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Reviewbucket.co.uk scanned the internet for Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA (SEL-55F18Z) reviews.
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For Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA (SEL-55F18Z), 138 customer reviews collected from 3 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.9.

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19.3.2015

This is one of the two original prime lenses that were released at the same time as the first generation Sony A7 and A7R cameras (the other lens being, of course, its tiny brother - the Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f2.8.) So - here's what I consider to be its good and bad points:• This lens is SHARP. From f2 onwards, it's scalpel-sharp - right across the image frame. This performance level only appears to decline on the other side of f11, when the effects of diffraction unfortunately begin to degrade the resolved image quality on my A7R. Having said this, I am aware that some buyers have complained about receiving decentred lenses...• Externally, build quality is good.The outer lens barrel is constructed from aluminium (the supplied 'petal' type lens hood is part metal, part plastic), and all exposed surfaces are suitably protected by a coating of satiny black paint• Colour rendition seems pretty neutral (perhaps slightly on the cold side), but this is something that I personally don't object to when shooting RAW• Native distortion levels aren't really too much of a concern. Chromatic Aberration is generally well controlled, too - although I do find that dark silhouettes against a defocused blue sky background can annoyingly sometimes produce conspicuous blue fringe halos. Occasionally, some yellow fringing will also be present. Thankfully, vignetting only becomes an issue at the widest apertures. There will be some coma in evidence, however• The bokeh is perhaps not as 'creamy' as you would expect from a Zeiss Loxia 50mm f2; but the combination of a nine-bladed aperture mechanism and the ability to open the lens up to f1.8 produces pleasing results, nonetheless - although the lens's aspheric elements can certainly introduce some oddly shaped specular highlights at times!• The lens is sealed against the intrusion of dust and moisture, but oddly - there's no seal around the lens mount itself (such as you will find on the aforementioned Zeiss Loxia 50mm f2 lens)• As with many modern digital lenses, this 55mm characteristically produces acceptably rich but slightly 'flat' two-dimensional representations of what should be recognisably three-dimensional subjects within the frame. I find that I'm routinely manipulating distortion and contrast levels quite significantly, when working with RAW files, in order to restore a sense of structural depth!• Using this lens on my A7R (which I must acknowledge is somewhat hampered by its reliance on a contrast-detect AF system), the auto-focusing speed unfortunately seems little better than average• The grooved focusing ring is a decent overall size and seems to rotates fairly smoothly in use. Unfortunately, the fact that it isn't actually connected to a mechanical focusing mechanism (the lens makes use of an electronic 'focus-by-wire' adjustment system) soon becomes disappointingly apparent. For twisting the focusing ring produces such an inconsistent response - devoid of any tactile feedback - that you're often left wondering whether you are actually making any progress at all!• This lens accepts 49mm screw-in filters, which are readily available. However, you do need to ensure that you use only high quality filters in order to preserve the lens's very high imaging standards (I would recommend B+W or Zeiss filters)• It's not a broad or particularly weighty lens, but the barrel is certainly long enough to make it feel 'nose heavy' on a comparatively light camera like my own A7R• It is perhaps no surprise that a move to electronic diaphragm control systems (and the need for easy weatherproofing) has led to the disappearance of the good old-fashioned aperture ring from many modern lenses - and along with it, the useful accompaniment of those depth-of-field markings: it is certainly the case with the majority of these Sony-originating FE lenses, anyway. But losing the distance scale as well is still quite a shock to the system - especially if, like me, you're not terribly good at visually estimating distances! Yes - when focusing manually, I do know that my A7R can visually display a distance scale; but as I can personally confirm - this facility is not really of much help when you're using the camera in AF mode!• Further to the previous point, no printed depth-of-field tables are provided with this lens (you have to depend on 'focus peaking', instead, which I'm afraid isn't implemented very reliably on the A7R - and again, it is only available in MF mode• That Zeiss name commands a lot of respect in photographic circles, I know; but whichever way you look at it, this is very expensive for what is in essence an f1.8 standard lens! The price tag doesn't become any more palatable when you discover that this lens is being made by Sony in Thailand (at least, my own example was!) - and NOT in Germany, by Zeiss. Nevertheless, this in all probability is the sharpest lens that I have ever used• You only get one year's standard warranty cover (provided by Sony), whereas genuine Zeiss lenses (i.e., lenses made for and sold by Zeiss, not by Sony) currently receive a standard three-year warranty in the UK. (You have to pay extra if you want to extend the Sony warranty to match)• A drawstring lens case is usefully supplied as standard (although it isn't deep enough to close properly with the lens hood fitted in the 'ready' position)In summary:In terms of its performance, this is a lens that delivers! You can assuredly regard this as being one of the very few native FE lenses that is sharp enough to tax the A7R's 36MP sensor - and it is therefore probably a lens which owners of that particular camera should consider buying. If this was a 35mm f1.8 or 85mm f1.8 lens*, I would of course be absolutely delighted. As it is, the slightly peculiar 55mm focal length does tend to 'fall between two stools' on a full-frame camera - being neither wide enough for general landscape photography, nor long enough for comfortable portraiture (on an APS-C camera, the performance is equivalent to a rather more useful 82.5mm f2.7.) For all its undoubted qualities, I can't quite shake the suspicion (on a full-frame camera, at least) that this is a lens in search of a use - rather than a lens that fulfils a specific role or purpose...All the same, the levels of sharpness and consistency being offered by this lens are truly outstanding; and on this basis, I can therefore wholeheartedly recommend it!(* ...but see the new and very impressive Sony SEL85F18 E Mount Full Frame 85 mm F1.8 Prime Lens - Black!)
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21.5.2018

4 or 5 stars, that's what I keep going between. You see, while this lens is probably the best lens I’ve used to date (I will give context to that shortly), so many e-mount lens I buy always feels overpriced, this is no different. However, you know the price, you don't want a review of the cost, but the lens, so I decided to go for 5 stars.I bought this for my new, and incredible, Sony A7 mark 3, and it was my only lens for it....sob sob. You see, expecting to buy a mark 2, I thought I'd have spare cash for a couple of lens at least, but then I couldn't get a mark 2 when the 3 was so so good. I was jumping from an A6000 APS-C, all my old lens were part-ex'ed and I could now only afford one lens.I read reviews, decided that nifty fifty'ish length was probably the best option to start with, and bought this. Wow.I had problem evaluating this lens, how much of the phenomenally sharp and perfectly coloured, contrasted photos were due to the camera and how much due to the lens. All I knew is this lens did no bad to the photos at first use. Luckily I had some old manual Konica Hexanon lens which I loved, and found to be some of the sharpest on my APS-C (I was getting the centre best of them though). So, I took some test shots, and matched conditions as best I could and this lens bulldozed them down like they were they were a disposable camera. It was a touch sad in a way, as I was looking forward to using my old legacy lens, but how could I with this bad boy. One of those old lenses might live on, it produces the most amazing bokeh, but it's now a very niche use.I've since had bought for me (thanks dad) the Samyang 2.8 35mm, and this is also an amazing lens, and works as a slightly better comparison due to it being a modern AF lens too. This samyang lens is fantastic (and awesome value), but while not far behind it doesn't quite get that wow factor I get with this Sony 55. That said, due to the size and weight of the samyang, I can see it spending a lot of time on the camera, really suites the mirrorless format.So, this is a phenomenal lens that will not disappoint, especially on the new A7 mark 3, and likely will show even more greatness on the A7r. It’s expensive, but still the photos you’ll get will not disappoint.
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25.12.2013

I have a pretty exotic collection of Nikon pro glass that includes the unreal 200mm f2 vr2, the 85mm f1.4, 24mm f1.4 and also the Sigma 35mm f1.4 which I consider my absolute best and favourite lens just for the unbelieveable image quality and build quality at such an amazing price point compared to the Nikon lenses. However, the 200f2 and 85f1.4 have to be the sharpest lenses in my kit bag when you get it right that is.In comes the Zeiss 55mm f1.8. I've only had the A7R for 3 weeks and have been using my 85mm f1.4 for some portrait work via a Novoflex adaptor, and stone me the IQ from the 36mp non AA filtered sensor is quite frankly disgustingly unreal. Every single pore in the skin, nose hair,skin hair, blemish or mark is so visible you can't help yourself but pixel peep just for the fun of it. It's like you've taken a macro shot standing 3 yards away from your subject. I knew the 55f1.8 was good based on the reviews online, but it wasn't quite expecting it to be as good as it is! At f1.8, using the manual focus and peaking to get the critical focus spot on, this thing is so damn sharp and renders incredibly. Some have said that 55mm is a bit of a dead zone for focal length with no real purpose, but I say this lens is an astonishing portrait lens indeed. The bokeh is so smooth and delicious, it is tack sharp even wide open, and stopped to f2 or f2.2 this thing is like a samurai sword fresh off the sharpening wheel.I've only used this lens for a couple of days but in a nutshell it is astonishingly good. It is much much smaller and lighter than I am used to as well, but the build quality is superb, it looks great and feels so damn good on the A7. I cannot wait for Sony to release an 85mm f1.8 and a 35mm f1.8. For now my Sigma 35mm retains the titles as the best lens in my bag, which still staggers me considering how unbelievable the 200f2 and Zeiss 55f1.8 are, but Siggy just got that lens sooooo right.Anyway, buy the Zeiss, it's a keeper.
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20.10.2018

When I got my A7R3 I planned to build up a set of primes to go with the zoom I purchased with the camera, and this was first on my list. If I'm honest before buying I would have preferred a 50mm, but I'm happy to say the 55mm has worked out OK for me; in practice I've not noticed the extra 5mm.The title says it all - this is lens is amazingly sharp. It also focuses very quickly, and I've found it to be excellent for portraits and as a general walk-around prime where wide shots aren't needed.I've noticed some lateral chromatic aberrations (colour fringing at the point focus drops out) in certain circumstances, but it isn't a deal breaker by any means - I'm sure most people wouldn't even notice it.I wouldn't hesitate to use this lens for paid work at all. Contrast is great, as is colour rendition, though I'd say its more neutral than saturated. Camera settings can change this, of course.I like that the lens is relatively compact and very light, which makes it easy to carry as an alternative to a heavy zoom. It's also nice to see that it includes a lens bag and hood, but then it isn't a low cost lens at all.It's pricey but well worth the cost in my opinion, and I stand by my comment about sharpness - it's amazing!
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31.5.2016

I originally purchased the SEL50F18F to go with my A7ii as I couldn't afford to get the SEL55F18Z, and I must say the 50mm did take some great photos. I think my longing for the 55mm got the better of me as it was a lens I had been really wanting for such a long time, so when I had the opportunity to upgrade for a decent price, I jumped at the opportunity.This lens has an extremely solid feel, it really does seem like the build quality was made to the highest standards and to be honest, it looks very smart and professional looking.It makes a great partner with the A7ii where the autofocus was fast and silent, plus when needed, the manual focus ring was incredibly smooth and easy to operate.Results were just as I expected: Sharp,great colour range and lovely bokeh.I have uploaded a couple of photos to show an example of what the lens can deliver.I'm VERY happy with this lens and would highly recommend.
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12.12.2017

Simply put this lens is stunning and the image quality does not match the way it looks. When I first saw it I thought it might be a kit lens .... how wrong could i be. I tend to shoot weddings with 35/85 but I occasionally switch and use the 55mm 1.8 and i am never left disappointed. The focus is fast and when paired with the A7R2 or 3 the image quality is very professional. Something I really love about it is the size.... again something that I thought in the old days was a negative but now I know clients could not care less I use it a lot as a versatile lens. If I could only have one lens it would be this one, and I have some amazing G master and Ziess glass. The only downside is for manual focus for video.Focus by wire is not good to rack focus or be creative as its just strange.
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11.8.2014

This lens does a rasonable job, and appears to focus pretty well on my Sony A7r. However, the manual focusing ring does nothing at all. I believe this is supposed to fine tune the focus. This seems to be a grey area in the workings. Perhaps when the autofocus is established the manual ring becomes disfunctionable; I just don't know! And that is the only reason I have given only four stars - because there is not enough information available about this lens that I can find. I do realise, however, that the camera is best used with a tripod for perfect in-focus shots because I have cameras which which have better stabilisation than the A7r's anti-shake mechanism. Sorry I can't say anymore.JG

17.7.2015

Prime lenses are known for having superior clarity, contrast and a much larger aperture. Well, this lens certainly doesn't disappoint. Its exceptional! compared to allot of primes i have previously used.. At larger apertures like f1.8 some lenses suffer with softness, but lens this is razor sharp! The out of focus elements are buttery smooth! The auto focus is quiet, and fast on an A7ii and A7s E-mount camera system. Use this on the A6000 and it becomes the perfect focal length for portraits. The build quality is a nice solid metal all round, so it will withstand many years of use. It may be a pricey lens, but in my opinion this is definitely one of the best primes ever made.

21.3.2017

This is just a lovely piece of glass. Smooth as silk bokeh, tac sharp and fast/accurate focus. We use it for (4k) video and stills and it gives great results time and time again. It pairs perfectly with a Sony a6300.Previously we had a canon t3i with a 50mm f1.4 canon lens and I just can't use that anymore as the results of this are just so much better (as you would hope for a lens that's over twice the price!)Sturdy construction and nice finish. Would be nice to be able to switch manual/auto focus on the lens body and also my preference is not for a continuous focus ring but the ring itself has a lovely feel.I look forward to trying it on an a7rii when I get one °¬)

24.6.2014

I bought this lens a couple of months ago mainly because I had the 24-70 ZA for general use and needed this for finer copy work. I read reviews saying it was a cracking good lens and studied the optical analyses on some sites so I hoped for something good. It is hands down the best lens I have owned - and I have two best-rated recent Canon lenses. It is pretty flat, sharp all over, almost no aberrations - brilliantly crisp. I cannot fault it; light, and a great fit for my A7R, biggest problem is holding it steady enough when out and about and using full resolution, but with care it is far ahead of anything I've encountered before, and I like to print big so now I can!

21.11.2016

Shipping was horrible as it was done by UPS (it was mentioned delivered when it wasn't, as it was passed to the other shipping companies to deliver it to a much more isolated island, thus tracking isn't available, and once the other shipping company signed for the package, it can't be claimed/tracked anymore, hence it arrived weeks later than the appointed date.)Sharp lens as mentioned in most of the comments! Even though I'm an amateur at photography, the pictures taken were really smooth and bright, great apperture and shutter speed for amazing night photography/astrograph! Also loving the build quality, nice solid slick and "trusty" piece of art! :D

7.10.2014

I wanted a lens to put on my A7R as a general purpose high end lens. In conjunction the photos are excellent, with clear focus, no apparent chromatic aberrations or distortions across the photos. Light capture appears excellent for its small 49mm diameter. The lens is very well made, looks and feels solid. The fit to camera is sound with no movement and the manual focus, when used works well. I have used a slim polaroid circular filter on the lens which is difficult to operate with the slight recess on the front, almost impossible with the excellent lens hood provided, but what's new. High end fantastic lens as you should expect from Zeiss.

26.3.2016

I purchased this lens in early March in London with the Sony a 7RII and do not regret it, the lens has a wonderful solid feel to it and excellent low light capabilities. It's versatile as an everyday prime lens as well as a great for portraits portraits.Using it properly yesterday in a large park in Sao Paulo I was amazed that every shot I took was this great image, even though it was the first time out to actually take pictures. This is a go to lens when ever you are going out. No counts when I understand the eccentricities of the lens and my improved use of it my pics will be even better.

3.2.2015

As might be expected, this lens delivers superior results, particularly when a decent tripod, or flash, is used. It can resolve fine detail, even in difficult lighting circumstances. The colour transmission lives up to the len's T* badge. It's well built, and feels purposeful in use. On a camera with an aps-c size sensor, it's an excellent portrait lens, perhaps delivering some results that are too sharp. Not everyone appreciates seeing the fine hairs, and pores of their skin. This is a very satisfying piece of optical equipment to use. I'm very glad I took the plunge, and got one.

6.3.2015

Very pleased with this lens!!Delivery is another issue. When placing the order, I was advised the delivery would be on Thursday which was fine.However, shortly after placing order, I was informed the delivery would be a day earlier (Wed). This caused me to cancel anappointment I had on that Wed. There was no indication of when the delivery would take place (am-pm).I waited in ALL DAY. The parcel was delivered at 8-45pm!!!!This procedure needs revision. More delivery info would be a big plus.I am now reluctant to order anything that won't fit through the letterbox!

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