Canon Full Frame Test: Zeiss ZF 25mm Distagon

Zeiss ZF 25mm f2.8 v Canon 24mm f1.4 L

Performance at f16 (Zone A: centre frame)

Canon 24mm L / f16 centre frame	Zeiss ZF 25mm / f16 centre frame
0 points	1 point

Allowing for both lenses being well over the hill at f16 for centre frame sharpness, both designs are commendably delivering most of the f8 goodness still. The very pernickety may agree that the ZF25 still looks cleaner.

Performance at f16 (Zone B: upper right)

Canon 24mm L / f16 mid frame	Zeiss ZF 25mm / f16 mid frame
0 points	1 point

Barring subtly different styles of presentation, these are now very similar. The slightly higher contrast levels of the Zeiss are clarifying details in the brickwork not evident in the Canon shot, so it just deserves the extra point.

Performance at 24mm: f16 (Zone C: upper left corner)

Canon 24mm L / f16 corner	Zeiss ZF 25mm / f16 corner

Canon 24mm L / f16 corner	Zeiss ZF 25mm / f16 corner
0 points	1 point

Though the margin is very slight, at f16 there's little doubt in my mind that the Zeiss ZF 25mm is better across the frame and only at this aperture does it outperform the Canon L's corners.