Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Lens Review

Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Lens Review
First Released in 2013 as one of the original four lenses for Sony's new Full-Frame E-Mount cameras (A7 and A7R) does this Zeiss designed lens still shine in 2022?
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[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler

[@bryanlovephotography]

Mark, absolutely love this lens and agree with your review…I’ve had my copy for years and don’t think I’ll ever sell it. It has a sort of undeniable quality to it and it’s size is perfect for travel. I still think it’s one of the sharpest lenses I’ve ever seen. Keep up the great work; your reviews are so wonderful because you give real-world examples, which is so much more meaningful than just charts.

[@555vrx]

Have bought this old lens in 2021 and absolutely love it. Have been used on a6400, can't wait to see it's magic on FF when pre-ordered a7iv arrive. Also will be another perspective without crop factor. Very good lens.

[@petripuurunen2491]

55/1.8 a s real hidden gem. Excellent performer and all-around streetlens.

[@SEAKPhotog]

Very fair review. I've owned a 55 f/1.8 since they were introduced. I think it's a terrific blend of image quality, size and price. Paired with the 85 f/1.8 you get a tremendous duo that's affordable, small, light and of high quality. I've owned both the 85 f/1.4 and 50 f/1.2 and have sold them. I kept the f/1.8 lenses - they really do everything I need them to do. (Not that the faster, bigger brothers weren't amazing, especially the 85, but they were too big and too specialized for me). One upside to the 55 you didn't mention is that it's one of the few Sony lenses that plays well with infrared converted cameras. That's another huge selling point for me.

[@Martin-nu6ym]

I use the 55 for infrared - amazingly good lens. The other prime I love to use for IR is the 135 GM.

[@SEAKPhotog]

@@Martin-nu6ym Oh, very cool. I didn't know about the 135 GM. Thanks for that👍🏻 The new 14 has a manageable, mild hotspot that's easily corrected in PS up to about f/5.6 (depending on one's hotspot tolerance).

[@charruaporelmundo]

Give a try to the voigtlander 50 mm apof2, yea manual, but it is a mix of the gm and zeiss, best optic in a small package,… again… if you are willing to do manual. It is my most used 50( own gm and zeiss 55 )

[@SEAKPhotog]

@@charruaporelmundo thanks - I've owned a ton of 3rd party glass and have sold most of it to simplify my life😉

[@charruaporelmundo]

@@SEAKPhotog me too🤦🏻‍♂️… .. even Voigtlanders and zeiss for leica mount but this one… is a keeper. I got the fe mount.

[@findbinnu]

I own multiple GM lenses and they are spectacular, but the microcontrast and punch of this lens is truly amazing, especially if you render the raws through DXO software - like seeing the world through new eyes.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

no one does this in-depth explanation of the Sony format better than Mark Galer! thank you for the effort and sharing. i am a very appreciative subscriber. BIG thumbs up.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ARlELATOM]

I own this lens and I must say it is absolutely fantastic. It is not only sharp, but produces very smooth pleasing bokeh, unlike other lenses. There is something special about the images it captures. A very classy lens 👌

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for sharing

[@Hsukhaybir]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills can you please reply to my message I’ve been trying to reach you in every social media platform .. I’m in desperate need of your advice it’s just one simple question, please!

[@ARlELATOM]

@@Hsukhaybir What’s the question?

[@zapadakofflv8560]

I photograph weddings in a reportage style. I love the 35/1.8 and 55/1.8 probably not the sharpest lenses in the world but they have their unmistakable character especially the 55/1.8 Add to that the compact size and lightness. You can work with them all day and still have fun and desire to invent new compositions. That's more for me than the sterile sharpness of GM lenses. But I admit, you don't have to see it the same way.

[@joits]

My first lens since making the switch to Sony 4 years ago and such a great decision since I loved it for travel and street photography. I bought a 35 1.4 last year and that has become my main lens these days. Still have the 55 though.

[@urban_junglecarry9958]

Ur 35mm GM and the 55mm which would be sharper..

[@joits]

@@urban_junglecarry9958 i think the 35

[@PuReXtremeGaming]

what about 35 1.4 zeiss @@joits

[@martinpickard5818]

I kept this over the new 50 f1.2…..after borrowing the f1.2 I couldn’t say I preferred it over the 55 f1.8 enough to warrant the vast difference in cost.This lens has a quality of its own and is so compact.

[@tc7486]

I’m in a FB photography group and the group’s founder once asked everyone to say what their favorite lens was. This 55 was the one the most people said was their main lens and no one had anything bad to say about it.. I’m picking up my open box one tomorrow at Best Buy. Can’t wait. Been thinking about this lens for years.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The only negative thing you could hear when it was first released was that it seemed to be very expensive for a 50mm f/1.8 prime. As the price point has not moved since it was first released the lens appears better value for money with each passing year (nearly 10 years now). I think the reason they made the focal length 55 instead of 50 was to let the world know that they were not competing with cheaper 50mm f/1.8 lenses.

[@tc7486]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills got mine today but haven’t even put it on my camera yet. I have a Sony 50 1.8 APS-C lens and I preferred to use it when I could. Also a Batis 85 that I love like people love the 55. But with APSC I couldn’t get far enough away in tight spots. I also just got a Sony a7 IV and hope all my problems are solved now. The biggest attraction for me to this lens besides the sharpness, is size and weight. I choked on the price.. still.

[@jamesjin8839]

This was literally one of the first few lens I ever owned in my entire photography journey. I bought a kit lens, a 24 prime, and this. pretty good start and I remembered even back then when I knew nothing about photography, rendering, lens optical quality and composition. I remembered this lens just keep producing some impressive images even in my hands. Fast forward I sold it 2 years ago because I'm really not into that focal length. I sold this lens, together with a 50 1.4ZA(which is just about on par with 50GM)and kept a batis 40 F2. Another zeiss coating lens anyway. It's a pitty that sony no longer partners up with zeiss because zeiss easily is one of the top players in the optical industry. In my opinion, sony, canon and nikon maybe able to keep pumping out a couple excellent lenses for their system every year. But there is just something unique about zeiss lens that just always draw me back to using them despite getting GM primes as a newer substitute option a couple of times each year.

[@DipeshMehrotra]

When i got the notification, i thought youtube is recommending some what 6 7 years old video. It is my go to lense when i go on street. My sony camera bodies have changed manyfold since 2014, but the lense is an investment forever.

[@brettharrisphotography7463]

Still one of the best older lenes to date!!!

[@martinruiz398]

Couldnt agree more with your best value for money primes @11:50 👍🏼

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

We don't always have to use G and GM lenses to achieve great results :-)

[@MrPetrovich100]

Mark, you missed another Zeiss lens in the 50/55 mm lineup - Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Sorry I missed that one - I owned this before the 50mm f/1.2 and was well pleased with the sharpness of this Zeiss designed 50mm. I should have included it - especially when this is a review of a Zeiss lens.

[@mypojam]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I have the 50 1.4 ZA and I absolutely loved the color rendition of it. It's just something else. Stopped down to 2.0 and you can't ask for anything sharper. Downside is the weight really, and there is some AF hunting grumble sound (if you're doing video with it), not a problem if you're not using the onboard mic

[@davidfowers4274]

Arguably my favorite Sony FF lens. I bought it years ago for my A7r2 and it produced incredible sharpness, especially when doing panoramic stitches. For some reason, I sold it a few years ago and always regretted it. I finally bit the bullet and purchased a used copy on eBay and so glad I did. I really missed this lens.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

This lens is destined to become a classic for the E-Mount system

[@holdmyown32]

I started with the 55 1.8 and a6000.

[@drsudarshankas1912]

Dear Mark, you have made a remarkable impression with your presentations which has made me switch over to world of Sony and I am currently shifted to A7IV + 55mm 1.8 zeiss & 85 mm 1.8 and I am enjoying the results. Thank you

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad I could help!

[@gregory.chalenko]

Came to justify owning the FE 55 f/1.8 Z, enjoyed justifying FE 20 f/1.8 G 😀 The SEL20F18G is so good, it rarely leaves my a6500! What a gem!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for sharing

[@robertcudlipp3426]

You are doubtless aware that Dustin Abbott, even quite recently, damned this lens with faint praise. The DXO mark review was of no moment to him. I think it is a great lens, despite later lens released. Also, still love the Sony Zeiss 35 2.8, magic resolution, a very light and simply great street, travel lens. Am not that interested in the mega pixel peepers' views.

[@LtDeadeye]

I own this lens but I'm so tempted to upgrade to the new 50 GM because the Zeiss slows me down due to its lack of on body manual controls. I was hoping this video would talk me from the edge but Mark only managed to affirm that the GM is better lol.

[@lucasliaskos]

My 35mm F2.8 Zeiss is one of my favourite lenses. Ultra compact and great sharpness across the frame. It basically lives 90% of the time on my A9!

[@robertcudlipp3426]

@@LtDeadeye To each their own I imagine. In late Septeember, 22, the 55 1.8 price appears to have eased. Also, I am not invested in the Sony system as such, and was given a Gen 1 A&IV + these 2 magic lens by a brother who was not impressed with the trade in prices offered when he was purchasing a new Song FF system and baiscally all GM glass. Have not checked, but would imagine the 50 1.2 GM is still far more expensive than the 55 1.8, and tbh, the 55 1.8 does everything I want.

[@LtDeadeye]

@@robertcudlipp3426 I’ve since acquired the 50mm GM f/1.2. I’m happy with my decision. That said, my Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 was a great studio lens where I could afford to be slow and not rely on muscle memory for speed (I’ve grown used to working my GM lenses from the on lens controls). My 55 also had CA issues when shot wide open, which is where I shoot most often. I miss the light weight and small size though.

[@sgpork]

This lens is very sharp. Focus quick enough. Small and light. The only problem i had with this lens is the min. Focus distance is alittle far. That affect me quite abit. So I sold it off.

[@LtDeadeye]

I agree. That and the lack of controls on the lens slows me down.

[@troutriver58]

Same issue with focus distance. That really proved to be a problem

[@GregorMima]

After a decade with crop and now with FF... you dont need 1.8 on FF (2.8 ist enough), but its a must have on crop. That´s why most 2.8 zooms dont work on crop (image wise) for me. And That´s why i wish Sigma would rework/rerelease their 18-35mm F1.8 zoom for E-Mount crop. Even adapted probably the best lens for filming with Canon/Sony crop and FF (in crop mode).

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for sharing

[@cameraprepper7938]

I hope that Zeiss will modernize the Sonnar 55mm 1.8 with aperture ring and AF/MF button.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I wouldn't hold your breath. Zeiss have not designed a lens for Sony for many years.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills No, but maybe the will ? I got a cryptic answer from Zeiss, so let´s see in the near future.

[@chris42069]

55 1.8 and 35 2.8 still hold up 11 years later which is pretty amazing. The other launch lenses are pretty weak now in comparison.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Yes. the 35 and 55 lenses still hold up after all of these years ( I still own these two lenses after more than 10 years). There has, however, been some excellent lenses released in recent years. Many of the recent G and GM prime lenses will outperform these two in terms of AF speed and sharpness.

[@poman911]

I have both the 50f1.2 and the 55 f1.8. I like them both especially the 55f1.8 for videos.

[@YariJaluff]

Hi poman, I own the 55 1.8, do you notice if the 50 1.2 is sharper?

[@poman911]

@@YariJaluff oh yes, much sharper to the point that I have to reduce the sharpness in post-processing. The great thing about the 50 1.2 is that for photos no chromatic fringing.

[@YariJaluff]

@@poman911 whoa! Pretty nice! Love to read this. I am goint to buy the 50 1.2 for sure! I'm on a A7RIV, whats your body?

[@HSNG10]

I will never part with my Zeiss 55. It's just the right package of portability and sharpness.

[@andgainingspeed]

The only issue I have with the lens is the tiny bits of flaring while shooting at night, that I might not notice until I'm in post. Its easy to find new well under MSRP, and used at a bargain price.

[@davidlai6798]

Thanks for the review. How does the sharpness compare to the 50 2.5G at equivalent apertures?

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

I have both 50mm f2.5 and 55mm zeiss lens. I think Sony G lens is at least as sharp as this one. It also has much shorter focus distance and faster autofocus. I don’t even mention the size and weight difference. I found myself reaching mostly to the 50mm F2.5 lens.

[@MattSpaugh]

Great video as always. I own this lens and have always liked it but it has always had focus motor issues. It recently got bad enough that I've sent it to Sony for repair. Estimated repair cost was $370USD. Repair of Sony lenses in the US is ridiculous. There are no other options for repair, and it's through a third party that IMHO, takes forever and costs way too much. 50mm for less than $1000 USD, I'd say the Sigma 1.4 Art is a much better value for money proposition. Keep up the great work - love your stuff.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

There is no history that the focus motors being problematic with this lens. I am a member of the Sony PRO Support services and repairs are usually carried out within 72 hours and I get courier pick-up from my place of residence.

[@MattSpaugh]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I'm not trying argue, it's a wonderful lens and I do not disagree with your conclusions on it. And while I certainly respect your title and position, my research yielded a significant number of people who reported focus motor noise and reliability issues. If by "no history", you mean Sony/Zeiss are not willing to admit there have been problems, then I'm sure you're correct. With regard to your 72 hour repair turnaround, you are very fortunate. In the US, repairs are carried out by a third party - and there's only one in the entire country as far as I'm aware. Minor repairs to my 70-200 f/4 took almost 5 weeks and cost almost half the purchase price of the lens. Shipping was ridiculously overpriced and communication from the repair vendor was non-existent. I say all that just to say, count yourself lucky that you get prompt service. I love your videos, you've been a huge help in my photographic evolution and were one of the reasons I switched to Sony after 20+ years as a Canon shooter. Please don't take my comments as confrontational, I'm just relaying my experience.

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

Great review! I adore the 20mm g lens.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Me too!

[@tashihishey34]

I've been sitting on the fence for so long, my backside hurts! Well... Mark, thanks for getting me off the fence and into the Sony eco system. I've finally decided to bite the bullet with the A7iv + Sony 85mm, f1.8.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Good choice 👍

[@urban_junglecarry9958]

Mark love ur content brother!! Which lens is actually sharper in the real world... 55mm 1.8 or the 20mm 1.8 and also on that note, which one is more pleasing to the eye...

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The are both very sharp in the real world but the 20mm is sharper when viewing images at 100% and comparing MTF charts (which is not necessarily the real world)

[@sdhute]

This lens makes a Leica type pop with the images

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It’s one of my top ten lenses

[@Steepcase]

Hi Mark, i have a question: to access the ebooks and the content i need to join your patreon or thats available to the supporters (through the "join" button) here in KZbin? Thanks again for the amazing content, learned a lot from your movies about my new a7R III

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

You need to join at Patreon.com/markgaler - hitting the join button on KZbin joins you to my KZbin channel and not Patreon. KZbin and Patreon members get access to member-only videos but only the Patrons can download the eBooks.

[@GiovanniBausC]

Have you actually tried the cheap FE 50mm f1.8? It’s very sharp when slightly stopped down. Its only real disadvantage is the slowish AF.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for the feedback- The AF is a bit to slow for what I need as I need fast AF when capturing moving subjects while working with shallow depth of field

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you for an awesome review. Can you please compare Sony ZA 55 with Sony G 50 2.5? I tried both on my Sony 7c and I can’t make up my mind. I can keep only one of them. I live in Sweden where the light is dull most of the year but I shoot mostly outside and during the day.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

They are bot very sharp lenses. It really just comes down to preferred size and whether an aperture ring and focus hold button on the lens is important to you. F2.5 is still quite a wide aperture. I help my Patrons arrive at the best choice of equipment to meet their needs on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel. It is more of a conversation where we weigh up advantages and disadvantages rather than me saying 'this is the best'.

[@michaelajoseph6856]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I understand and thank you so much for your answer. I keep the 2.5 one. Fast autofocus, no blurry images at all, smaller, lighter and with an aperture ring. It has character too with good micro contrast. I have also the 35 2.8 Za and I’m very happy with it. It reminds me of PanaLeica 15 1.7.

[@Someone-lc6dc]

Mark, do you think Sony/Zeiss will continue producing this lens or are they going to phase it out at some point? On a different note, any chance we may be seeing an update to the 70-200 f/4? I truly envy Canon users for they got a very compact equivalent.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I don't think we have seen Sony release a Zeiss designed lens in the last 8 years. I don't think the 70-200 F4 will be high on Sony's priority list as there are slower focusing lenses than this one that they will want to update first.

[@joehaircare]

They are my lenses, which I own.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 55 Zeiss is a 'Classic'

[@davidwallace8980]

What happened to the FE 50/1.4Z?

[@cameraprepper7938]

Do you know if there are any differences of the Early version called Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 compared to the later version Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 ?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I think the company stopped using the word Carl in their name. I suspect that is the only difference.

[@danielgsclase]

Should i buy this or 50g 2.5 the price is quite similar now ?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I own both - size or maximum aperture will be the determining factor.

[@WebWay2000]

First one to hit the like button keep up the good work as always. 👍🏾

[@tsizzle]

Hi Mark, recently I got a used 55mm F1.8 ZA. I noticed that both the aperture changes and AF is a bit loud/noisy. I’m wondering if that’s normal or if I might have a bad copy? Does your lens operate completely silent or do you also hear some noise from aperture changes and AF? I noticed it specifically when in A mode, especially when I set aperture to F11 to F22 in AF-S focus mode. I notice that when I half press the shutter button to focus, the aperture seems to open up to F1.8 to help with focusing and then stops down to the smaller aperture (F11 to F22). This process takes a second or two and you can definitely hear some motor noise from the lens. I don’t notice the noise from focusing in video mode however. I just wonder if it’s normal or a malfunctioning lens. Visually, the lens is in excellent condition showing no wear or damage to the glass or body. For reference, it’s similar sounding to this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqqwc2iGqKhkhdU

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Sounds like you are shooting in AF-S rather than AF-C. The lens is near silent in AF-C. Watch my Fast AF in Low Light video tutorial to better understand what is happening with your lens in AF-S and AF-C focus modes on a Mirrorless camera.

[@dinolarsson]

The focusing package of this lens is sliding back and forth on rods with a coil and a magnet, that construction is near silent. The aperture motor can be noisy. When using a low aperture number, the aperture does not open for focusing, and doesn't mask the sound from the focusing package. My example of the lens is quite silent, except for when used on an A7C body, for some reason, that body makes the lens more than twice as noisy compared to my A7 IV. But just like Mark is saying, focus mode makes an impact on it.

[@tsizzle]

@@dinolarsson Thanks Mark and Dino for the clarification and elaboration! I am using it on the A7C and thus confirming your experience, also hearing distinct noises when focusing AF-S mode in higher f-stop apertures. AF-C does reduce the noise. Have you any concerns about the focus motors being held together by "glue" as revealed by Lens Rentals and the potential for becoming detached? www.lensrentals.com/blog/2016/04/a-look-at-electromagnetic-focusing/

[@RRan-dk7ct]

I wanted to ask : what about the auto focusing Noise ???

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I think it is reasonably quiet - only you will hear it, and only then in a quiet room.

[@roberthana8800]

Is this lens good for aspc? Sorry if this is dumb question. I’m new to photography

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I use it on my Full-Frame and APS-C cameras - it produces great results on both. It is more expensive than the E 50mm F1.8 but offers better performance.

[@roberthana8800]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you for your response i recently purchased the a6700 and will probably download your ebook to get more acquainted with my gear. Good day

[@Kubrick789]

Do you think they will update this lens one day ?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I don’t think it will be a priority for Sony as we recently had the 50mm f/1.2 GM taking the total number of primes around the 50mm focal length to six.

[@mariocaprilli7060]

Hello, I own a Sony A7IV how does this perform on this camera? Thank you

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

You will see the samples used in this review were captured on a broad range of full-frame and APS-C cameras without any deviation in performance.

[@mariocaprilli7060]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you

[@troutriver58]

I just couldn't fall in love with this lens and ended up returning it. Maybe I missed something

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Did you listen to Dustin Abbot's thorough, but quite unflattering review of this lens?

[@troutriver58]

@@robertcudlipp3426 no, I wasn't aware of it. I may have misunderstood the real utility of this lens. Not having a MF override was a problem for me. Having to rely entirely on AF seemed a limitation. It could just be something I didn't get used to.

[@LtDeadeye]

@@troutriver58 I have the same issue. I like the image quality but the lack of controls slows me down.

[@nightdonutstudio]

This lens in Aisa is only about $500 or even less brand new. Do not know why.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

A bargain then 👍

[@ytano5782]

I like the lens, but wide open the LoCA are not only a „tiny little flaw“. For Example, I can‘t shoot images with shiny water or blonde hair / white fur with backlight. The worst image I ever shoot with the 55mm was a swan in backlight on water.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Many wide aperture primes suffer the same issues when used with the aperture wide open. Lightroom has tools to desaturate these colours in the Lens Corrections panel.

[@robertfrubeck6582]

Sony a7c

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Was this a question?

[@eViperRabbit]

I sold this lens after using for two years because the image quality was nothing spectacular.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Modern Sony lenses are certainly kicking a few goals but this was the sharpest 50/55mm AF lens money could buy in 2013

[@eViperRabbit]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills totally agree. I sold the 55mm after I got the 35mm GM. The latter opened my eyes.

[@YariJaluff]

It depends of which lens you were using. I was on the 85 1.8 and at least my copy of the Zeiss 55 1.8 is not as sharp as the 85 so I am not impressed either. Of course 35 1.4GM and I think 50 1.2GM should be both sharper