Upgrading the Sony 55mm 1.8 Zeiss | 50mm 1.4 GM

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Check out my full review on the 50mm 1.4 here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWmQdn9nrcinlas

[@jasonwrites9186]

Fun timing, I actually shot my first engagement shoot with the 55 today. I had the pre-order for the 1.4 but cancelled it. The 55 was used but "like-new", and was $750 Canadian. So a full grand less than the 1.4 brand new - I know this is a unique case. It's a lovely lens, and cost aside, I'm happy to lose that extra bit of sharpness that I don't need on a wedding day for such a light lens.

[@JensMowatt]

I think the form factor and weight are the reasons I’m sticking with the 55mm. It’s small and compact for street photography, which helps a lot (as soon as you have a big lens people notice you and don’t necessarily continue acting natural). I’d love to have the extra speed of the 1.4, but to be honest I feel like the size would be a hindrance for what I shoot.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

People don't only look at the lens, they see the whole thing: camera + lens together. For ex, if you have a Nikon Z9 + their new 26mm pancake lens, people ARE going to notice you even though the lens is almost invisible.

[@emielkeultjes]

I love it for its size as well! And the price secondhand is awesome 🎉

[@zapadakofflv8560]

I love my 55zeiss. Many times I wanted to buy the 50/1.4 but the photos brought me back to earth. But the 50/1.2 will be just right for my wedding photography. 55 stay with me forever!

[@T29BSB]

I’ve recently got the Zeiss 55mm and I’m amazed of the quality for such an old lens and a steal of a price, I’m happy with it

[@seanjameson3544]

Another straightforward and practical review, thanks Chris, it was just what I needed to see; your closing comments helped bring me back to a practical reality. I was so tempted to get the 1.4 to match my 24 & 35mm GM's. Despite the occasional colour fringing and sometimes busy bokeh (neither has been much of an issue), the 55mm is actually all I need. The colour, contrast and sharpness is still bloody good. On the rare occasion that I have to deal with a lot of specular highlights, I'd still reach for my 100mm STF GM (a very misunderstood and underrated lens). Like you said, if I could write it off in tax then yep, I'd upgrade for sure. Thanks again.

[@bertabbel7476]

Many thanks for this comparison. It helps me a lot to decide to send the 55 Zeiss in retirement 😊

[@JamesClark1991]

Love that you always link to RAW files. So helpful!

[@mykelneid6152]

tbh the 55 holds up quite nicely concidering its age and price tag - but still interesting that the 1.4 can even up the sharpness a notch since i find the 55 to be plenty sharp.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Agree with all that

[@shawnandmavis]

Winter comes and travel starts, same here in Tassie. Heading to south island this winter!!

[@KevinKienitz]

The sharpness comparisson is crazy. I've always considered my 55mm to be very sharp. Amazing what these newer Sony lenses are capable of.

[@bumelant4379]

Thanks for attaching the RAW files! After playing with them for a while, I can clearly see the extra sharpness when zooming 100%. It doesn’t however really translate to extra sharp portraits looking at normal size - those are great on both lenses. To me the real advantage is flair resistance of the GM, and perhaps 5mm focal length difference if you don’t have a 35, but that would play out for better or worse depending on a shot.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Yeah it’s definitely a better lens but doesn’t make much of a difference for clients

[@caught_in_my_eye]

I dont have any of these lenses and and was thinking of the 50 1.4 GM as i wanted to move back to 50mm from 35. I sent back the 35 GM because it was TOO clinical. You have saved me some money as the 55mm had never been an option but after comparing your results i much prefer it over the 50GM. i prefer the compression and the bokeh and less clinical sharpness. Sharpness for me is so overated. I also prefer the smaller form factor.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

All great points

[@Deathignator]

Thanks, this is the video I needed. I'll hold on to my 55 and upgrade a different lens 😄

[@ThomasPhamKESAT]

Thanks for this comparison. On my 65 TV, I actually like the look that came out of the 55mm better. I couldn't really tell which lens is sharper or not. Thanks for the review.

[@leemjfreeman9856]

Still love the 55. Sticking with it for now. Might go for the Sigma 50 1.4 eventually, especially as the 85 Sigma and 105 Sigma are my fav lenses.

[@eike.zender]

So beautiful pictures - photo and video wise. Really like the colors!!

[@BRCPres1]

Thanks for your thoughts Chris. You helped ease my mind as I just traded in my 55mm Zeiss for the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM earlier this week. Bob G

[@frankiebmedia9003]

Me: Buys the 50 1.4 because it is sharper Also Me: reduces sharpness and adds grain in post because the images are too sharp lol.. *sigh*

[@RonK]

Cool video, likely will stick with the 50mm f/1.2 GM for now despite it being heavier. btw - I tend to compare focal lengths in percentages; that's why 20mm to 24mm feels like a different planet, while extending from 300mm to 320mm seems like nothing to write home about. that's why the 50mm feels "surprisingly wider" than the 55mm

[@faebbs]

Thanks Chris!

[@foxtrotgolf5698]

Because you ride a motorbike too, i’m subscribing. Keep up the good work.

[@sisdl15]

Thanks this was a great comparison. Were most of the shots taken at 1.8 and 1.4? I was surprised that the shallow depth of field was pretty similar, I was wondering if the extra 5mm adds a bit of bokeh/compression.

[@MurrayMcMillan73]

Nice video as always Chris. I actually ended up deciding for the 1.2, I fell in love with it last year when I hired it so it's now here for start of wedding season in Scotland :)

[@nikatbileli6534]

Cool clip I loved it by the way what would be the difference in sharpness at F8 is it drastic? Would be nice to know as I do studio work mainly lower aperture.

[@through_the_lens_art]

I think Sony will will finally release updated version of 50mm 1.8 (similar quality to 35mm 1.8). I had 50mm 1.4 GM and sold it as it was too large. I may buy again if I will even need it for professinal work. It was crazy sharp all the way from 1.4 tough :)

[@halimrahman]

I've upgraded to F1.2 but it is a bit bulkier and heavier. Somehow, the DoF is like working with 85mm F1.4

[@jseasphotography8627]

I had the 55 years ago sold it bc I needed the money but I think I might get it again

[@jonoy4375]

I would keep 55 for small group photos where no need f1.4, and I have owned 135gm & will invest in future 85gm ii

[@ECDPhotography]

Thank you for doing this review!

[@oliverlison]

What a difficult question. During the course of my photography I have had many lenses in my hand. In the end I ended up with a 2/50mm and 2/35mm. A f2 is good enough and f1.4 or even f1.2 is not needed in most cases. The only 1.4 lens I am using now is an 85mm. The problem I have is that all new lenses are only sharp and lose character.

[@mynameistrd6841]

photo comparison in 4:42, we can actually add texture in lightroom and get similar result to the left pane, can't we? :) saving a lot of bucks for it lol

[@jonathanalfred9847]

Sony 50 f1.4 gm or the new Sigma 50 f1.2 Art ?

[@Alastair6]

I just sold my 55mm 1.8. I'm getting the 50mm 1.4 GM. Seeing your review makes me feel that I did the right thing. Thanks. A couple of questions for you, do you shoot compressed or uncompressed? Do you think there's a big difference? Are you contemplating going to the a7RV? I have the a7RIV and I'm thinking about going for the a7RV.

[@RandumbTech]

If you only plan to post your mages online, compressed is more than enough. I’ve examined the files side by side and can’t see a difference - even at 200%. I’d recommend taking some test shots and doing a similar analysis with your specific camera to confirm.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

I always shoot compressed. There’s no difference. And no not the R5 for me

[@aarybalchenko]

Hello, I am writing through Google Translator. please describe in more detail, does it make sense to switch from 55mm to 50mm f1.4? I find 50mm more interesting. Noticeable difference?

[@alexhunnter]

Thanks 🍷

[@Robloxisgood179]

Hi. I wish to get a 50mm lend. Which would you recommend? Sigma or Sony 1.4? Also I own 85GM. If I swap it to sigma 85 would that be a wise move?

[@The_Essential_Light]

I think if you had never seen the results of the 1.4 the 55 would still be just fine. I don’t see a reason to upgrade. My most used Sony lenses are the 24-105 f4 , 85mm 1.8 and the 24mm 1.4

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

I agree the 55 is still a great lens. Like I said in the end of the video, I don’t feel like I NEED to upgrade but I want to.

[@michaelkerekesh2442]

I like your videos for honesty and honest review. With other bloggers, I feel venality. I believe and trust your review. Thanks a lot

[@randyamerson4324]

Considering the same upgrade. Any regrets?

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

None

[@ilaion11]

Hello, Chris! I notices that the highlight in your video have some added glare to them, at least this one, do you use some kind of haze filter on? Sorry for asking, but what is it? I am sure you mention it somewhere in your videos but I am yet to come across it. Thank you!

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

There’s no added glare in these. No filter, no photoshop. I use a promist filter on my 35 but not in this video

[@ilaion11]

@@ChrisTurnerPhotographer Thank you! I am not saying to have used it on the 50 1.4 or 55 1.8, but filming yourself in the car is where I've noticed the misty highlights. I need this so much in my photography, I feel like there are those moments where the harsh contrast of modern lenses just ruins the vibe.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

@ilaion11 oh yeah the vlog camera has a promist on it

[@jambononi]

The value of the 55mm though. I'm looking at a 55mm with a few scuff marks on it for £275 vs £1300 for the 1.4 (or the new Sigma 1.2 for the same price). It's just absurd how close these two lenses are considering that massive price difference.

[@F-DivinePower]

this 50 F1.4 is optimized for videographer , little bit weak for photo shooting, so either choose F1.2 version, or keep 55mm f1.8 for photography

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

How's that.

[@user-pv6lj2no2d]

Lmfao! Let’s hope!🤞🏾I wouldn’t want to give it back either 😆 This was very detailed as well as enjoyable to watch. I instantly subscribed! In saying that, I wish I hadn’t seen this comparison cause I was more than content with the Zeiss. Now? 😅 but I’ll save it for when it’d be put to better use. I don’t have the luxury of simply just wanting it, yet.

[@pyroBlastM]

Any difference when you shoot both at f2?

[@vncdvncd8331]

Nice vid, thanks. Let me ask- which mist filter did you use to film it? I can see its there but would like to know if it was 1/4 or 1/8?

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

I always use the 1/8 now. I find the 1/4 too strong

[@vncdvncd8331]

@@ChrisTurnerPhotographer but was it Nisi? I found out that different brands have very different glow strength. For example tiffen is very subtle (1/4 is probably similar to 1/8 of nisi)

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

@@vncdvncd8331 yeah nisi

[@cameraprepper7938]

I will keep my Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 because it is a 55mm Lens !!! I have never liked the 50mm focal length, ANY focal length ( from 45mm and) shorter and (from 55mm and) longer focal length. But I will be happy to see an upgrade of the Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 with better optical image quality, an aperture ring and a AF/MF switch (58/60mm 2.0 will also do it for me !). Right now I use my Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 Aspherical ( plus my Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical) much more than my Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8

[@yunli8526]

you can try sigma 65mm F2

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@yunli8526 NO ! That Lens is dependant on software to correct Lens design faults ! The Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 Aspherical is much better !

[@JD-eo6cp]

I know the video is singing the praises of the 50mm f/1.4 GM but I think it's actually sold me on the ZA 55mm. I like the little bit longer focal length and I like the ZA 5mm shots at least as much as the GM shots. The other lens reasonably close to this focal length I've been looking at is the Sigma 65mm f/2, but I'm struggling to get excited about it even though the image quality is better technically (as with the GM). The ZA 55mm images often seem to speak to me more for some reason (although I do hate the colour fringing and the onion ring specular highlights when those things show up).

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

The 55 is great, I don't think I'm really singing it's praises I'm more just pointing out the reasons why the 50 is "better"

[@JD-eo6cp]

@@ChrisTurnerPhotographer Well, to me, saying the 50 1.4 GM is better than a lens you've said for a long time is a great lens (the 55), you're familiar with the 50 1.2 GM and on balance you are happy with tehe 50 1.4 GM, and that you've decided you want to switch from the 55 to the 50 1.4 GM, is singing the praises of the 50 1.4 GM, but fair enough if that's not how you would describe it. And I can completely understand why you and others may prefer the 50 1.4 GM. It seems like a great lens. Your shots wtih the 55 make it seems like it would be a good enough lens for me though, and I like the idea of the little bit of extra focal length and the smaller size and lighter weight. Looking forward to seeing more 50 1.4 GM shots in your future videos.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

@@JD-eo6cp well it is a better lens lol I mean what else do you say. The 55 is great. The 50 is just better

[@JD-eo6cp]

@@ChrisTurnerPhotographer I believe you! Although in my case, 55mm versus 50mm is a big drawcard. Anyway, hopefully I will get a chance to try both of them for myself one of these days.

[@BJJgurl]

I have the f1.2 and it is beastly big and heavy though technically excellent. The f1.4 strikes a better balance. I just bought a used 55/f1.8 because the f1.2 is not at all inconspicuous either.

[@mmariattheresa]

Advise needed please.. So I have the 24-70 GM but I’ve been thinking of selling it for this 50 1.4 GM. You think its a great idea?

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

That’s impossible for me to answer for you really. It depends what your doing

[@mmariattheresa]

Photos most of the time. But yeah it is a critical decision to make. Better i keep the 24-70 until i find a reason not to. Thank you for the reply! 🙌🏻

[@jae52247]

Try to take pictures at 50mm with your 24-70. See whether you can live with that focal length at all times. If the 24-70 is the only lens you own right now, it is probably not a good idea to move to the 50. Prime lenses require more planning, thinking, and walking. But, you will gain two stops (4 times) of light at the maximum aperture (F1.4) vs the 24-70. And, the depth of field will be a lot shallower. So, it is probably better to save money to get the 50 in the future or sell the 24-70, get a cheaper 24-70 equivalent like the Tamron 28-75, and save money to get the 50.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Oh if it’s your only lens I definitely wouldn’t be switching for the 50 haha

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Clients are not going to see the difference, but you will, and you will enjoy the extra quality of life. Still, that 55mm f1.8 is amazing considering it's almost 10 years old.

[@hariantosuhendro1428]

biggest difference 55mm visible chromatic aberration

[@MrStanHimself]

Is this video shot Slog 3 mate? Cheers!

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Yeah mate

[@MrStanHimself]

@@ChrisTurnerPhotographer looks great!

[@jwate]

Personally I don’t see a reason to get the 1.2 with the 1.4 out now, and I own the 1.2. Good choice.

[@japantour9136]

Hello! NICE channel. I'm your fan ＋👍🔔

[@Reviews4fun1]

I’m not a pro but I really like the Sigma Art line. 24, 24-70, 85 for me. Also the 16-35 GM when I want wide and Tam 70-180 when I want long. I’m not married to one brand. I shoot around 😉

[@ElReySupr3me]

The only benefit is the weather sealing.

[@QuietOC]

Sony does not claim that the GM is more weather sealed than the Sonnar.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

The 55 isn't weather sealed at all. The GM is. That's what Sony told me personally

[@TheEndHK]

You shot the 50 1.4 at 500iso while the 55 1.8 at 800iso, the result must be the 50 1.4 a lot better though I admit F1.4 is one of the main reason pay for the extra money.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Theres no noticable difference between 500 and 800. And that's how it would work on the real world when you can only go to 1.8 vs 1.4.

[@rykhen1459]

I just got my 55mm zeiss. Hihihi

[@valcrist7428]

The difference is hard to tell... since 1.4 provides better bokeh.. and 55mm provides better bokeh as well. So let's just go technical. 55mm pulls bigger background.. 1.4f pulls more light (a bit better in low light).. The 55mm 1.8 is MUCH smaller, lighter and cheaper (good for long hand held photo session). To be honest 5.. difference is *meh* and kind a subjective (some a wanted a bit narrower.. some a but wider.. but only 5mm so... *meh*) The only advantage of the 1.4 is it pulls a bit more light.

[@amisgohome]

I started with the A7r2 and the 55 1.8 went to the A7r3 and then A7r4 and 95% of the time it's the 55 1.8 on the body Amazing lens low weight and build to last I will rent a 50 1.2 for the next shooting and see if I like it But won't ever sell the 55

[@stkuj]

TBH, I’ve never found Zeiss lenses very sharp. I’ve owned two and sold them immediately because they’re too soft. BTW, I recently sold my 50 1.2 GM that I love. Definitely would replace with 50 1.4 later this year ( might consider new Sigma too).

[@deathbystereo-]

My 55 won’t ever be sold

[@AR-vf7vg]

If you(!) doubt it is your conclusion, it is probably because you should have said it right at the start.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

What are you talking about.

[@_rhapsodist]

it would have been interesting to see the difference stopped down too

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Noted. I did add some raws from stopped down shot but yeah, they are very similar past like 2.8

[@mikeldelamo252]

Im selling my 55mm because its horrible for night events, keeps hinting and it ruined many great shots

[@jamesssten]

Maybe you are not good enough to do it. This is not lens problem 😀

[@Zimmermann310]

The 55 mm 1.8 ist a phantastic lens I would never upgrading to the 50 mm 1.4 GM. The 50 mm 1.4 cost much more but is not much better or maybe not better at all.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Let's ignore focal length difference. The GM is worse in 2 things: size and weight, and better in everything else: IQ, AF, controls, build quality, weather sealing.

[@Zimmermann310]

@@youuuuuuuuuuutube IQ, AF, and build quality are so minimal different, it is not worth to speak about. The IQ of the 55mm 1.8 is excellent. And weather sealing is ok for the 1% photographers they like to make photos in the rain.

[@alexkooistra]

Don’t drive and hold a mic… just drive.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

No one is driving and holding a mic. Look where the steering wheel is 🙄