Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens

Upgraded to 50mm f1.2 GM lens.
Selling this well taken care of lens, clean glass and perfect condition.

Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens.

The Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* is a remarkable piece of glass designed for Sony's full-frame E-mount system. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Overview:

   • The FE 55mm F1.8 ZA is one of the first lenses available for Sony's fledgling full-frame mirrorless system. It was announced alongside the Alpha 7 and 7R camera bodies.
   • This lens falls into the "normal" prime category, meaning it provides a field of view similar to what our eyes perceive.
   • Its relatively fast F1.8 aperture makes it versatile for various shooting scenarios, including selective focus work and low-light conditions.

2. Optical Design:

   • The lens features a 7-element, 5-group optical design.
   • Notably, it incorporates three aspherical elements to minimize aberrations. This inclusion is somewhat unusual for a lens of this type.
   • The lens also bears the prestigious Carl Zeiss branding, which sets high expectations for optical performance.

3. Physical Characteristics:

   • The FE 55mm F1.8 is a compact lens, measuring approximately 71mm (2.8 inches) in length.
   • When paired with the Sony A7 or A7R cameras, it remains more compact than comparable full-frame SLR options, as these mirrorless cameras are inherently slimmer.

4. Price and Value:

   • Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At the time of writing, this lens hovers around $999 (or £910 / €940). Yes, it's decidedly expensive.
   • But remember, this isn't your run-of-the-mill 50mm F1.8 lens. It's a premium offering with Zeiss optics.

5. Performance:

   • Sharpness: The FE 55mm F1.8 lives up to its Zeiss branding. At F1.8, it's impressively sharp, outperforming even the 50mm F1.8 lenses for Canon and Nikon SLRs.
   • Chromatic Aberration and Distortion: These are well-controlled, and vignetting is entirely acceptable.
   • In fact, its sharpness performance comes remarkably close to the legendary (and significantly more expensive) Zeiss Otus 55mm F1.4.

6. Compatibility:

   • Full Frame: Designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras.
   • APS-C: It can also be used on Sony's APS-C E-mount bodies, where it behaves like a classic short telephoto "portrait" lens. However, for APS-C users, the more budget-friendly Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS might be a better choice due to its lower cost and built-in optical image stabilization.

7. Additional Features:

   • The lens boasts a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating, which helps reduce flare and ghosting.
   • It has a linear autofocus motor for smooth and quiet focusing.
   • The construction is dust and moisture-resistant, making it suitable for various shooting conditions.
   • The rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to pleasing bokeh (background blur).

In summary, the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens is a premium optic that delivers exceptional image quality. If you're serious about photography and want a lens that combines sharpness, low-light capability, and beautiful rendering, this one is worth considering.