p.1 #1 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
I can imagine that this comparison will be of interest to some here. Here is what I did: a first series of 4 shots (1/3 stop from WO, f:2.8, f:4.0, f:5.6) with the FE 55. Then the same (more or less, it is handeld) with the Loxia.
Shots are SOOC except for the Loxia being rid of CA (default C1 processing). No sharpening, nothing.
p.1 #5 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Hard to make any estimations since the sun seems to be rising with each shot making the last one have more overall brightness. Please share the initial thoughts on how they compare/feel.
p.1 #6 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
It is a very interesting contrast. The Loxia is kind of a "semi-automatic" lens in the sense that it does offer some electronic functions, which a legacy MF lens does not (EXIF, automatic switch to magnification when rotating the focusing ring). Accordingly, the Loxia feels classier than the FE55, but not quite as classy as the ZMs I owned. Very good all-metal build quality, just not quite as buttery-smooth as a ZM. Haptics now incorporate a triumph of the finest German engineering and japanese precision manufacturing: the lens cap actually works!!! Also on the plus side, the focusing throw is (for me) perfect. Not too short, and not too long. Alas, a couple of minuses: the lens shade is finicky, and when it is resting on the lens barrel, makes focusing impossible (?) Also, the aperture ring is thin and close to the camera body, which makes it, again, just a bit finicky. lastly, size and weight are, AFAIAC, perfect for the A7R
p.1 #7 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Now, to IQ. I owned a ZM 50 Planar f:2.0, on which this Loxia is based. I remember a lens that is very transparent, with beautiful colours. very sharp, but not in the "in-your-face" way of a makro-planar.
Wel, the Loxia is clearly in the same mold. If you look closely at the comparison between it and the Zony, you will see that the scaffolding appears much more "3D" on the Loxia. The way that best describes it IMHO is that "it just gets out of the way". It has very little optical signature that I could see, and the rendering is always classy. Wide open, the sharpness fall-off is less than I would have thought, and it is definitely very useable indeed. In effect, the fall-off is not more than on the Zony, a lens noted for its sharpness WO. The sweet spot hovers between f:2.8 and f:4.0, where it is very sharp indeed, but not in the "agressive sharpness style" of the Zony, yet it retains a slightly warm, lush rendering. At f:5.6 and up, it gets just a bit more dry. Those who have used a ZM 50 Planar will not be surprised. 2 issues which I wish weren't there. Corners WO at infinity (the worst case for the A7R) aren't perfect, with a hint of the dreaded mush. Now what lens is perfect under these conditions on a 36Mp camera? And it is just a hint. Just the same, we'd all prefer it weren't there. Also, there is a tad more CA than I'd like (purple fringe). It is easy to clean up, but, again....
p.1 #8 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
How about rendering? Do you feel they are closely related optically ..or different? In the images you posted they look similar at least in colour and contrast.
p.1 #9 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Summary: Zeiss have done their homework well; The Loxia 50 package is a compromise, in terms of cost, size, weight, hpatincs and IQ. While it is not flawless, I find it perfect for my needs. It has a way of just disappeering, adn delivering classy IQ that is just my cup of tea. Lovely at mid-distance and mid-aperture, which is a frequent use for any 50, very detailed and sharp at infinity.
years ago I had a ZE 50 Planar f:1.4 on my 5DII, and the combination just felt "right". I could go out with nothing else, and never be caught short. The lens was weak close up, and weak indeed close up and wide open. But, if I managed to work around these areas, images delivered over and above my expectations time and time again.
The A7R + Loxia are thus as "right", in a smaller, lighter package, with more resolution and fewer weaknesses. What's not to love? IMHO an absolute must-have classic.
The FE55, which I never really loved in the first place, must find itself a new home. AF is not enough to earn it a place in my bag. The thought I had to get a 'Cron 50 R has also evaporated. The "artistic" rendering that it offers, Vs the Loxia's more neutral one is, again, not enough to earn it a spot.
2 shots, just quick grabs...
p.1 #11 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Thanks for sharing. I think I'm going to eventually go with thes loxia's. I would love it if they came out with a roadmap of future lenses planned.
Oct 03, 2014 at 06:18 AM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #12 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Thanks so much Phillipe. A very nice little review of the lens. It looks to have exceeded my expectations. I had in my mind to pass on this one, but I might change my mind.
p.1 #13 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Philippe,
Thank you for the review and evaluation. For now though, I suspect that I will stick with both my Leica R 50mm f2 Summicron and my Minolta CLE MC 40mm f2 M-Rokkor lenses.
As to the new Loxia 35mm lens, that may a different situation for me. I may decide to purchase that lens if it performs as well as the new 50mm Loxia. But, it too will have to contend with the Minolta CLE MC 40mm M-Rokkor lens as well as my Leica R 28mm f2.8 Elmarit V2 (that I suspect is a permanent lens in my collection and even a Loxia 28mm lens will probably not replace). If however, I do get the Loxia 35mm lens, it will probably be financed at least in part by my Leica R 35mm f2 Summicron.
p.1 #15 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
I don't have them, but the Loxia 50mm f:2.0 is nothing more than a classic 6 element double-gauss lens. It has its limit. On the other hand, FE55/1.8 should be light years ahead.
p.1 #16 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
I would love to see some 50 vs 55 comparisons like this, on subjects a few meters away with a background going off into the distance. [He said, selfishly and demadingly.]
p.1 #18 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
philber wrote:
Corners WO at infinity (the worst case for the A7R) aren't perfect, with a hint of the dreaded mush. Now what lens is perfect under these conditions on a 36Mp camera? And it is just a hint. Just the same, we'd all prefer it weren't there.
Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts on the new lens.
How far does it need to be stopped down for the corners to clean up at infinity?
p.1 #19 · Zeiss Loxia 50mm f:2.0 Vs Sony-Zeiss FE 55 f:1.8
Philippe - thank you for your efforts here.
I also noticed for those of us who are the "industry" (and any who just like to shoot video for fun), Zeiss was smart enough to offer this for the Loxia lenses:
