Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

Sony Sonnar T FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

Lens Summary

Brand: Sony

Also Known As: Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

Lens Type: Prime Lens

Format: Full Frame / FX

Focus: Autofocus

Lens Mount: Sony E

Release Date: 2013-10-16

MSRP Price: $998

Made in: Thailand

Production Status: In Production

Lens Description: The new Zeiss Sonnar T* F1.8 lens is another high-quality Carl Zeiss prime lens that has an extra-bright F1.8 maximum aperture for pro-style background defocus effects, making it an outstanding choice for portraiture, low-light shooting and everyday photographic assignments lens. It also has a nine-bladed circular aperture, is dust and moisture resistant and Carl Zeiss T* coating.


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

Lens Specifications
Lens TypePrime Lens
Focal Length55mm
Mount TypeSony E
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)Full-Frame / APS-C
Compatible with TeleconvertersNo
Maximum Reproduction Ratio0.14x
Optical SteadyShot / AntiShake (Image Stabilization)No
Aperture Information
Aperture RingNo
Maximim Aperturef/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/22
Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format)29°
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)43°
Optical Information
Lens Elements7
Lens Groups5
Diaphragm Blades9
Aspherical Elements3
Anti-Reflective / Multi-Layered / T* CoatingYes
Focus Information
FocusAutofocus
Built-in Focus MotorYes
Minimum Focus Distance0.50m
Distance InformationYes
Filter Information
Filter Size49mm
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-on
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingYes
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions64 x 71mm
Weight281g
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack

Lens Construction

Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T Lens Construction

MTF Chart

Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T MTF Chart

guest

6 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Genesis

It seems that Nikon 58mm is not even in the same class compared to this Sony: www.dxomark.com/Lense…0_1254_792

Sharpness difference is shattering and quite embarrassing to Nikon.

Romanas Naryškin

Hey!

You should really read our review. Not every lens is about sharpness :)

Genesis

For me two of the most important aspects in any lens are sharpness and bokeh. As measured in DXomark, Sony is the sharpest autofocus lens ever measured. What it comes to bokeh, there is no scientific measurements for that. But as the lens follows classical sonnar -design, bokeh should be excellent. Typically sonnar-design is not possible to implement with as short focal lengths as 50mm, but the short flange distance in mirrorless cameras makes it possible.

Sad thruth is that you are never going to see a lens like Sony 55mm in traditional DSLR-cameras.

mb-de

@Genesis:

Sadly, wrt Sony Sonnar FE 55 and flange distance you are right. However, (unfortunately for a wee bit more money) there is the Zeiss Apo-Distagon 55 f/1,4 (‘the Otus’) which does work well on classic 35mm film SLRs (Nikon!!!)…

Jenius

That would be nice. But the Otus also cost 4 times more.

Stefan

Hi Nasim,

It will be very interesting if you compare this Sony 55mm 1.8 with the new Nikon 58mm 1.4 lenses.
I know and see from the leaked pictures, that both are very sharp lenses.
I was very excited about the 58mm 1.4 and i preordered it the first day.
I received it, but it has HUGE front focus issue. I am not sure if I want to keep it (with fine tune values +17 +20), replace it, or get the Sony instead. The problem is that even if I request replacement – I need to wait now, as it is not in stock. I have D800 and I’m waiting for A7R.
I would be curious (may be your other readers as well) to see how these direct competitors go against each other.