Review on Sony FE 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T ZA Full Frame Prime Lens (Fixed) by Aashit Sharma ᠌

Name: Sony FE 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T ZA Full Frame Prime Lens (Fixed)
Item: Sony FE 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T ZA Full Frame Prime Lens (Fixed)
Rating: 5

September 13, 2022

I really like the product, it fully meets my expectations.

Background. Had a Canon 5D Mark III with a fleet of optics (35mm,17-40mm,100mm,70-200mm), then bought an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II as a travel option (Olympus 8mm Pro,12-40mm Pro, 75mm, well and another 30mm "fix" from Sigma) and Canon began to get bored in the bag more and more often, I had to sell it (later I recalled how I carried a heavy bag or backpack with all my photo belongings around Vietnam or Greece, which is about 10-16 kg, so Olympus is here really rocks). However, no matter what they write, MFT (for all its many advantages and generally excellent for travel, thanks to the weight of the camera and lenses, protection and fantastic stabilizer) is not a system for all occasions and the idea of ​​​​acquiring a full frame did not let go. As a result, it became the Sony ILCE-A7M2, for which the first lens was needed, because. I did not take the "whale" one and took only the "carcass" rake. I re-read, like many, a bunch of reviews and just tips in the forums, while shooting on ZENITAR-M 1,7 / 50 (very decent glass, one of the best Soviet ones, in my opinion) and finally settled on the hero of this review. After even a short time, I can say with confidence that in this price niche, at least for now, there is no better choice. The only obstacle is the price tag. But, fortunately, I had something to sell from the old system. )))
Sometimes I compare Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and Sony ILCE-A7M2, each is wonderful in its own way, the second one is more for thoughtful calm shooting, you should not expect speed and quick decisions from it.
I forgot to say, after buying the camera, the Sony promo code reduced me 10,000 from the cost of the lens, which only pleased me and encouraged me to make this choice.
I listed the advantages of the lens above. In general, upon closer examination, the lens is practically free from all "diseases" inherent in high-aperture lenses. Since I didn’t find any noticeable and critical minuses, I readily recommend it for purchase! All excellent technical and interesting shots!
 After switching to the A7 III in 2022, he revealed all his best sides even more! )

Pros

Badge "ZEISS". Joke! ))) Although, seriously, it's like a sign of quality. The most inexpensive and attractive lens in the Sony-E/Zeiss T* system with similar characteristics. A good, universal FR, although someone is already closer to 35mm. F1.8 is sufficient, especially on FF. An excellent weighty metal construct, in terms of weight and dimensions is in harmony with the ILCE-A7M2. Beautiful sonnar-ovsky drawing, with soft pleasant bokeh. Excellent detail from an open aperture, really sharp. Small MDF. They promise protection from dust and weather conditions (we'll see). Good, confidently fixed, hood. Soft case included. Nice colorful attractive packaging.

Cons

Someone writes about vignetting, it does not bother me. The lack of AF disable on the lens and only electronic aperture control is a price for compactness. I prefer hard cases, like the Sigma, although they take up more space in the luggage. It's a pity that the hood is not all-metal, like the ZEISS itself, and does not have a dust trap on the inner surface.