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

  • mfr: SEL55F18Z
  • SKU: SEL55F18Z
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Product highlights

  • Focal length: 55mm
  • Aperture range: f/1.8 to f/22
  • Sony E-mount lens
  • 35mm full frame format
  • Three aspherical elements
  • Carl Zeiss T* Anti-Reflective coating
  • Dust and moisture-resistant construction
  • Linear motor driven internal focusing
  • Reduced flare and ghosting
  • 9-blade circular aperture

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

Sony's Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens is a standard focal length prime lens that features a fast aperture in a compact, streamlined design. Offering a 82.5mm comparable APS-C focal length, its f/1.8 aperture is bright and quick, which allows you to capture more light and confidently shoot in dimly lit or tough lighting conditions. Sony applied a Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating. This works to combat the effects of ghosting and flares and leads to greater contrast and color fidelity.  This lens creates a 42.9 degree angle of view, a 1.64-feet focal length and accepts 49mm filters. 

The T* coating works with an innovative optical design to suppress internal reflections, for sublime contrast from highlights to deep blacks. In keeping with the Sonnar concept, a large F1.8 maximum aperture can produce beautiful full-frame background bokeh, but you also have the option of stopping down for extended depth-of-field. Linear motor driven internal focusing is smooth and quiet, and a dust and moisture resistant design ensures consistently reliable performance.

Fast F1.8 for Broad Creative Control

Renowned ZEISS contrast and resolution bring out the best in full frame image sensors such as those in the Sony α7 series, and a large F1.8 maximum aperture can produce beautiful full-frame background bokeh. You can also stop down for extended depth-of-field. A bright lens like this is also an advantage when shooting in low light.

Smooth Bokeh Enhances Depth and Dimension

A nine-blade circular aperture works with this lens’s optics to create beautifully smooth bokeh in out-of-focus background areas when desired, with natural-looking highlights that won’t distract from the important foreground subject and details.

Better Image Quality

Advanced technology from ZEISS and Sony combines in a precision optical design with three aspherical elements, two double-sided that effectively reduce all forms of aberration while achieving outstanding image-wide sharpness and contrast. The ZEISS T* coating suppresses internal reflections, for sublime contrast from highlights to deep blacks.

Shoot with Confidence Anywhere

Some of the most exciting images are captured in challenging environments. A dust and moisture resistant design means that the lens will continue to perform reliably in moderately wet or dusty conditions, so you can shoot with confidence wherever those great shots are found.

Outstanding Color and Contrast

The ZEISS T* coating is an important contributing factor, effectively suppressing spurious reflections that can degrade overall image quality. Flare and ghosting are reduced for enhanced color and contrast that give images a deep, three-dimensional feel.

Specifications

Physical
Color Black
Weight 10oz (281g)
Mount
Lens Mount Sony E-Mount
Focus
Maximum Aperture f/1.8
Minimum Aperture f/22
Focal Length 55mm
Maximum Magnification 0.14x
Angle of view 42.9 degrees
Minimum Focus Distance 1.64 feet (50 cm)
Focus Type Auto
Diaphragm Blades 9
Fixed Focal Length 55mm
Lens Format Full Frame Sensors
Lens Type Standard
Special Designs Macro

Questions

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Ratings and reviews

Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Camera Lens

Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens SKU: SEL55F18Z

Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love it! Bought it a month ago and I am so happy with it. Can wait for more Sony lens
Date published: 2019-03-14
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great image quality but with loud aperture noise ! I just bought this lens after seeing so many good reviews, comments and also watching many test videos. Everything is fine except for one thing. The aperture blades are chattering, making noise every time I change them. After a bit of search on internet I found out that many people had this issue as well. I'm still not sure if my lens is faulty or is it just the way this lens is. I'm kind of disappointed because even my kit lens with Sony a7 iii didn't make such noises. Considering many people say it's an almost silence lens I doubt mine, then again there are many people facing the same issue. Hope someone could give some information on this.
Date published: 2019-01-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Technological Marvel I've owned this and several other Sony/Zeiss lenses for a while now, and this lens is special. It's not the sharpness that everyone talks about. It's the color rendering and bokeh that make it so special. The size and weight are also a big plus. It's just the most reliable producer of interesting images of any lens I've used. Can't say too many good things about it.
Date published: 2018-11-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from New Zeiss 55mm lens This my first Sony Lens and it is wonderful and very sharp
Date published: 2018-07-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from If You Love Street Photography, Must Have. Great prime lens for street photography, food, people and any daily use. Pro: Sharp, excellent pic quality Beautiful Bokeh Light weight Tiny size Con: N/A
Date published: 2018-05-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Gorgeous Lens! Extremely bright, light and feels solid. I just got it and it will use it everywhere!
Date published: 2018-04-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Well designed Light, easy to use, excellent image quality! Can use for portraiture.
Date published: 2018-01-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excellent picture quality - noisy focusing The only negative I can say about this lens is it can get a little noisy when it's focusing. Coming from G Master lenses which are completely quiet, this may be important for video people. For them I would recommend the ZEISS Loxia 2/50 which is manual only focus lens. Little cheaper. About the same small size and weight.
Date published: 2017-10-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Clean and Clear. I bought this now knowing if I would use this on a regular basis. I actually find this to be a go to lens for me. It's small enough to use almost anywhere. I find it to be fast and give me the clean results I'm looking for. It worked great on my A7 & A6300.
Date published: 2017-09-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Favorite Lens I absolutely LOVE this lens with my Sony A7II. It takes great pictures.
Date published: 2017-05-07
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great Lens Purchased this lens to use with our Sony A7sii & couldn't be happier. The lens not only captures great color and depth of field for video, but also works well with the A7sii low light capability. The only reason it received a four star is we feel it coud've been a faster lens for focusing. The pictures this lens are beyond amazing. Overall the build is very well & definitely great quality.
Date published: 2017-01-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great lens! works as I expected Great outputs, light weight, and perfect for street, landscape, and portrait shots
Date published: 2016-11-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from In comparison to the 50mm 1.4 Zeiss. Well, I had to scratch that itch folks. I own the 50mm 1.4 Sony Zeiss and bought an A7. Couldn't resist the need to compare. What can I say? This lens is sharp- stupid sharp. At 1.8 compared to the 50mm 1.4 at wide open...the 55 is sharper in the center and less CA. Almost non-existent CA. Side by side they are negligible at F2 and down, but the 55 comes out ahead in terms of corner sharpness. I see it as a preference. It's a bigon design where the 50mm is a planar. For portraits I personally find the 50mm more pleasing in how it renders bokeh. But really, the differences are splitting hairs. For the price, I think it's safe to say that the 55 is pretty much a steal and a system mover lens. It's also really small and light- I was caught off guard by this. Differences between 1.4 and 1.8 are almost non existent. The 55 was an excercise in what could be done when optimal conditions were met in terms of focal length and speed. Zero complaints- how could you? Great job Sony.
Date published: 2015-04-03
Rated 1 out of 5 by from great lense, just dirty inside I purchased this lense, had to return it because its dirty inside from manufacturing(chromatic aborations everywhere). I received the second lense to replace the first one, that lense was even dirtier inside. Not happy and not sure what to do anymore. waiting back for response from the place I purchased it from as to what I can do. if sony had more choices for lenses, i would just get something else. but the selection of lenses is pathetic.
Date published: 2015-03-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Absolute best obtainable lens you can buy. The single most Must-have lens out of all the Nikon/Canon/Sony bodies I've had. Currently the only FE lens I have for my A7ii.....and I'm still ok with that.
Date published: 2014-12-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Guest 55 mm lens Bought this as a standard lens for my A7R. Razor sharp with great color accuracy.
Date published: 2014-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Super Sharp little GEM! This is one of the sharpest 50mm lens I've ever used. It's also silent and fast so what else could you ask for. I just don't understand why some people buy a third party manual 50mm lenses such as Voigtlander, Leica, etc... plus adapters when this lens is "native" and can perform at the same level or better not to mention that you can use it in auto as well. Some may argue that the a F1.2 or f1.4 is the reason to get a third party expensive lens, however, until you see the sharpness and silky butter feel bokeh on this lens, you'll never know how good it is. All A7, A7R, and A7S owners should have one of these lenses in their photo bags. I know mine doesn't leave my camera.
Date published: 2014-10-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best native lens yet for A7! The FE 55 1.8 is flat out a great lens. Edge to edge a top performer. Have used it for landscapes, with a close focus tube for macro shots and portraits. Probably the best overall lens I've ever used. Hopefully more lenses in the FE line will live up to this.
Date published: 2014-09-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from As "advertised" - Tack sharp Really sharp (as others have commented). Great focal length for portrait or general use. I've used it a bit for landscape, and photo merge multiple shots when I need a wider field of view. Works OK, but 35 mm is also very sharp, and perhaps better for some landscape shots.
Date published: 2014-09-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Superb Lens This is one of the very finest lenses I've ever owned or tried. Using with the 36mp a7r which will show up any weakness. Superior resolution, color rendering, and contrast. It's very good even wide open. Has excellent bokeh. Focuses accurately.
Date published: 2014-09-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very Sharp lens Great build! A wonderful sharp lens
Date published: 2014-09-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Stellar - my new best friend Sharpest most usable prime I've owned. Light throughput is excellent; rivals or surpasses any 1.4 I have and will give some 1.2s a go. If I only had 1 piece of glass, this is my first choice. Rarely if ever in a bag - always mounted - never left in studio. On the A7r it's a telling lens; if you err, there is no escaping detection. Conversely, when you nail it, the results are spectacular. The separation and "3D" feel are absolutely Zeiss and the images produced have their unique signature - I know instantly if an image was made with this lens or not. Buy it and never look back.
Date published: 2014-09-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Exception Lens The professional reviews are "on target," describing this as one of the best lenses Zeiss has made. It is crystal clear from edge to edge. Pure Zeiss quality, just as you would expect. Matched with the a7 or a7r, it produces amazing clarity and color with beautiful, creamy bokeh. (Attached image captured RAW at 1250 ISO and converted to Jpeg. Only adjustment was white balance. No sharpening.)
Date published: 2014-09-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Prime Lens!! This is a great lens, might be a little pricey for some. I own a Nex-7 and it’s ridiculously sharp. I'm happy with the results. This lens is a must have with great depth of field too. You will be happy with your purchase.
Date published: 2014-09-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Outstanding Lens The portraits produced by this lens and my Sony Nex-7 digital camera are, quite simply, outstanding. I would rate this product with 6 stars (though Sony only made 5 available).
Date published: 2014-09-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from so far, so good Bought this lens along with the A7R. So far I love both of them. The A7R is nice and versatile, and I use several lenses with it, besides the FE 55. I'm really looking forward to using the 55 more, though.
Date published: 2014-08-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Superb. This is a fantastic lens....absolutely stellar in every right. It's sharp as a tac with great contrast and pleasing bokeh. To my eyes anyway, I can' tell the difference from 1.4-1.8....the lack of speed is absolutely non-essential. In fact, its probably the reason Sony was able to nail the performance on this lens throughout it's aperture range. One thing though, the sample picture in the ad on this page of the girl is driving me nuts. Yes, you can see how much shallow DOF you can get with this lens doing portraits. However, her left eye is completely out of focus....not a professional shot in any way. Could have picked a better example IMO. Back to the lens. Yeah, its awesome.
Date published: 2014-07-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from amazing lens I really love this lens. It is the lens that is always on my A7. I rarely use any other lens. It is extremely crisp.
Date published: 2014-05-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The Perfect Match for a Sony A7r Love the lens!
Date published: 2014-05-05
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excellent Prime lens High quality prime lens that allows full usage of the 36 mp alpha 7r. Has decent bokeah when wide opened. Only wish is that it was an f1.4 instead of a 1.8. For the price charged, that would have been a reasonable expectation. Right now FE mount lenses offer few choices but I'm sure this will change. Still the first lens I would choose in the FE offerings.
Date published: 2014-05-04
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