A perfect pairing for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, the Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens offers excellent resolution and a bright f/1.8 aperture for photographers looking for a high-performing normal-length prime.
• E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/22
• Three Aspherical Elements
• ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
• Linear Autofocus Motor; Internal Focus
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.6'
• Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
The Sony Sonnar Zeiss T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is a prime lens designed for Sony's full-frame E-mount cameras. It was one of the first lenses available for Sony's fledgling full-frame mirrorless system, introduced alongside the Alpha 7 and 7R camera bodies. Here's what you need to know:
Focal Length and Aperture:
- The lens offers a fixed 55mm focal length, which falls into the "normal" range.
- Its maximum aperture is a relatively fast f/1.8, making it suitable for low-light shooting and achieving selective focus.
Optical Design:
- The lens features an optical design comprising 7 elements in 5 groups.
- Notably, it includes three aspherical elements to minimize aberrations, which is somewhat unusual for this type of lens.
- The Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating helps reduce flare and ghosting.
Size and Build:
- The Sonnar Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 is a bit larger than your typical prime lens, measuring approximately 71mm (2.8 inches) in length.
- However, when paired with the Sony Alpha 7 or 7R cameras, it remains more compact than comparable full-frame SLR options due to the slim profile of those mirrorless bodies.
- The lens is also dust- and moisture-resistant, which adds to its durability.
Image Quality:
- Sharpness is where this lens truly shines. Even wide open at f/1.8, it delivers impressive sharpness, outperforming the 50mm f/1.8 lenses for Canon and Nikon SLRs.
- As you stop down, the central sharpness becomes exceptional—especially when tested on the 36MP, anti-aliasing filter-less Alpha 7R.
- Chromatic aberration and distortion are well-controlled, and vignetting is acceptable.
Versatility:
- While designed for full-frame cameras, the Sonnar Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 can also be used on Sony's APS-C E-mount bodies.
- On APS-C cameras, it behaves like a classic short telephoto "portrait" lens.
- However, users of APS-C bodies might find the more affordable Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS to be a better choice, especially considering its optical image stabilization.
Conclusion:
- Overall, the Sony Sonnar Zeiss T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens is a superb choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and appreciate the Zeiss pedigree.
Remember, lenses are more than just technical specifications—they're tools that allow us to capture moments, tell stories, and explore our creativity. So, whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or everyday life, this lens has you covered!