Head-to-Head Test 1:
I performed two tests with these lenses. The first test was an indoor shootout of a flat subject, focused relatively closely (about 3-4 feet). This first setup is of a bookcase. I leveled the books that the crops are taken from, so they were even with the front of the shelf. I then framed the scene and ensured that the camera was square to the shelf in all directions. Crops are taken from the center and the upper left corner (This corresponds to the lower left corner when holding the camera in landscape orientation).
The camera was mounted on a sturdy tripod and photos were taken at full stop aperture settings from f/2.8 to f/8. A remote cable release was used to release the shutter. After the Zeiss shots were taken, I switched to the Fuji 14mm and moved the camera back until the framing of the scene was identical between the two lenses. I then shot the Fuji images in the same manner as the Zeiss images.
Below you will see 100% crops from the test images. I am showing crops from f/2.8, f/4 and f/8. The lenses both were sharpest at f/8. When you click on the image below to enlarge, you may need to click on the green arrow at the bottom of the screen to enlarge to full size to see the true 100% crops:
As you can see, the two lenses have extremely similar contrast curves and color response. In fact, they look almost identical with the exception of how much detail they resolve.
Wide open, the Fuji 14mm is very slightly sharper in the center, though both lenses are very sharp here. In the corner at f/2.8, the Zeiss 12mm is a fair bit sharper. Excellent across the field performance for an ultra-wide at f/2.8.
However, even by f/4, the corners of the Fuji have caught up to the Zeiss, and at smaller apertures, you can see the Fuji is slightly sharper than the Zeiss in both the center and the corner. What is most noticeable here is that the Zeiss is quite good…but it’s not quite as good as the Fuji except at f/2.8, where it has better corner resolution. All in all, an impressive showing by the Fuji 14mm, while the Zeiss is no slouch either.
Now, let’s take a look at an outdoor scene.
Awesome review, this pretty much stamped my decision to purchase the 14mm lens instead of the Ziess. Thanks!
Thanks for the comparison. I have XF 14/2.8 and yes, it is really an outstanding lens
I read a lot of interesting content here. Probably you spend a lot of time writing,
i know how to save you a lot of time, there
is an online tool that creates unique, SEO friendly posts
in seconds, just search in google – laranitas free content
source
Hello, just tested both lenses and am now returning the Zeiss 12mm. The Fuji 14mm is definitely sharper and has better contrast across the entire frame. Regards, Derrick
I sold my Fuji 10-24mm to get my Zeiss 12mm prime, giving up a little coverage in order to get a smaller, lighter prime for my real estate interiors work. With my Nikon cameras I was using a full frame 15mm lens, but the coverage I’m getting from the Zeiss lens is sufficient for my needs. From what I’ve seen from these tests between the Fuji 14mm and my Zeiss 12mm it doesn’t appear to me I’m losing too much in the way of image quality, which I’ll happily sacrifice in order to get wider coverage for my real estate shoots. Also keep in mind listing photos for many MLS boards aren’t generally blown up very large, or at least large enough where my clients would see the difference in IQ between the Zeiss 12mm and the Fuji 14mm photos. So I’m happy enough using the Zeiss 12mm for my work. I do dearly love these Fuji prime lenses, though, and just today purchased a Fuji 16mm f/2.8…. So glad to have found you and your excellent reviews, Jordan. Thank you so much!!!