Zeiss ZE 21mm vs. Zeiss ZE 25mm

I'm looking at adding one of these lens to my bag at the cost of selling my 24-105mm. Since both are around the same focal length, I'm torn as to which one to go with. As a reference, I shoot cityscapes, landscapes, and nightscapes (star trails/milky way). I know there is distortion associated with the 21mm, but it's easily corrected in PS from what I heard.

So judging from what I shoot, which of the two lenses would you go with?

They're both excellent although I'm sure that the 21mm will have a bigger fan club. If I could only keep one then it'd be the 21mm as you can make 21mm into a 25mm if you're happy to throw away some pixels...can't easily do it the other way around though.

Bob

I use the 21 zeiss, haven't had much of a problem personally with distortions

here's some sample images if you dig nightsky stuff

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I have seen different reviews on the 25, but one thing for sure, it's closer to a 26mm lens than a 25mm lens.
I have the 28 2.8 and it's an incredible lens. The 21 is in a league of it's own.

I have a 21 for sale but can't post it here because I haven't posted 30 post. I do have a ebay feedback though. So if you are in the market for a 21 PM me.

The 21 is legendary in the hands of those that can pull the most from it.

You would also find a bigger market for it if you decide to sell it someday. I haven't had any work with the 25mm... but all the reviews and testimonies of the 21mm cant be wrong. Its a classic lens.

Both are excellent and you can't go wrong either way (I presume you're referring to the 25mm f/2 model and not the f/2.8 model). Comparing the sharpness numbers over at Photozone.de, the 25mm is significantly sharper in the middle of the frame, but is less sharp than the 21mm on the edges and corners. I think that may be why the 21mm is so well-regarded: it sharp enough in the center, but keeps on staying sharp across the frame. And that's not to knock the 25mm; it is still impressively sharp across the frame as well - just not as consisently as the 21mm.

I never had any complaints shooting either lens - I love them both equally.

Since you mention architecture, have you considered neither Zeiss and just getting a Canon TS-E 24mm II? It is much more versatile than the standard lenses, like the 21mm and 25mm, yet is sharper still and incredibly well-corrected for distortion, flare, CA, etc. For me the Zeiss 21mm or 25mm are very-nice-to-have lenses, but the TS-Es are absolute must-haves (especially for architecture).

Karl Johnston wrote in post #16498788
I use the 21 zeiss, haven't had much of a problem personally with distortions

here's some sample images if you dig nightsky stuff

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I think you sold me on the 21mm just from those two images.

Just by searching on here, FM and eBay, I have definitely noticed there are quite a few more 21mm for sale than 25mm. So I definitely think I have my mind made up.

Thanks everyone for your replies!

David Arbogast wrote in post #16500849
Since you mention architecture, have you considered neither Zeiss and just getting a Canon TS-E 24mm II? It is much more versatile than the standard lenses, like the 21mm and 25mm, yet is sharper still and incredibly well-corrected for distortion, flare, CA, etc. For me the Zeiss 21mm or 25mm are very-nice-to-have lenses, but the TS-Es are absolute must-haves (especially for architecture).

Funny you mention this. I originally considered the TSE 24mm II, but it's a bit out of my price range (even though I would purchase the lens used). I guess I like the versitility of the Zeiss since I can use it as for both cityscapes/landscapes and astro work (I may end up selling my Rokinon).

nburwell wrote in post #16501019
Funny you mention this. I originally considered the TSE 24mm II, but it's a bit out of my price range (even though I would purchase the lens used). I guess I like the versitility of the Zeiss since I can use it as for both cityscapes/landscapes and astro work (I may end up selling my Rokinon).

Sound logic. A used 21mm is pretty affordable, and thanks to its popularity, they are easy to find. I keep debating about selling mine. I love having it, but also owning the TS-E 17 and 24 II along with the excellent 24-70 II, means it doesn't get as much use as I would like.