What is wrong with this A99 pic w/Zeiss 16-35 2.8?

I just received my Zeiss 16-35 2.8 lens for my A99 and I noticed a strange blurring of the foreground. After some testing, I set it to 28mm and did a test shot, then put on my Tamron 28-75 2.8 set at 28mm and shot the same scene. Both on tripod, both wide open (but earlier shots at f6 are the same) and look at the foreground difference. I don't have to tell you about the huge cost difference between the two lenses. The white X was my focus point, and both have similar sharpness here. Can anyone tell me why the Zeiss is so OOF in the foregound? Is it just a faulty lens? Please click "original size"link to see the detail. Thanks, Bill

A99 w/ Zeiss 16-35 2.8 above



A99 w/Tamron 28-75 2.8