigger, heavier and costs $700 more than the $1000 Distagon 25mm f/2.8 ZF.2.
However, compare to Nikon’s Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G, which is also achieves an overall DxOMark score of 34 to match the Zeiss, and the two lenses are close in terms of Distortion, Chromatic Aberration and Vignetting. The Zeiss version is much sharper though, with that impressive 22P-Mpix score offering +2/3rds resolution over the 17P-Mpix of the Nikkor. The Nikkor is +2/3rds of a stop brighter, however, with an impressive Transmission score of 1.7TStop. Taking all image quality factors into play, these lenses offer the same overall image quality.
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2 ZE vs. Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM vs. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
The EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM and cheaper EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM, both of which just surpass the Zeiss option for overall image quality and sharpness tested on the 5D Mark III.
Conclusion
Fantastic build and Bokeh, but own brand offers better features with comparable overall image quality
The latest incarnation of the Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm wide-angle prime offers a real improvement in overall image quality and sharpness compared to the alternative Distagon T 25mm f/2.8 ZF.2. A sharpness score of 22P-Mpix for the ZF.2 version is impressive, but with a big $1699 price tag, own brand options – such as the $1799 Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED or $1749 Canon 24mm f/1.4L II – offer comparable if not slightly better image quality overall, as well as additional features, such as full autofocus, and a faster maximum aperture. What’s more, if you’re after a Canon wide-angle prime and can accept a f/2.8 maximum aperture with Image Stabilization, image quality on the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM just nudges out the Zeiss and is an excellent cheaper alternative. – from DxOMark