Comparing Loxia 21 mm f/2.8 and Sony FE 16-35 f/4

[lassethomasson]

I've just published a post comparing the Loxia 21 mm f2.8 and Sony FE 16-35 f4.

Perhaps interesting for those (like me) wondering which one to get.

 

https://scatteredlightblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/comparing-lenses-zeiss-loxia-21mm-f2-8-and-sony-zeiss-fe-16-35mm-f4/

[tinplater]

Thanks!  Just for fun I tried to pick the superior image of each pair without the identifying text and really couldn't see a substantial difference, to my eyes, between the lenses other than the slightly different color rendering.  As with most lenses, it is the talent of the individual using them that makes the greatest impact on image quality.

[lassethomasson]

Thanks!  Just for fun I tried to pick the superior image of each pair without the identifying text and really couldn't see a substantial difference, to my eyes, between the lenses other than the slightly different color rendering.  As with most lenses, it is the talent of the individual using them that makes the greatest impact on image quality.

 

 I agree, on the first picture there is very little difference. On the second though (Colors section) the difference in flare control is obvious. There are two ghost to the right and lower contrast on the righthand side of the 16-35 zoom.

 

And, to me, it's not only about the IQ, but also the handling when shooting. The difference in manual focus operation, for example. If you care about manual focus that is.

[chris82]

 I have just picked up the loxia 21mm after having used the 16-35mm ƒ4 for over a year now (my 16-35mm seems to be a good copy with very good sharpness across the entire image). Initially i was not very impressed with the loxia expecting it to be another step up in quality but after having used it out in the field the images seem to have a 'pop', 'clarity' and 'character' to them that the zoom doesn't have not that i have anything against the images produced by the zoom.

 I feel this is very subtle however and only really becomes apparent when editing the images and zooming in too check for sharpness/ correct focus etc. At normal viewing of the image on screen there is very little difference and it would be hard to distinguish between them but once zoomed in LR there is a difference in the way they capture and render the details in the scene with the Loxia having a slight advantage. 

I've only been out the once so far and can't wait to do more testing. The 16-35mm is staying with me as it's still a very good lens regardless.

 

One of the other reasons for picking up the loxia was of course the manual focus. The focus by wire implementation in the FE zooms is not to my liking at all.

[Guest Jaf-Photo]

As with most lenses, it is the talent of the individual using them that makes the greatest impact on image quality.

In photography, talent refers to the ability to create interesting photos. It does not refer to the basic knowledge of working a lens.

 

Furthermore, neither talent nor knowledge cancel optical differeces in lenses.

[lassethomasson]

In photography, talent refers to the ability to create interesting photos. It does not refer to the basic knowledge of working a lens.

 

Furthermore, neither talent nor knowledge cancel optical differeces in lenses.

 

 

It's like in music. Being a really instrumentalist on an good instrument is no guarantee you make good music.

But good music performed by by a good instrumentlist on a good instrument... you need to know your tools