The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 5.2.
Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.0
Exposure
1/3200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/160s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1600s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/100s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/160s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/50s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/60s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D3X
ISO Speed
200
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/200s
Verdict
We weren't really impressed by the T* 25mm f/2.8 but the Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2 ZF plays in a very different (better) quality league. The lens is sharp straight from f/2 and it reaches excellent quality levels around f/5.6. There's some field curvature at f/2 and f/2.8 which may be a problem in certain scenes (out-of-focus corners) though. Lateral and longitudinal CAs are moderate and nothing to worry about for most subjects. The moderate degree of distortions is about average for a prime lens in this class. A real weakness is the annoyingly high amount of vignetting at large aperture settings. The bokeh is not the most pleasant one, but still ok for a wide angle lens.
Just like the rest of its family, the Zeiss lens is built to the highest standards. Some users may complain about the lack of AF but this isn't really a significant flaw for a wide-angle lens. The focus confirmation is available in the viewfinder and in very critical (for example close focus) scenes Live-View can give you the needed guidance. That said, it remains a bit of an anachronism these days.
The price level is quite steep but the performance level is accordingly impressive.
