I own the 100mm 2.0 Makro ZF (Nikon mount), according to my PROPER tests (tripod, focus indicator, mirror-up, cable release, and sharpening in PP), the 100mm 2.0 beats Nikon’s 105mm 2.8 VR at 2.8 and lower apertures in sharpness performance.

Of course, the out of focus rendition is very creamy like cream cheese or butter and it will stay creamy throughout all apertures (depending on how close you are from your subject). Yes, it’s THAT creamy, it makes you want to drool for a bagel with cream cheese topping.

It could be used at any apertures from F/2.8 to F/8 (for crop bodies, F/16 for “full frame” bodies) without any lens diffraction. It could be used at F/16 (crop bodies, F/22 for “full frame” bodies) at 1:2 magnification as well. At larger apertures (between F/2 to F/2.8), expect some softness but it is completely normal. I didn’t check the corner sharpness because, seriously, who looks in corners instead of the whole photograph?

Comparing it with Nikon’s 105mm 2.0 Defocus Control, they both are tied (Nikon’s have defocus control and screwdriver AF, Zeiss’ have very stiff focusing ring and dreamy optic performance).

You can use any filters of any kind on this lens without resulting in vignetting (if it does, you can simply FIX it in PP at one single mouse click). High quality filters such as B+W, Colkins, Nikon / Canon, or Heliopan is recommended if you want the precise quality.

My advice to you, bring a solid tripod combination and cable release with you. Also leave the lens hood on at all the times. Keep the lens as dry as possible (yes, it is not a “L” lens).

Good luck.