The Zeiss is far sharper, has better contrast and color too, actually according to my own tests I don't think that Nikon has anything to compete with lens at or around 25mm, including the new super zooms. Then there's the rendering which is very different between the two, my preference is for the Zeiss. Also the Zeiss is very close, almost macro focusing which the Nikon isn't. Most of the above applies if you compare the Zeiss 28/2 to Nikon 28/2.8.
You have both so I will take your word for it as far as sharpness goes, but I find it a bit hard to believe that it is "far sharper". The MTF rating at the photodo site is one of the highest, and Bjorn's opinion on sharpness, especially up close is that it is very high. Also, the AIS version has close range correction (CRC) as another poster mentions, which makes for better image quality up close. It also focusses down to 0.2 meters, which is about 8 inches from the film plane, or about 4.5 inches from the front of the extended lens. As far as build, as mentioned by other poster, I can believe the Zeiss is better, but I can say that I've owned mine for 20 years and it does not wobble.
Hi,
25/2.8 ZF focuses down to about 0.15 meters and at 25mm it has more DOF vs 28mm.
Nikon used to make great products, my old AIS lenses never failed.
I looked at your photo (the detail shot) and I could see CA around the chrome tail light. That is a high contrast area which is where CA will show up - it is generally present in most wide angles and many other lenses. Try others in same situation side by side to compare. Bjorn Rorslett (link above) rates it as having very low CA. He has tested almost all Nikkors and some Nikon mount other brands and is probably the best for subjective evaluations. CA is removable in software and in the latest Nikon cameras.
