Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 vs Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 Comparison
Let’s take a look at how the Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 compares to the Sony Sonnar T* FE 50mm f/1.8 lens:
We can see that both lenses have their strengths and weaknesses, but the Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 is clearly better optically. The Loxia 50mm f/2 achieves peak performance at f/4 with excellent center sharpness, but its mid-frame and corner performance are not in the same level as on the FE 55mm f/1.8, which performs remarkably well. The Sonnar design is clearly superior here, delivering outstanding sharpness throughout the frame. The FE 55mm f/1.8 practically has no field curvature and its sharpness is already superb at the maximum aperture.
If you are looking for the sharpness king, the Sonnar FE 55mm f/1.8 is clearly the way to go. But it is not all about sharpness is it? My personal preference lies with the Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2, because it renders images more beautifully in my opinion, particularly when it comes to bokeh. The subject isolation on the 55mm f/1.8 will be slightly better, because you are shooting with a longer focal length and wider aperture, but images from the Loxia 50mm f/2 look more pleasing aesthetically to me. At the same time, the Loxia 50mm f/2 has no AF capabilities, so if you work in a fast-paced environment, the Sonnar FE 55mm f/1.8 will be a better overall choice. At the end of the day, both lenses deliver amazing results, so if you already own one, there is no need to worry about the other.
At this time, aside from the Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC and the Mitakon / Zhongyi 50mm f/0.95, there are no native lenses with a similar focal length for the Sony FE mount, so I cannot yet provide other comparisons. Once more lenses become available and I get a chance to test the above-mentioned lenses, I will be testing those and updating this review accordingly.
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