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
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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