t_streng, you are most welcome to enjoy your new ZA 24. I would be sorry to ruin your pleasure. All the more so as I do not have a copyright on "the truth", whatever this can mean, talking about the subjective virtues -or lack of- of rarefied lenses.
That said, we agree on the fact that there is nothing wrong with this lens. But being part of a forum means, to my understanding, sharing your results, and offering opinions. I have done it, so that other members can make informed decisions. When I posted the pics on another forum, many members agreed with my assessment, some even more severe than I in their judgement. While another member posted his own comparisons of a ZA 24 against a ZM 25, and he is very pleased with his results, as are you. In a way, that makes me happy, because, should others buy ZA 24s and be disappointed, I will not feel guilty for not telling them, because I would have been too Neiss with Zeiss...
, from whom I have bought many delightful lenses. Bt this one does not even come close IMHO.
Have fun! Prove me wrong, and I will be happy to eat my words publicly and buy a ZA 24!
Have fun!