Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 vs. Zeiss 21mm f/2.8

This is a quick follow up to the previous Zeiss 18mm lens test. Since I am seriously considering replacing my Canon L series wide angle zooms with a Zeiss manual focus prime, I needed to compare the extremely similar 18mm f/3.5 and the 21mm f/2.8.

While returning the 18mm rental today, the great folks at Borrowlenses.com were cool enough to let me do a quick test shot out their front door comparing the 18mm with the 21mm.

The Contenders

• Zeiss 18mm f/3.5
• Zeiss 21mm f/2.8

Methodology

Uh, yeah, right..not really a scientific comparison at all. This was literally a 20sec quick grab out the front door with each lens at f/8 and wide open. Handheld Canon 5D mark II, ISO 100, Aperture priority, RAW format. The RAW images were opened in Photoshop CS5 Camera Raw using default settings with no additional sharpening. 100% crops were sampled from the Center, Right side, and Upper Left, and saved as uncompressed PNG files.

Center — Wide open

Center — f/8

Right Edge — wide open

Right Edge — f/8

Upper left corner — wide open

 Upper left corner — f/8

Conclusion

Not much to say...the 21mm is definitely sharper and has way less chromatic abrasion. I'm really glad I did this quick test before making the investment, however I'm still not sure which way I'll go. I really like the extended field of view on the 18mm...there is just so much more room to play with...it's amazing what a difference 3mm makes. But I am making the change to improve image quality and sharpness, so I'll have to thing about it some more and make a quick decision — my epic southwest canyons road trip is coming up fast.

Comments

[Dan]

Which one did you end up buying?