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Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

I just received my Loxia 25 today and had some time to test it at infinity distance. First, I tested it for decentering using my usual method and luckily this copy is well centered even at f/2.4.

Physically, it looks pretty much identical to my Loxia 21, only slightly taller. (Same weight, thread size, etc.)

Checked field curvature and it has the same shape as the Loxia 21's where the corners need a full hard stop and the center a tad before it. The amount of field curvature also seems similar also but perhaps milder in comparison.

_______________

The new ZEISS Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Lens for Sony E Mount is now Available for Pre-order:

B&H Photo | Adorama ($1,299)

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Quick field of view (FOV) comparison at infinity distance.

Field of View Simulation: Loxia 21 vs Loxia 25

Apr 12, 2018 at 06:33 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

At f/4 (optimal for both lenses), the Loxia 25 is slightly ahead towards the corners. (It's a very small difference but it's there)

At f/5.6, same story and f/8 both show visible diffraction.

In real world images where extreme edges are not filled with small detail, I don't believe this can even be detected.

Apr 12, 2018 at 06:33 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Their mid-zones are very similar even at f/5.6.

Apr 12, 2018 at 06:34 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

At center they are both so crispy at f/4, which seems to be optimum for both. Amazing performance so far.

Apr 12, 2018 at 06:34 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Flare performance test with the sun just out of the frame. This causes ghosting flare with many lenses, especially zooms. No sign of contrast loss or ghosting with either lens.

Top: Loxia 21
Bottom: Loxia 25

Apr 12, 2018 at 07:59 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

That’s very good Fred, nice test.

Apr 12, 2018 at 08:00 PM

rji2goleez
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Looking good so far. If these lenses continue to be neck and neck, it becomes a focal length and gap preference. I still wish it were a 28mm, then it might be a no brainer!

Apr 12, 2018 at 08:31 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Here is the Loxia 25/2.4 @f/2.4 next to the FE 28/2 @f/5.6 towards the corners... (taken at different days)
Both lenses seem to be close to 26mm.

The resolution and contrast level is just not even comparable 2.5 stops apart. (especially towards the corners)

Apr 12, 2018 at 08:36 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Yea 28 would be nice but getting a little to close to my 40. I’ll have 15,25,40,85 that’s a great manual focus kit for me. One thing is I grew up for many years with a 24mm so I like this focal length. When I had the Loxia 21 I sort of just jumped to the 15 a lot.

Apr 12, 2018 at 08:38 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

Fred Miranda wrote:
Here is the Loxia 25/2.4 @f/2.4 next to the FE 28/2 @f/5.6 towards the corners... (taken at different days)
Both lenses seem to be close to 26mm.

The resolution and contrast level is just not even comparable 2.5 stops apart.

That’s pathetic. I just could never warm up to that 28 f2.

Apr 12, 2018 at 08:39 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

I’m in folks. Just bought one

Apr 12, 2018 at 08:45 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

For those thinking about keeping both Loxia 21 and Loxia 25 lenses, here are resized images showing their field of view:

Apr 12, 2018 at 09:06 PM

mudlake
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

GMPhotography wrote:
That’s pathetic. I just could never warm up to that 28 f2.

The 28/2 sharpens up very nicely at f/8 and f/11. And for taking people shots it really shines. Obviously it’s not the lens the Loxia 25 is, but for 1/3 the price it’s a bargain jewel.

Apr 12, 2018 at 09:18 PM

smpetty
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

I wish that I could make a case to keep both lenses, but the difference in FOV/AOV is too small to matter to me. The Loxia 25 gaps better with my MF kit (15, 25, 40, 65, 110 (when released)). The only problem is that I also own a razor sharp Batis 25, and duplicating a focal length seems unnecessary. I don't know... I like having separate AF and MF kits, and the more MF photography I return to, the more I like it. But AF is needed in many situations. 24-28 is my favorite focal length range, so I may keep both Zeiss 25's. From the comparative shots that I've taken over the last two days, I'm not sure that I can tell the difference between the lenses.

Would it make more sense to give up the separation of MF and AF kits, swap the Loxia 25 for the 21, and add a unique focal length to my kit?

Apr 12, 2018 at 09:25 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

mudlake wrote:
The 28/2 sharpens up very nicely at f/8 and f/11. And for taking people shots it really shines. Obviously it’s not the lens the Loxia 25 is, but for 1/3 the price it’s a bargain jewel.

I just never got a great copy. I saw that image before and quite good. I just need to get to 5.6 for people shots across the frame.

Apr 12, 2018 at 09:41 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

smpetty wrote:
I wish that I could make a case to keep both lenses, but the difference in FOV/AOV is too small to matter to me. The Loxia 25 gaps better with my MF kit (15, 25, 40, 65, 110 (when released)). The only problem is that I also own a razor sharp Batis 25, and duplicating a focal length seems unnecessary. I don't know... I like having separate AF and MF kits, and the more MF photography I return to, the more I like it. But AF is needed in many situations. 24-28 is my favorite focal length range, so I...Show more →

Your in the same boat as me without a real paddle

I’m light in the AF side sort of . Sony 24-105 and Batis 135 which covers the event stuff but sometimes I get in trouble with low light and the zoom. I can do one of two things maybe three. Lol
Go back to the GM 24-70 or grab the Tammy 28-75 coming out than in low light I pick up that extra stop. Or stick with the 24-105 which I do like it’s sharp than grab a fast wide like maybe even a Sigma 24 1.4 or something . The one lens that floats between both kits is the Batis 135

Apr 12, 2018 at 09:48 PM

smpetty
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

GMPhotography wrote:
Your in the same boat as me without a real paddle

I’m light in the AF side sort of . Sony 24-105 and Batis 135 which covers the event stuff but sometimes I get in trouble with low light and the zoom. I can do one of two things maybe three. Lol
Go back to the GM 24-70 or grab the Tammy 28-75 coming out than in low light I pick up that extra stop. Or stick with the 24-105 which I do like it’s sharp than grab a fast wide like maybe even a Sigma 24 1.4 or something . The...Show more →

I set aside money for the 24-105 a while back, but have been backordered for many weeks. The more I use just primes, the more I doubt my need for the 24-105. But if I stick that money back in the checking account, it will go for "necessary" things like food and shelter and gasoline and toilet paper. Where's the fun in that?

Apr 12, 2018 at 09:59 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

The Loxia 25/2.4 is not as well corrected for axial CA compared to the Loxia 21. Here are a few samples under low contrast lighting. (Expect more CA under high contrast lighting)

thumb: Lox 21 (top), Lox 25 (bottom)

Both lenses wide open (1:1)

thumb: Lox 25 (top), Lox 21 (bottom)

Both lenses wide open (1:1)

Apr 12, 2018 at 10:22 PM

pleaseshoot
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

I'm definitely interested in getting a WA loxia eventually. Just not sure if I should get the 21 or 25. Going to pick up the 65/2 tomorrow and while I'm there maybe check out the 21 again.
Looking forward to your thoughts / comparisons and happy this thread exists!

Apr 12, 2018 at 10:34 PM

davewolfs
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon Tests and Comparisons

I’ve always found 24mm boring. Perhaps slightly less so when shot at f/1.4. So for me 21mm wins by default. But the tests are cool!

Apr 12, 2018 at 10:39 PM

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