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Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

I just received the FE 50/1.4 ZA this morning. After my initial decentering tests, I was happy to know that I have good copy in my hands.

I will be comparing resolution/contrast at close and infinity distances later on this thread, but for now, I wanted to focus on rendering and aberration control differences for the FE 50/1.4 ZA, FE 55/1.8 ZA and Loxia 50/2 lenses.

These comparisons were done under high contrast lighting with background foliage at close, medium and long distances. This is a stress test for these lenses. If you missed LensRentals optical bench test, check out this thread.

To start, here is the 50/1.4 at f/1.7 vs 55/1.8 at f/1.8: (The 50/1.4 does not step down to f/1.8)

New FE 50/1.4 ZA, FE 55/1.8 ZA and Loxia 50/2 lenses

FE 55/1.8 ZA (top) | FE 50/1.4 ZA (bottom)

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:06 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

the 55/1.8 shows more LoCA aberration. See the 1:1 crops:

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:09 PM

Holger
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

So the top one is the 55/1.8 due to the smaller AOV?

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:09 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

However, out of focus rendition is slightly smoother on the 55/1.8 image at this aperture. (55/1.8 at f/1.8 and 50/1.4 at f/1.7)

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:11 PM

Holger
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Very interesting images. I found the pics of ecarlino valuable. Bokeh looked much less smooth than that of the 35/1.4, for example. A comparison to the Sigma Art 50/1.4 would be nice, too.

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:14 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

The 50/1.4 is sharper at f/1.7 compared to the 55/1.8, has more contrast and has less loCA. See below:

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:16 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

I just noticed that the 50/1.4ZA's out of focus rendition at f/1.7 is smoother than at f/1.4!
update: turning EFCS 'off' gives smoother results at f/1.4 and high shutter speeds. - Link

See below:
(I will be posting my findings as I go. I'm just seeing these results for the first time)

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:23 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Here is a sample of how these lenses render this scene wide open:

55/1.8 (@f1.8), 50/1.4 (@f1.4) and Loxia 50/2 (@f/2)

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:28 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Here is another example demonstrating that the 50/1.4 Planar has slightly better contrast/sharpness compared to the 55/1.8 Sonnar, but the 55/1.8's out of focus rendition is smoother. (bottom image) -- at least when the background is close to the subject. It may change when the background is at longer distances.

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:33 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

It's still smoother when comparing to the 50/1.4 wide-open at f/1.4.

update: turning EFCS 'off' gives smoother results at f/1.4 and high shutter speeds. - Link

So, here are both wide open:

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:36 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Here is a rendering comparison showing all lenses wide-open

(Loxia 50/2, 50/1.4 and 55/1.8, in this order)

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:39 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

How about all lenses at f/2.
Can you tell the difference?
Hint: As I suspected, the new 50/1.4 rendering is very close to the Loxia when they are both at f/2. The 55/1.8 is always smoother with a bit less bite.

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:44 PM

AGeoJO
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Fred, is it fair to assume that the rendition of the new f/1.4 lens is contrastier with more bites than that of the f/1.8 counterpart? We somehow anticipated that the f/1.4 lens' rendition would be more pleasing for portraits closer to that of the 85mm GM, at least, I did. I guess I was wrong then.

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:52 PM

umsl12
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Thanks a lot for your helpful tests, Fred!
50 1.4 is great, no questions, but...Wow, 55mm 1.8 does really well, for its price/size.
I can't tell the difference.

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:54 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

It has more bite wide open than the 85 at 1.4. Probably quite a bit too

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:56 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Here is a quick snapshot showing the size differences:

50/1.4, 55/1.8 and Loxia 50/2

50/1.4 vs 85/1.4GM (The 50/1.4 ZA is slightly taller and thinner)

50/1.4 vs 85/1.4GM (with hoods)

Aug 02, 2016 at 03:58 PM

notherenow
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Three great lenses. We are really spoilt for choice.

Aug 02, 2016 at 04:04 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

Another example showing the 50/1.4 and 55/1.8 (both wide-open)
The 55/1.8 OOF rendering is smoother to my eyes. See the crops below.

Aug 02, 2016 at 04:06 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

and here is the focused area showing they are both very sharp lenses even wide open.

It's possible to see a hint of onion ring patterns in the the 55/1.8 bokeh balls.

Aug 02, 2016 at 04:11 PM

mogul
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests

I wonder which lens on down the track will hold the percentage of value best?

Aug 02, 2016 at 04:11 PM

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