Sony Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA E-Mount Full Frame Lens
Condition Note: In like new condition without any mold or scratches. It comes with the Sony carry pouch without a box.
Sony Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 Lens.
Sony Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 Lens: A Detailed Exploration
Overview:
The Sony Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 is a prime lens designed for Sony's mirrorless cameras, specifically the E-Mount system. Announced in July 2017, this lens combines Zeiss optical expertise with Sony's cutting-edge technology. Here's what you need to know:
Optical Design and Purpose:
- The lens features a classic 50mm focal length, providing a normal perspective that closely resembles what our eyes see.
- It's optimized for full-frame cameras but works well on APS-C bodies too.
- The large f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh).
Build and Handling:
- The lens is substantial: big, fat, and heavy. But that's because it houses impressive optics.
- It's not a lightweight companion, so be prepared for some heft.
- The build quality is top-notch, with a metal barrel and smooth controls.
Optical Performance:
- Sharpness: The Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 is ultra-sharp from corner to corner, even wide open at f/1.4. This makes it ideal for portraits, street photography, and general use.
- Distortion: There's virtually no visible distortion, ensuring accurate rendering of scenes.
- Bokeh: The 11-blade aperture design produces gorgeous, creamy bokeh. Out-of-focus areas melt away beautifully.
- Chromatic aberration is well-controlled.
Autofocus and Manual Focus:
- Autofocus covers the entire frame on cameras like the Sony A9.
- The diaphragm operates silently, which is crucial for video work.
- The manual focus ring is electronic, not mechanical. Whether you use it depends on your camera settings.
Price and Considerations:
- The Sony Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 is an investment. It typically retails around $1,498.
- If you're willing to carry the weight, it's arguably the best 50mm lens for Sony E-Mount.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Sony Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 Lens is a remarkable piece of glass. It delivers outstanding image quality, especially when paired with Sony's full-frame cameras. Just be prepared for its weight and price tag – but if you're serious about photography, it's worth every gram and dollar!