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sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

cosign
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I recently purchased a A7RIII body. My interests include general photography, grandkids, but also walking in forest, beach, sunsets, 'landscapes.' I am not a pro, just a hobbyist, and I would like to keep the carry weight down.

I have been doing lots of research, maybe too much and have come up with a few alternatives including the Zony. It seems to be the best compromise of these: Sony FE 50mm f/2.5G, Samyang AF 45mm f/1.8 FE, Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. Are there any others?

Thanks : )

Nov 17, 2023 at 09:01 PM

Ghostinz
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I have a 55/1.8 and it is a great lens! You can find pretty good deals on them used.

Nov 17, 2023 at 09:26 PM

QuietOC
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

cosign wrote:
I recently purchased a A7RIII body. My interests include general photography, grandkids, but also walking in forest, beach, sunsets, 'landscapes.' I am not a pro, just a hobbyist, and I would like to keep the carry weight down.

I have been doing lots of research, maybe too much and have come up with a few alternatives including the Zony. It seems to be the best compromise of these: Sony FE 50mm f/2.5G, Samyang AF 45mm f/1.8 FE, Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. Are there any others?

I haven't tried the 2.5/50G, Viltrox 50mm F1.8, or the Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN C.

For me: 45i >> 1.8/55ZA > Samy 45 = 2.5/40G

The Sigma 45i just makes better looking images. That is what I like.

The ZA Sonnar is pretty good. The glued linear motor is a weak point. Even well-aligned examples have axial CA and onion ringed OoF points. It is just as out-of-date as the third-party lenses as far as features support. It has seals.

I am a fan of the plastic Sony FE 1.8/50. The AF motor is slow and noisy but durable. Simple unit design so less variation. It doesn't show onion rings. It has better IQ than adapted planars I've tried. I sometimes think about buying it again, but the 1.8/55ZA is mostly better. The helicoid is not sealed, but the AF motor and gearbox seem fairly protected judging by the example I cleaned up.

Sony FE 2.8/50 Macro. Even slower than the FE 1.8/50. Very sharp for close ups. I use it a lot for products. MF annoys me. Sealed.

Samyang 45mm is fine. I like the images more than the Yongnuo below, but I generally prefer images I got from the FE 1.8/50. Not sealed.

Yongnuo 50mm F1.8S DF DSM very sharp, I haven't liked the OoF so far. I probably should have gone for the Viltrox instead. Quick, slightly noisy AF much like the Samyang and Sigma. Looks to be the best sealed of all of these despite having a USB-C port.

Edited on Nov 18, 2023 at 10:27 AM · View previous versions

Nov 17, 2023 at 09:50 PM

jharter
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

The 55 is a great lens. It does have issues with chromatic aberration but that is usually manageable. Sharp as a razor. I like the focal length and it is an enjoyable single walkaround lens.

Nov 17, 2023 at 10:22 PM

omarccx
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

It's a lovely lens if you like the FL. My only regret was not getting it earlier.

Nov 17, 2023 at 10:51 PM

freaklikeme
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I really like the Zony on APSC. It chops off the worst of the transverse CA issues on the edges (which never go away, no matter how far you stop down) and has strong across-the-field sharpness from wide open.

On FF, I'd prefer a different 50ish, and my choice would be the Sigma i50/2. Gorgeous bokeh with a gentle focus roll-off at wide apertures. It's not perfectly corrected for CA, but it's an improvement and, more importantly, it's all gone by f/4. Plus it's really well built.

Nov 17, 2023 at 11:16 PM

philip_pj
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I got mine early on, late 2013. I can only say good things about its reliability and overall performance, and especially its versatility. It became a lens for many to dislike, and sadly it turned into a pile on! Mine has fared well in untold kms of rugged jeep travel too. I can't say the same for some other fancied optics.

Pictorially you get a reliably bright and detailed image with low curvature and excellent colour, and fine stopped down IQ. Images work well in post, with notably good 'presence' and clarity. Highly recommended by a real long term user. I just checked and saw two for under $400 on Buy and Sell here.

Sharpness is not a problem - see this analytical comparison of the 55mm against some very fancied 50mm opposition (Otus, Summilux, etc) and, well, the rather surprising results:

https://3d-kraft.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151:adorable-50s-otus-noctilux-summilux-hyperprime-sonnar&catid=40:camerasandlenses&Itemid=2

Nov 17, 2023 at 11:51 PM

Outstanding
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I will highly consider Sigma 65mm F2, it's league above all of these 45-55 lenses mentioned. It's a modern optics, whereas 55 ZA has started to show it's age on 42/50/61MP bodies.

Nov 18, 2023 at 01:43 AM

GHarris
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I think this comes down to what exact focal length / framing you really like. The differences between lenses are smaller than whether the focal length is right or wrong for you. You've named strong examples in each focal length. It's up to you to decide whether 55mm is too long for all-purpose walkaround, for example, or whether you'd rather have 45mm and your choice is mostly decided by that.

If you do like 55mm, then this lens is honestly a great choice. But decide about your focal length first. That's my suggestion.

P.S. It's plenty sharp on your 42 megapixel sensor, just like it is on mine.

Nov 18, 2023 at 03:11 AM

tuomkok
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

Ghostinz wrote:
I have a 55/1.8 and it is a great lens! You can find pretty good deals on them used.

I sold my 55/1.8 to fund bying 50/1.4 GM, but that was mistake. I do not regret buying the GM, I regret selling that lovely little 55mm. These two lenses excell in different areas. 55/1.8 is for street, family, travel and 50/1.4 GM is for occasions when size does not matter. I must buy the 55/1.8 back

Nov 18, 2023 at 03:18 AM

nehemiahphoto
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

Contrary opinion for this thread. I always find this lens tantalizing with the structural of the draw, smooth bokeh, small-ish size, great flare resistance, sharpness and fast AF.

But the files are rendered in a flat way for my tastes, and that’s a a somewhat common complaint with this lens. The MF experience is atrocious, and the LoCal can be problematic.

Still, given sized used prices and technical Iq, pretty great option.

Nov 18, 2023 at 03:19 AM

k-h.a.w
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

I got my Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA when it first was available. I still have it and enjoy using it. I shoot raw files and when used appropriately the lens delivers great results to my liking. It’s certainly a great walk around lens.

Lately I have added the FE 50/1.2 GM that’s a very different kind of beast, also very enjoyable to use. But it has not replaced the 55/1.8. Both lenses see a lot of use and both lenses deliver sharp images.

K-H.

Nov 18, 2023 at 06:23 AM

cosign
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

wow, thanks for the replies guys! Well, in full disclosure I bought a hardly used one from a local camera shop (yes, there are still a few around) for $450. It is returnable though; I guess I'm having a bit of buyers remorse. I didn't realize this lens was so old.

It does sound from your responses that it still is a good walk around lens. Maybe I should have started with a 35, but it was right there at a competitive price.....?

Nov 18, 2023 at 07:38 AM

isohw
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

cosign wrote:
wow, thanks for the replies guys! Well, in full disclosure I bought a hardly used one from a local camera shop (yes, there are still a few around) for $450. It is returnable though; I guess I'm having a bit of buyers remorse. I didn't realize this lens was so old.

It does sound from your responses that it still is a good walk around lens. Maybe I should have started with a 35, but it was right there at a competitive price.....?

A lot of good pieces of advice I agree with

my 2 cents, considering it's the only lens you will use/carry with your body :
- 55mm FL could be too tight most of the time for a 1 lens solution, I would rather pick a 40-45mm (35 too wide IMO)
- even if old 55 ZA is still a very sharp lens with fast AF (don't worry about age)
- sigma 45 rendering is way better (subjective) so I don't use my 55 anymore
- don't choose your FL based on price, especially for a 1-lens solution
- if you do not know what FL to pick start with a zoom (might be the small Sony 28-60, sigma 28-70) or a not-too-tight prime as you can crop and figure out what FL you want (28 / 35 / 40ish)

Nov 18, 2023 at 08:03 AM

Chris_88
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

cosign wrote:
wow, thanks for the replies guys! Well, in full disclosure I bought a hardly used one from a local camera shop (yes, there are still a few around) for $450. It is returnable though; I guess I'm having a bit of buyers remorse. I didn't realize this lens was so old.

It does sound from your responses that it still is a good walk around lens. Maybe I should have started with a 35, but it was right there at a competitive price.....?

Only you can know whether the 55mm FL works for your intended use.

People seem to gravitate to either 35 or 50mm for their walkaround lens of choice (40mm has become more popular again in recent years, thanks to the CV 40 1.2 and the Batis 40). I'm in the former category, as I like the wider view which a 35mm provides me with.

That being said, as somebody who has used a 55 1.8 for a decade, I can recommend it. People will endlessly complain about the supposed lack of character, too little punch, onion rings at mid distance, CA, and what not, but I still like mine, which I have had since day one. It's sufficiently sharp (at least to my eyes), and if you want more pop, you can always toy with sliders in post.

If you really feel the urge, you might always pick up a 35mm prime (like the Sony 35 1.8 or the Sigma 35 2) at some point later.

Nov 18, 2023 at 08:07 AM

cosign
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

isohw wrote:
A lot of good pieces of advice I agree with

my 2 cents, considering it's the only lens you will use/carry with your body :
- 55mm FL could be too tight most of the time for a 1 lens solution, I would rather pick a 40-45mm (35 too wide IMO)
- even if old 55 ZA is still a very sharp lens with fast AF (don't worry about age)
- sigma 45 rendering is way better (subjective) so I don't use my 55 anymore
- don't choose your FL based on price, especially for a 1-lens solution
-...Show more →

Thanks for the reply; this lens is hopefully the first of a few - I was considering a 35, and then an 85ish prime (Sigma 90/2.8 or Samyang 75/1.8).

After that perhaps a zoom, like the Tamron 28-200. I wouldn't take all 4 at once, maybe two of the primes at a time....?

thanks

@Chris_88,
Thanks for the post; I didn't see your reply until after I posted; you make a good point. As I noted I thought it best to start with a 'normal' lens, and I also thought the price on the lens I just bought was competitive. Perhaps I was wrong on that.

Regarding what to do, I usually don't shoot wide open that often given the subject matter, so having a fast lens is less important (no BIF or sports as well), so perhaps to go along with the Zony (if I keep it) a Sony 40mm 2.5 G (its much lighter than the Sigma)?

Edited on Nov 18, 2023 at 08:30 AM · View previous versions

Nov 18, 2023 at 08:11 AM

isohw
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

cosign wrote:
so perhaps to go along with the Zony (if I keep it) a Sony 40mm 2.5 G (its much lighter than the Sigma)?

40 and 55mm is close.
Might be wiser to pair 55mm with a 28m and 90ish+ mm

Nov 18, 2023 at 08:50 AM

Ghostinz
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

Nov 18, 2023 at 10:05 AM

ramesesthe2nd
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

Great lens. Super light and sharp. Bokeh is a little busy. 55mm is a little too tight for indoors. I had 55mm for a bit and sold it. I eventually purchased Samyang 45mm on a great deal and I don't see much difference in IQ, and it is a little wider and a lot cheaper, so I kept it. I also have Sigma 45 and IMO it has better rendering than other lenses in this range, but its AF system is awful, and I wouldn't recommend it.

The awesome thing about Samyang 45mm is that I don't worry much about handing it over to my kids and family members to take pictures. When I use more expensive lenses, I don't feel as comfortable other people touching my gear.

Nov 18, 2023 at 10:21 AM

cosign
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · sony sonnar t* fe 55mm f/1.8 za for walk around lens?

Thanks for the suggestions; I certainly will consider them in what I do. I should mention that carry weight is an important factor for me; "can't be a good lens if you don't take it with you."

The thing I am struggling with is the trade off between weight and lens performance as it relates to primes and zooms. And of course budget constraints. I like the way primes render subject separation, but zooms are so convenient...so many variables.

The way I went about trying to limit those variables was to create a spreadsheet with several primes in three categories, 35ish, 50ish and 85ish. I didn't include zooms, as it gets way to complicated. I then rated weight, cost, and reviews by about a dozen reviewers. The result was clearly subjective, but it allowed me to cull the herd somewhat.

The problem is based on your replies is that its not a simple as that. When I go out to shoot, I will carry a couple of light primes or a zoom. I need to figure out how to find a reasonable compromise within budget that doesn't negatively affect the quality of the resultant photograph too much.

Sorry for the long winded post, but given the terrific suggestions, I though to provide a bit more context.

Nov 18, 2023 at 10:51 AM

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