Originally posted by jeffshaddix Nice collection. You should try the ZK 35 some time.
What do you think of the 43 compared to the ZK 50 or DA*55? Also, how does the ZK 28 compare to the FA31, they're pretty close in specs, but perhaps not style.
I used to own two Zeiss ZK 35mm f/2 lenses. Before that I owned the Nikon version of this lens. While technically sharp, it seemed to have a bit more of what I'd call a sterile clinical look to its' images as compared with the Hollywood Zeiss ZK 28mm f/2 lens. Also, I prefer the 25/28 field of views on full frame to the 35's.
I reserve judgement on the ZK28 vs FA31 until after I have used them extensively on full frame. They are both excellent on APS-C bodies, but where they will likely differentiate themselves or not will be on full frame.
FA43 vs ZK50 vs DA55. The DA55 is clearly the sharpest and has the best bokeh (although it has horrible fringing on high contrast edges). The ZK50 has a softer/gentler rendering that I believe will shine on full frame videos. Frankly, the FA43 is probably the lens in my current collection that I am least impressed with - only slightly better than average sharpness and in my opinion it has little if any of the famous pixie dust that the FA31 has.