Archive 2014 · Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
p.3 #1Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
CalBoy87 wrote:
1A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A for me, but the difference is very small to my eyes.
I agree with CalBoy's choices.
Color is less yellow in these samples, seem sharper overall.
#4 is OUCH! pretty awful pin-cushion distortion!
1A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A for me, but the difference is very small to my eyes.
I agree with CalBoy's choices.
Color is less yellow in these samples, seem sharper overall.
#4 is OUCH! pretty awful pin-cushion distortion!
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:02 PM
p.3 #2Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Thanks for the comparison. The Sony seems to hold its own quite nicely here. Makes me wonder why I've read so much negativity about it. I was surprised that 2B was the Sony, I felt pretty certain it was the Zeiss.
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:04 PM
p.3 #3Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
briantho wrote:
Nope, as I stated I couldn't get access to the full size images.
Right click on the image and then click on "Original" (right most link)?
Nope, as I stated I couldn't get access to the full size images.
Right click on the image and then click on "Original" (right most link)?
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:13 PM
p.3 #4Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Thank you for the test. I checked the full size images for 3 and 4 and there is no contest. The Zeiss lens is clearly superior to the Sony. I am surprised by the comments that the Sony 28-70 is a steal.
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:31 PM
p.3 #5Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
uhoh7 wrote:
I messed up on the church, and just could not tell with the flowers, but got the others which seemed obvious on my monitor without going to full size.
Yeah, the first two the Zeiss has more contrast and slightly deeper color. It's most apparent if you look at the mountains in the background. I felt like that held true on the third as well, but the fourth there doesn't feel like any appreciable difference and I was wrong on the flowers.
Either way the kit lens is very solid and the IQ difference is really marginal. I'm still happy for it with the extra 4mm and the constant aperture, but it probably isn't enough to warrant the price difference and the 24-70 would be a much easier recommendation priced at $800-900.
I messed up on the church, and just could not tell with the flowers, but got the others which seemed obvious on my monitor without going to full size.
Yeah, the first two the Zeiss has more contrast and slightly deeper color. It's most apparent if you look at the mountains in the background. I felt like that held true on the third as well, but the fourth there doesn't feel like any appreciable difference and I was wrong on the flowers.
Either way the kit lens is very solid and the IQ difference is really marginal. I'm still happy for it with the extra 4mm and the constant aperture, but it probably isn't enough to warrant the price difference and the 24-70 would be a much easier recommendation priced at $800-900.
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:32 PM
p.3 #6Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
I just got back from my camera dealer and did a test of the two lenses on my A7r, but forgot to turn off OSS while on the tripod. I will go back tomorrow and try it again with a different lens with the OSS off. The difference in the two lenses was astronomical. The Zeiss was better at every focal length except for 70 mm. It would be great if you could post your images with EXIF data and if someone else could do this test if they have both the lenses. From my initial look it seems that you have the best 28-70 lens ever made and I tested the worst. If this is true it will be necessary to test many more copies of the Sony lens.
Mar 20, 2014 at 01:22 PM
p.3 #7Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
The kit zoom is good. And the Zeiss a little disappointing (not particularly because of these images though, rather WA corner sharpness). If the Sony had a better build I would have gotten it. Now I have neither, waiting for the 16-35. Or perhaps Sony could do a 17-40 with some metal details.
Mar 20, 2014 at 02:00 PM
p.3 #8Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
dennishh wrote:
I just got back from my camera dealer and did a test of the two lenses on my A7r, but forgot to turn off OSS while on the tripod. I will go back tomorrow and try it again with a different lens with the OSS off. The difference in the two lenses was astronomical. The Zeiss was better at every focal length except for 70 mm. It would be great if you could post your images with EXIF data and if someone else could do this test if they have both the lenses. From my initial look it seems that...Show more →
I have both and although I don't have the time to do a test a well as the OP (huge thanks, by the way. I was completely out, but it was fun) my conclusions are much the same as his. Personally I have a use for the constant aperture and 24mm setting, so I'll keep the Zeiss but I was pleasantly surprised with the 28-70. For $300.00 the kit lens is a bargain.
Sony's quality control is another topic entirely.
Gordon
I just got back from my camera dealer and did a test of the two lenses on my A7r, but forgot to turn off OSS while on the tripod. I will go back tomorrow and try it again with a different lens with the OSS off. The difference in the two lenses was astronomical. The Zeiss was better at every focal length except for 70 mm. It would be great if you could post your images with EXIF data and if someone else could do this test if they have both the lenses. From my initial look it seems that...Show more →
I have both and although I don't have the time to do a test a well as the OP (huge thanks, by the way. I was completely out, but it was fun) my conclusions are much the same as his. Personally I have a use for the constant aperture and 24mm setting, so I'll keep the Zeiss but I was pleasantly surprised with the 28-70. For $300.00 the kit lens is a bargain.
Sony's quality control is another topic entirely.
Gordon
Mar 20, 2014 at 03:08 PM
p.3 #9Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Hello,
Please find below the EXIF data for the five pairs (the original post will be edited with that info as well).
The Zeiss in itself is not a bad lens, in some cases its IQ is better than the Sony - no contest. But to me photography is not about pixel peeping at 100%, its about the general feel of the photos, what emotion does it bring. For some reason, the Sony zoom seems more "appealing" overall.
The exact same settings in Lightroom were applied for each pair (copy/paste of all settings from A to B). White balance was set identically for each pair, based on my taste (6000K for the outdoor shots under a bright sun and 6500K for the church at dawn). The post-processing might not be to the taste of everyone (nor my images
), but this is usually how I edit my photos. No lens correction was applied, because again, LR 5.3 does not have the profile for the Zeiss and I did not want to give an advantage in this regard to the Sony.
EXIF:
1A Sony 28-70mm
1/80, f16, 28mm, ISO 100
1B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/80, f16, 28mm, ISO 100
2A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/1250, f4, 70mm, ISO 100
2B Sony 28-70mm
1/640, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
3A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/10, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
3B Sony 28-70mm
1/10, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
4A Zeiss 24-70mm
0.4, f5.6, 50mm, ISO 100
4B Sony 28-70mm
0.5, f5.6, 50mm, ISO 100
5A Sony 28-70mm
1/8, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
5B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/8, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
One could argue that the DXO test of the Zeiss lens indicates that 24mm or 70mm is not where the Zeiss zoom shines, and that f16 is not the sharpest stop as well. That is true. When I shot I do not want to think in terms of the perfomance of the lens and its strong point (maybe I should?), but rather which settings (in my amateur photographers' head) are the most 'creative' ones (that will achieve what's on my mind). Hope it makes sense. Somehow
Would you be interested in more comparison shots?
Please find below the EXIF data for the five pairs (the original post will be edited with that info as well).
The Zeiss in itself is not a bad lens, in some cases its IQ is better than the Sony - no contest. But to me photography is not about pixel peeping at 100%, its about the general feel of the photos, what emotion does it bring. For some reason, the Sony zoom seems more "appealing" overall.
The exact same settings in Lightroom were applied for each pair (copy/paste of all settings from A to B). White balance was set identically for each pair, based on my taste (6000K for the outdoor shots under a bright sun and 6500K for the church at dawn). The post-processing might not be to the taste of everyone (nor my images
), but this is usually how I edit my photos. No lens correction was applied, because again, LR 5.3 does not have the profile for the Zeiss and I did not want to give an advantage in this regard to the Sony.EXIF:
1A Sony 28-70mm
1/80, f16, 28mm, ISO 100
1B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/80, f16, 28mm, ISO 100
2A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/1250, f4, 70mm, ISO 100
2B Sony 28-70mm
1/640, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
3A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/10, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
3B Sony 28-70mm
1/10, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
4A Zeiss 24-70mm
0.4, f5.6, 50mm, ISO 100
4B Sony 28-70mm
0.5, f5.6, 50mm, ISO 100
5A Sony 28-70mm
1/8, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
5B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/8, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
One could argue that the DXO test of the Zeiss lens indicates that 24mm or 70mm is not where the Zeiss zoom shines, and that f16 is not the sharpest stop as well. That is true. When I shot I do not want to think in terms of the perfomance of the lens and its strong point (maybe I should?), but rather which settings (in my amateur photographers' head) are the most 'creative' ones (that will achieve what's on my mind). Hope it makes sense. Somehow
Would you be interested in more comparison shots?
Mar 20, 2014 at 03:30 PM
p.3 #10Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
No thank you no more tests for me. Your results are not consistent when any other reviewer of these two lenses that I have seen. f16 is not somewhere I would ever use either of these lenses on either body unless I had to. On the A7R the 28-70 is not acceptable at any focal length as far as I can see but will tested again tomorrow.
Mar 20, 2014 at 03:44 PM
p.3 #11Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Would you be interested in more comparison shots?
Yes, more comparison shots!
Yes, more comparison shots!
Mar 20, 2014 at 04:02 PM
p.3 #12Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
The copy of the Zeiss lens used in this test may be a bad one? That is the danger of one guy doing one test and extracting results and conclusions that everyone interprets as universal... still, at this price point some QC is expected?
If possible, please do post your results as well.
If possible, please do post your results as well.
Mar 20, 2014 at 04:05 PM
p.3 #13Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes, more comparison shots!
Well, you asked for it! Be prepared...
This time I'll do less processing on the images and post the EXIF right away (oh, and I'll try to stay away from f16 ^^).
Earlier quote
Would you be interested in more comparison shots?Well, you asked for it! Be prepared...
This time I'll do less processing on the images and post the EXIF right away (oh, and I'll try to stay away from f16 ^^).
Mar 20, 2014 at 04:07 PM
p.3 #14Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Diffraction starts below f8 some people say. The Zeiss seems best at f5.6
Mar 20, 2014 at 04:14 PM
p.3 #15Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Fred Miranda wrote:
Aside from the warm/yellowish color cast from the Zeiss samples, they look very close when looking at this size.
The Sony kit lens is a steal.
Fred
I dont think so. Take a look at the church door in 4A vs 4B. "Alt-tab" between them, The Zeiss is significantly better/sharper at full size. Then check 3A vs 3B. Look e.g. at the steps below the door. Very undefined/mushy in the Sony shot, or focus is off. Or the roof tiles. Zeiss is clearly better though it does not reveal itself in the smaller versions.
(btw, they seem to have somewhat unclear PP to them too, involving some noise reduction or something, some parts regardless of lens look a bit mushy here and there to be honest)
Aside from the warm/yellowish color cast from the Zeiss samples, they look very close when looking at this size.
The Sony kit lens is a steal.
Fred
I dont think so. Take a look at the church door in 4A vs 4B. "Alt-tab" between them, The Zeiss is significantly better/sharper at full size. Then check 3A vs 3B. Look e.g. at the steps below the door. Very undefined/mushy in the Sony shot, or focus is off. Or the roof tiles. Zeiss is clearly better though it does not reveal itself in the smaller versions.
(btw, they seem to have somewhat unclear PP to them too, involving some noise reduction or something, some parts regardless of lens look a bit mushy here and there to be honest)
Mar 20, 2014 at 04:47 PM
p.3 #16Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
wfrank wrote:
The Sony kit lens is a steal.
FredI dont think so. Take a look at the church door in 4A vs 4B. "Alt-tab" between them, The Zeiss is significantly better/sharper at full size. Then check 3A vs 3B. Look e.g. at the steps below the door. Very undefined/mushy in the Sony shot, or focus is off. Or the roof tiles. Zeiss is clearly better though it does not reveal itself in the smaller versions.
(btw, they seem to have somewhat unclear PP to them too, involving some noise reduction or something, some parts regardless of lens look a bit mushy here and there to be honest)
...Show more →
When comparing the full 6000x4000 samples, I agree that the Zeiss is superior in the center and edges, especially with the samples you mentioned. (3 and 4)
Fred Miranda wrote
Aside from the warm/yellowish color cast from the Zeiss samples, they look very close when looking at this size.The Sony kit lens is a steal.
Fred
(btw, they seem to have somewhat unclear PP to them too, involving some noise reduction or something, some parts regardless of lens look a bit mushy here and there to be honest)
...Show more →
When comparing the full 6000x4000 samples, I agree that the Zeiss is superior in the center and edges, especially with the samples you mentioned. (3 and 4)
Mar 20, 2014 at 05:11 PM
p.3 #17Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Here we go again, comparison #2...
There are some major colors differences between some shots ()specially 1A &1B, as these are obviously outdoors and it was a sunny day with some clouds drifting in the sky.
Full res here:
1A
1/40, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
1B
1/50, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2A
1/15, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2B
1/13, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
3A
1/50, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
3B
1/30, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
4A
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
4B
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
5A
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
5B
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
There are some major colors differences between some shots ()specially 1A &1B, as these are obviously outdoors and it was a sunny day with some clouds drifting in the sky.
Full res here:
1A
1/40, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
1B
1/50, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2A
1/15, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2B
1/13, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
3A
1/50, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
3B
1/30, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
4A
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
4B
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
5A
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
5B
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
Mar 20, 2014 at 05:34 PM
p.3 #18Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Looking at the full sizes, there is actually no contest. The Zeiss is far superior in the center and edges:
I believe the FE 24-70mm f/4 samples are:
1B, 2A, 3B, 4A, 5B
They are very close on the "5" sample.
I believe the FE 24-70mm f/4 samples are:
1B, 2A, 3B, 4A, 5B
They are very close on the "5" sample.
Mar 20, 2014 at 06:09 PM
p.3 #19Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
The second comparison is clearly a better set to judge the quality of these lenses. The many details and fine lines reveal much much more the differences between the two lenses...
The bokeh on the Sony is less "agitated" and smoother than on the Zeiss. However, there's no match, the Zeiss is sharper.
On the overall feel and color, it's a tie: very similar with a yellow cast on the Zeiss, or a bluish cast on the Sony. Easily corrected in LR.
To be honest, I do not know if these tests added any value... or if I should keep the Zeiss actually. The outcome is almost opposite to the 1st set. Yet the process was identical.
That's it folks! An interesting but exhausting exercise that I will not repeat soon
2nd Comparison:
1A Sony 28-70mm
1/40, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
1B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/50, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/15, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2B Sony 28-70mm
1/13, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
3A Sony 28-70mm
1/50, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
3B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/30, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
4A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
4B Sony 28-70mm
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
5A Sony 28-70mm
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
5B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
Cheers!
The bokeh on the Sony is less "agitated" and smoother than on the Zeiss. However, there's no match, the Zeiss is sharper.
On the overall feel and color, it's a tie: very similar with a yellow cast on the Zeiss, or a bluish cast on the Sony. Easily corrected in LR.
To be honest, I do not know if these tests added any value... or if I should keep the Zeiss actually. The outcome is almost opposite to the 1st set. Yet the process was identical.
That's it folks! An interesting but exhausting exercise that I will not repeat soon
2nd Comparison:
1A Sony 28-70mm
1/40, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
1B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/50, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/15, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
2B Sony 28-70mm
1/13, f8, 28mm, ISO 100
3A Sony 28-70mm
1/50, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
3B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/30, f6.3, 60mm, ISO 100
4A Zeiss 24-70mm
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
4B Sony 28-70mm
1/15, f11, 35mm, ISO 100
5A Sony 28-70mm
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
5B Zeiss 24-70mm
1/13, f5.6, 70mm, ISO 100
Cheers!
Mar 20, 2014 at 06:21 PM
p.3 #20Sony FE 28-70mm vs Zeiss FE 24-70mm Comparison
Fred Miranda wrote:
Looking at the full sizes, there is actually no contest. The Zeiss is far superior in the center and edges:
I believe the FE 24-70mm f/4 samples are:
1B, 2A, 3B, 4A, 5B
They are very close on the "5" sample.
Spot on!
Agree on the #5 sample. Also, I almost prefer 3A to 3B (despite the loss of sharpness).
Looking at the full sizes, there is actually no contest. The Zeiss is far superior in the center and edges:
I believe the FE 24-70mm f/4 samples are:
1B, 2A, 3B, 4A, 5B
They are very close on the "5" sample.
Spot on!
Agree on the #5 sample. Also, I almost prefer 3A to 3B (despite the loss of sharpness).
Mar 20, 2014 at 06:24 PM