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Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests
  
 
Arty73
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p.43 #1 · p.43 #1 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


I looked today in LR for focallengths from my previous Nikon 24-70mm, from the 12.000 shots I’m the most on 24mm and 70mm focallenght.
So... I have the 24GM, to compliment I can use Zeiss 50mm and extend with crop mode to 75mm, or go to a longer focallenhth. I have something to think about.


May 16, 2019 at 05:25 AM
FearlessPhotog
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p.43 #2 · p.43 #2 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


Has anybody used the 50 1.4 with extension tubes or achromat lenses? I’ve mostly stayed away from this lens due to the size and weight while eyeing all the photos with jealousy. However I can get one for a really good price right now and am considering it seriously. Given how big it is, I would realistically only carry this and the 24 GM, which precludes carrying my CV 65 or FE 90. Thanks in advance!


May 18, 2019 at 05:43 PM
daniel.in.la
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p.43 #3 · p.43 #3 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


Arty73 wrote:
For those who have this beautiful lens, how will the Zeiss 50 1.4 compare with the Sony 24mm GM in colour, rendering, etc. can the characters of these lenses compliment each other?

Both seem to render similarly in terms of IQ. The 50 has something unique in terms of the color rendition. It's almost as if the warmness and hues have sort of a classic 'punch' to them. Certain shots out of the 24 give me similar results, but I'm usually composing a different type of shot at each focal length.

50 f/1.4 is tops on my list for all glass that I own. Can't imagine not having it!
May 18, 2019 at 05:56 PM
rcaday3
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p.43 #4 · p.43 #4 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


For those that have had a lens in the recall range, how long it takes for the fogging to show up? Are there any extra precautions I should take? I recently purchased one in the recall range and it looks clean. So I would like to avoid getting it serviced if I can.
May 19, 2019 at 03:15 AM
norwegiandude
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p.43 #5 · p.43 #5 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests




rcaday3 wrote:
For those that have had a lens in the recall range, how long it takes for the fogging to show up? Are there any extra precautions I should take? I recently purchased one in the recall range and it looks clean. So I would like to avoid getting it serviced if I can.

Why not? I sent mine in, it's free, and the lens came back sharper and more centered than it was. For free. Also, if you ever want to sell it, you have official papers documenting that your lens has been fixed - which will increase its value. Deadline for the free repair is October of this year.
May 19, 2019 at 04:32 AM
rcaday3
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p.43 #6 · p.43 #6 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


norwegiandude wrote:
Why not? I sent mine in, it's free, and the lens came back sharper and more centered than it was. For free. Also, if you ever want to sell it, you have official papers documenting that your lens has been fixed - which will increase its value. Deadline for the free repair is October of this year.

Thanks, I decided to send it out. Just got the case and work order number today. Hopefully it doesn't take too long, it's already become my favorite lens.
May 21, 2019 at 10:08 AM
matrix44
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p.43 #7 · p.43 #7 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


My 50mm Planar arrives tomorrow. Looking forward to comparing it to some of my existing lenses. I also have a good copy of the Rokinon 50mm 1.4, which produces great results for portraits, but I will be selling it after doing some comparisons.


May 21, 2019 at 11:21 AM
pwpub
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p.43 #8 · p.43 #8 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


Why not? Because the optical block containing all lens elements gets replaced at service. And this means that optically you receive a new lens, with all the risks attached due to Sony's lens sample variation problem. I've experienced both good and bad optical block replacements.

As such, you got lucky without knowing

Nevertheless, I too would send in the FE 50/1.4 ZA for service. But test the fixed lens carefully for any optical flaws like you would with a new lens.



Why not? I sent mine in, it's free, and the lens came back sharper and more centered than it was. For free. Also, if you ever want to sell it, you have official papers documenting that your lens has been fixed - which will increase its value. Deadline for the free repair is October of this year.
May 21, 2019 at 01:39 PM
norwegiandude
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p.43 #9 · p.43 #9 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests




pwpub wrote:
Why not? Because the optical block containing all lens elements gets replaced at service. And this means that optically you receive a new lens, with all the risks attached due to Sony's lens sample variation problem. I've experienced both good and bad optical block replacements.

As such, you got lucky without knowing

Nevertheless, I too would send in the FE 50/1.4 ZA for service. But test the fixed lens carefully for any optical flaws like you would with a new lens.




I'm not sure what you are implying here, other than extensive knowledge of optical-block repairs, but I didn't get lucky. I sent a possibly faulty product back and got back what Sony promised: a 50ZA free of fault. If I got back a lens that didn't perform like it should, or worse than the one i sent in, it would have gone back again. The sony-rep I talked with also said not all the lenses in the range actually needed a new block, and if you had one of those it would also then be quite prudent to have an actual statement of this from Sony. No?

I'll be the first to admit I wouldn't be able to tell one sample from another in "the variance range" without direct comparison. The 50ZA I sent in, and the one I got back, both produce(d) results I am extremely happy with though.


May 21, 2019 at 03:00 PM
matrix44
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p.43 #10 · p.43 #10 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


My new Planar 50 is arriving tomorrow from Adorama, and I am more excited about this lens than any other lens I have bought recently, including the 24mm GM and the Tamron 28-75.

What is the consensus on bokeh quality with and without EFCS at high shutter speeds on an A7iii?

This may end up being my most used lens, including daylight portraits of my toddler, so I am a bit worried about bokeh quality in bright sunlight if I forget to turn off EFCS. Don't want to leave it off all the time due to the additional wear and tear on the shutter, as well as increased shutter lag, so this is something I will have to manage. I guess another way around this problem is to use an ND filter for daylight shooting, but that is also a clunky solution since I almost never shoot video with my A7iii.

I realize that this is a result of physical limitations, but has anything been done in the latest firmware to mitigate this issue? Any other workarounds I should be aware of?

Thanks!
May 21, 2019 at 10:42 PM
 


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darbo
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p.43 #11 · p.43 #11 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


matrix44 wrote:
My new Planar 50 is arriving tomorrow from Adorama, and I am more excited about this lens than any other lens I have bought recently, including the 24mm GM and the Tamron 28-75.

What is the consensus on bokeh quality with and without EFCS at high shutter speeds on an A7iii?

This may end up being my most used lens, including daylight portraits of my toddler, so I am a bit worried about bokeh quality in bright sunlight if I forget to turn off EFCS. Don't want to leave it off all the time due to the additional wear and tear...Show more →

I took some shots with mine at 1/3200 last week. It lops off the bottom of the bokeh balls, but it doesn’t destroy the image imo. I try to keep the efcs off when shooting that fast, but don’t sweat it when I forget. The lens has nothing to do with the effect.

I’m not a huge fan of the FE 50mm 1.4 ZA bokeh... bokeh balls can be a bit too strongly edge-defined for my taste. It can make for a particularly busy looking bokeh with a background of oof plant/tree foilage. Niggles aside I’m quite happy with the lens overall. The contrast is absolutely outstanding and it can have a tendency to render somewhat a 3d look in some cases.

I haven’t yet added the 24mm GM, but really want to do so as I think the two lenses would make a superb pairing. Presently I’m trying out the oddball FE 100mm GM as I really want a trio of 24, 50, and 100mm lenses; a three prime-lens version of a 24-105mm if you will.
May 21, 2019 at 11:42 PM
daniel.in.la
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p.43 #12 · p.43 #12 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


darbo wrote:
I took some shots with mine at 1/3200 last week. It lops off the bottom of the bokeh balls, but it doesn’t destroy the image imo. I try to keep the efcs off when shooting that fast, but don’t sweat it when I forget. The lens has nothing to do with the effect.

I’m not a huge fan of the FE 50mm 1.4 ZA bokeh... bokeh balls can be a bit too strongly edge-defined for my taste. It can make for a particularly busy looking bokeh with a background of oof plant/tree foilage. Niggles aside I’m quite happy with the lens...Show more →

Those 3 would make a great trio, but if you can take down the 135 GM, hold out for that instead, unless it's too much reach. I love my 50 above all, and the 24 has rewarded me plenty so far. The 135 simply hits with stellar accuracy and renders some amazing images. The 50 however, is simply something that has produced the majority of my favorite photos. It's special and I would need to really look through my 50 shots to see if any of the harsh edging bokeh distracts in any of my wide open shots.
May 22, 2019 at 12:23 AM
matrix44
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p.43 #13 · p.43 #13 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


My 50 Planar arrived today, and based on a couple of hundred shots around the house including portraits of my toddler, all I can say is WOW, this lens is absolutely incredible!

The sharpness at F/1.4 is stunning. Even on an A7iii, I can crop distant subjects and still be left with very usable photos.

AF speed is quite good in AF-C. I don't have the 55 1.8, but compared to my 24 GM, 85 1.8 FE, and Tamron 28-75, I didn't feel that the 50 ZA was lacking in any way. Focus accuracy is outstanding. With A7iii firmware version 3.01, Eye AF was exceptional. It found my toddlers eyes better than any other lens I have used so far. Zero issues there.

The lack of chromatic aberrations even under challenging conditions is one of my favorite things about this lens. I know certain kinds of CA can be reduced in post, but it is still very annoying to open images and be greeted by tons of purple/green/etc. fringing. Really diminishes the lens in my eyes. This lens is rock solid in that aspect. Unprocessed images are very clean, with hardly any CA.

I was expecting it to be a bit too heavy, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it is the heaviest lens I own, it is perfectly manageable. I shot plenty of one handed shots without any issues. The size and built quality make it look imposing in a good way. It feels like a substantial lens that commands respect.

The bokeh quality is amazing, putting to rest any fears I had based on some of the reviews. It may not as soft and dreamy as my Rokinon 50 1.4 in certain scenarios, but I never felt that the bokeh was lacking in any way. Backgrounds just melt away, and the foreground is incredibly sharp, which makes portraits really come alive.

I just got it today, but I have a feeling this is going to end up being my favorite lens on any platform. Of course, that doesn't mean that I won't use any other lenses, but no other lens I have used in the past (A7iii and Nikon D750) has felt this special.

Absolutely worth the price. I was debating between the Planar and the 55, and I am so glad I ended up getting the Planar. Truly special lens!
May 22, 2019 at 11:12 PM
richpjr
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p.43 #14 · p.43 #14 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


I should really not ever come on to this forum. I have been debating about whether or not to pick up the 55 mm as I don't have a prime in that range and this thread is fanning the flames to go for the 1.4 instead!
May 23, 2019 at 01:54 AM
fadeslayer
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p.43 #15 · p.43 #15 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


I just received my A9 with 24-105 G, so my 100-400 GM could come back shooting, and this 50 1.4 will complete my basic setup along with a 16-35 or a prime in the range, but I have to wait a bit, I just burned out all wages available

This is a very dangerous forum


May 23, 2019 at 02:40 AM
KarmaKramer
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p.43 #16 · p.43 #16 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


A lot of it ends up on the buy/sell forum. Its a cycle.

fadeslayer wrote:
I just received my A9 with 24-105 G, so my 100-400 GM could come back shooting, and this 50 1.4 will complete my basic setup along with a 16-35 or a prime in the range, but I have to wait a bit, I just burned out all wages available

This is a very dangerous forum



May 23, 2019 at 07:41 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.43 #17 · p.43 #17 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


When comparing images from both 50/1.4 ZA and 135/1.8 GM, I think they are very similar in look.
Both are capable of high resolution across the frame but contrast is what sets them apart making subjects pop while still delivering pleasant and neutral bokeh rendering.

IMO, together with the 24/1.4 GM, they are currently our best native lenses.
May 23, 2019 at 10:59 AM
Arty73
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p.43 #18 · p.43 #18 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


Do you think the 50/1.4 ZA have a similar look comparing to 24GM? I’m looking for a f1.4 prime setup for replacement of the 24-70 focallenght, indoor reportage style photography no flash allowed.
I Have the 24GM, using with crop mode 24mm + 36mm focallenght, 50mm could be 75mm. (I have consider 85GM but to expensive for now)

Fred Miranda wrote:
When comparing images from both 50/1.4 ZA and 135/1.8 GM, I think they are very similar in look.
Both are capable of high resolution across the frame but contrast is what sets them apart making subjects pop while still delivering pleasant and neutral bokeh rendering.

IMO, together with the 24/1.4 GM, they are currently our best native lenses.
May 24, 2019 at 03:38 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.43 #19 · p.43 #19 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


Arty73 wrote:
Do you think the 50/1.4 ZA have a similar look comparing to 24GM? I’m looking for a f1.4 prime setup for replacement of the 24-70 focallenght, indoor reportage style photography no flash allowed.
I Have the 24GM, using with crop mode 24mm + 36mm focallenght, 50mm could be 75mm. (I have consider 85GM but to expensive for now)



I think the 24 GM has smoother rendering and slight lower contrast compared to the 50/1.4 ZA and 135 GM. To me, the 24/1.4 GM's rendering really reminds me of the 35/2 Sonnar. (RX1)
May 24, 2019 at 10:57 AM
rcaday3
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p.43 #20 · p.43 #20 · Sony Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA tests


Just an update from my previous post on sending the 50/1.4 for service on the recall. If you're in Canada, don't do it. Save the trouble and ask to ship to a repair facility in the US.

The only servicer listed on the Sony Canada website for interchangeable lenses is L2W in Toronto. I'm not sure how they qualified them to be a repair facility but I'm pretty sure it's just a guy in his apartment. There is no business phone number, but someone's personal number. I called numerous times as the lens was delivered 5/20 and did not see any status update on the Sony Case tracker. I contacted Sony support and they asked me to continue calling L2W. I finally got a hold him and he said he will need to call me back. I again contacted Sony support to follow up. They eventually called me and said L2W shipped the lens to Photo Tech in NY (received 5/24) because L2W was incapable of performing the service. I'm not sure if it's standard practice to ship the lens to another country without contacting the customer, but I wasn't happy.

I asked Sony support to follow up with Photo Tech on how long the repair would take. They eventually called me back and said they can't get an answer yet, but they will contact me later this week. So I guess I'm in limbo as to the status of lens for a few more days.

I'm just curious if any fellow Canadians have had their lenses serviced by L2W and what was your experience? It's possible I'm just being unreasonable like my wife always tells me.
May 28, 2019 at 08:59 PM
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