Zeiss ZF 85mm f1.4  vs.
Canon 85mm f1.2 L (Mark I)

First Impressions

Preliminary to the main 85mm group test, here are some first impressions of the new Zeiss ZF 85mm f1.4. Shortly, we'll be testing it in a Nikon mount against the mighty Canon 85mm f1.2 L and Nikon's highly regarded AF-D 85mm f1.4.

For starters, though, here's how the new Zeiss lens handles the CA problems that blight even the best of these lenses wide open.

On the left we have the new ZF 85mm; on the right is the Canon 85mm f1.2 - both shot at f1.4: wide open in the case of the Zeiss; half a stop down for the Canon.

Click the picture for a larger, actual pixel 100% sample.

Left: Zeiss ZF 85mm / Right: Canon 85mm f1.2 L

Centre-frame sharpness seems about even at this aperture (note the fractionally different focus!), but it's immediately evident that the Zeiss has near-total mastery of chromatic aberration, in contrast with the Canon L.

At f2.8, the Canon has lost its CA, but the Zeiss ZF looks a little sharper.