Sony (Zeiss) 55mm f/1.8 ZA lens review & comparison (Full-frame & APS-C)

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 4 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 206

  • @oscarshen6855
    @oscarshen6855 3 роки тому +71

    Many people are not aware there are two version of this lens, one is newer. The way to tell the difference is the old one is branded as "Carl Zeiss" at the front, the new one is just "ZEISS". Some says the new one is noticeably better, it addresses some flaws from old lens such as CA. This is a very confusing situation, Sony should have call it 55mm F1.8 mark II.

    • @pyroBlastM
      @pyroBlastM Рік тому +2

      Thanks for letting us know. Where is this info? Does Sony got it on their website?

    • @jacobg1796
      @jacobg1796 Рік тому +1

      @@pyroBlastM I think you can tell in that the new one is branded as having the T* coating. I'm not 100% sure though, maybe ask a forum.

    • @No_bread-and-circuses
      @No_bread-and-circuses 6 місяців тому

      Excellent insight!

    • @Ecki107
      @Ecki107 2 місяці тому

      @@jacobg1796 When we look at 2:19 in the video, this lens is labeled "Carl Zeiss", indicating that it is the older version, while also displaying "T*" indicating it would be the new one as per your comment.

    • @shigetty
      @shigetty 2 місяці тому +2

      Carl Zeiss AG rebranded the brand from "Carl Zeiss" to "ZEISS" in 2013. There're no optical differences between "Carl Zeiss" and "ZEISS".
      Only the labels are different. So are FE 35mm F2.8 ZA, FE 35mm F1.4 ZA, etc. All of them have T* coating.

  • @konstapelwalander
    @konstapelwalander 6 років тому +30

    Best purchase I've ever done. Never ceases to impress me!

    • @anbar5675
      @anbar5675 4 роки тому

      Hi Magnus. Do you use the lens always in AF? I would like to know if the DMF is comfortable with that lens.

    • @konstapelwalander
      @konstapelwalander 4 роки тому

      @@anbar5675 I always used af-s with my a7s even though the a7s had bad af. Dmf is nonlinear in the response, but it works as well as af (IF you don't accidentally turn the focus ring).

  • @cherifshawky4846
    @cherifshawky4846 6 років тому +17

    I absolutely love this lens and get great results.It's a great companion to my A7iii.Their is also something about 55mm over 50mm that just feels better to me.Well worth the money I spent to get it.

    • @nogerboher5266
      @nogerboher5266 2 роки тому +1

      It's the better micro-contrast. Less glass elements in less groups means better micro contrast. Better micro contrast means better color rendition. Together this equals to that famous 3D pop aka. ''that Zeiss pop!''

  • @ItsLukem
    @ItsLukem 6 років тому +27

    Unreal timing on this review. Going to the store tomorrow to pick one up along a Sony A7iii. I'm really excited!

    • @chryseass.5143
      @chryseass.5143 6 років тому +4

      Congratulations- it's a great camera . My vote is to just get the body only and pick up the Tamron 28-75 f 2.8 lens as your first walk around lens. They pair fantastically together. BTW, I did buy the Zeiss 55 1.8 along with my a7iii but I hardly use it .....the Tamron is that good.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +10

      You're going to have a blast with the combination. Since upgrading to my a7R II from an (admittedly old) Canon 6D I have never looked back.

    • @joechip1232
      @joechip1232 6 років тому +1

      I have that same combination and it's absolutely amazing for both stills and video :D

    • @krishnastock
      @krishnastock 5 років тому +3

      Many Sony shooters (myself included) have this lens, hold it in high regard, but hardly use it! Therefore there are many available used for a lot less than new!

    • @anbar5675
      @anbar5675 4 роки тому

      Orville Griffiths, do you mean that the 50-55mm focal length is not suitable for your personal style of photography? In this case, I agree; usually prefer wider lenses in the 35-40mm range.

  • @raiabdal
    @raiabdal 5 років тому +5

    I have used this lens on a7 ii and now on a7riii. Its amazingly sharp from f1.8and has given me great portraits. The only issue i felt is rather busy bokeh even at f1.8 in many real world situations, for half body or more portraits , even the far off background is rather noisy and not smooth enough.

  • @dafrib
    @dafrib 6 років тому +5

    Really love the amount of detail you put in your reviews and how well they are structured. I own this lens and totally agree with your analysis, it really kicks 50 mm ass. Great job!

  • @ManolisMavrakis
    @ManolisMavrakis 5 років тому +3

    I love the pictures of the old Chania harbour. Thanks for the review

  • @jimmillward3505
    @jimmillward3505 2 роки тому

    got one and its my baby....just delivers everything you need beautifully. worth every penny i paid for it

  • @huangwee9371
    @huangwee9371 4 роки тому +1

    I love your objective review every time. Excellent work. I have owned this little lovely sharp lens for a while. I am happy that you raised the green & purple color fringing issues.

    • @Jan-eh7nf
      @Jan-eh7nf 2 роки тому

      "Objective review" showing sharpness in the center of the lens ONLY at f1.8, but VERY corner up to 5.6... Take a hammer and use it on your head.

  •  6 років тому

    This now 5 year old lens is holding up quite well and although at the high end of the price spectrum is still a wise purchase. The fact that it works well on both FF and APS-C is a big plus. Great review Christopher.

  • @JeremyGalloway
    @JeremyGalloway 6 років тому +7

    I gotta say, that bokeh does look phenomenal. But for my money, the OSS lens for APS-C is better value!

    • @SONYAdicto
      @SONYAdicto 6 років тому +5

      Jeremy you’re right. But for full frame there isn’t something like this lens. The FE 50mm f/1.8 is not as good, and the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar is crazy heavy, big and even more expensive (though it’s one of the best 50mm lenses on the market). This 55mm is really good for full frame, though many wish it was a tad cheaper

    • @JeremyGalloway
      @JeremyGalloway 6 років тому +1

      SONY Adicto Absolutely. For pros working on full frame it is simply a no-brainer!

  • @EmoEmu
    @EmoEmu 6 років тому +7

    I usually just bring this one and the Sony 28/2 with me when I don't have anything particular planned. Makes for a very light kit.

    • @vidingbat
      @vidingbat 5 років тому

      Same here, I do exactly the same

  • @Isaacimage
    @Isaacimage 3 роки тому +1

    Thakn you for another great review
    Cant wait for 50 GM vs 55 F1.8

  • @cameraprepper7938
    @cameraprepper7938 3 роки тому +2

    Do you know if the are differences of the first version Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 and the later version Sony FE Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 !?

  • @CrazyMalawian
    @CrazyMalawian 6 років тому +1

    Can’t wait to hear what you’d say about the Planar FE 50mm

  • @mochamocha1040
    @mochamocha1040 5 років тому +2

    I rarely use 50mm so I bought the sony nifty fifty for travel use. When it comes to portrait work, I mostly use 35mm and 85mm.

  • @WORKOUTSOLUTIONS
    @WORKOUTSOLUTIONS 6 років тому +1

    Great review as always Christopher 👌Love the pictures of Crete ❤️I hope you upload these beautiful Crete pictures to Flickr 🙌

    • @NotnaRed
      @NotnaRed 6 років тому

      ...so I can take them and post them to my insta."

  • @reboot7507
    @reboot7507 2 роки тому

    Comparison helps a lot for apsc users. Thank you.

  • @briansavage932
    @briansavage932 3 роки тому

    I've owned this lens for a few years now and, for stills photography, it is absolutely phenomenal. I can't comment on video because that's not my thing.
    I'll say this though, I've shot a lot of portrait work with 2 bodies, one with the 50mm zeiss and the other with the 35mm sigma art. In editing the 50mm blows the 35mm out of the water, so much so I sold the 35mm, a lens which I loved on its own before I started pairing it with the 50.
    If you're a photographer you'll love this glass.

  • @NotnaRed
    @NotnaRed 6 років тому +26

    1:00 thank you for applying the crop factor to the apperture as well Christopher!

    • @jamesThadley
      @jamesThadley 6 років тому +1

      although it doesn't actually effect the DoF putting a full frame lens on an APS-C body. It will effect the amount of light hitting the sensor, so would result in slower shutter speeds or higher ISO.

    • @erikjohansson4374
      @erikjohansson4374 6 років тому +19

      @@jamesThadley the exact opposite rather. Since the framing gets cropped you have to physically take some steps back to get the same framing. The added distance between you and your subject affects your DoF. The amount of actual light hitting each pixel of your sensor wont change tho, so you'll have the same shutter speeds and iso. Very common misunderstanding. since it's the same exact lens it'll have the exact same light-transmission. your sensor is smaller but each individual pixel still receives the same amount of light, as long as the pixel size of the two cameras are the same. i.e. same light per square inch of the sensor. Using aps-c mode on a fullframe will give you the exact same result as mounting it on an aps-c body. That alone is proof that there's no difference in light hitting the sensor, since zooming in digitally doesn't lower an images brightness.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +3

      @@jamesThadley No James Hadley, it's the other way round

    • @erikjohansson4374
      @erikjohansson4374 6 років тому

      @@aceflibble yes, I absolutely agree. but on a crop sensor you might have four small pixels instead of one big on a FF. same light gets spread across those 4 pixels instead. the image doesn't get darker, but each of those pixels introduce a higher chance of noise compared to one big pixel. so for the same framing a crop sensor will show more noise. If you ignore having the same framing then you won't see much difference, since four small noisy pixels still give somewhat equal detail as one big non-noisy pixel. they together gather roughly the same light as the one big one.
      But yes, I absolutely agree with what you're saying.
      Good video on the matter: ua-cam.com/video/0OtIiwbAZi8/v-deo.html

    • @jamesThadley
      @jamesThadley 6 років тому

      @@erikjohansson4374 I'm purely talking about at the same distance, since as you said it's just cropping in on your subject. Yes, if you take steps back then that would make a differance, but that's because the distance between you and your subject has changed. Maybe i'm wrong about the amount of light, but since the pixels are smaller doesn't that normally result in lower IQ levels. Surely otherwise there'd be no point in ever owning a full frame camera at that point.

  • @robiulahmed
    @robiulahmed 3 роки тому +1

    The original Sony FE lens along with the 35mm f2.8. It is an exquisite lens.

  • @crixi__
    @crixi__ 6 років тому +2

    Hey Chris, it'd be really really helpful if you put all your videos in playlists, in a comparing way. What I mean by that is playlists like 'Cheap Lenses Reviewed' and '50mm Lens Reviews' or 'Portrait Lenses Compared' and 'Bokeh Monsters' or something like that. I hope this is possible somehow and thanks for your efforts! :)

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому

      UA-cam only allows me to put so many playlists on the front page of the channel

  • @Fontsman
    @Fontsman 4 роки тому +1

    Bought this back in 2015. At F1.8 it shows a ton of CA although this diminishes at smaller apertures. Whether they've improved it over the years, I don't know.

  • @leidischd
    @leidischd 11 місяців тому

    When you said LoCA was noticeable from f/1.8 to f/4, did you mean that it's gone at f/4 or is f/4 still affected by this? If it is, how bad is it?

  • @screambmachine
    @screambmachine 6 років тому +4

    repeated the 'flies in the ointment' (5:48) couple of times haha. i'm from germany, so.. ;D
    btw your reviews are about the best i've found on youtube.
    Dustin is good, too, but the brick wall for sharpness bores me ab bit (though i watch most of his stuff (: )

    • @dasaauto2024
      @dasaauto2024 5 років тому +1

      Screambmachine Unfortunately for me, it doesn’t matter how good a reviewer is if he or she can’t make their review concise. Dustin is a perfect example. He ticks almost all the (surprisingly) rare boxes. He’s thorough, he’s not cartoonish/childish/annoying/endlessly unfunny, and he actually knows his stuff... But his videos are, at a minimum twice as long as they need to be.
      He spends so much time explaining mundane setup details, or speaking as if it’s a podcast and his audience can’t see what he’s holding or what simple act he’s performing. And then there’s his habit of talking in circles, coming back to the same points and beating them into the ground beyond necessary.
      I don’t want to sound harshly critical- most reviewers don’t have his skill and they still turn their reviews into a never ending circus of opinions.
      When a lens review runs over 20 minutes, it’s getting really near the runtime of a standard TV show sans commercials. Generally, the only reviews over 20 minutes that don’t test my patience are Chris and Jordan from Canada/DPR. They put a lot of prep into their shows, they have an obvious friendship/connection and they really fill the time with a ton of info.
      For anyone who does their own show , of any kind, you’ll get so much better so much faster if you compel yourself to write out your dialogue beforehand. This will force your mind to sort out filler from facts and the audience’s perceived value per minute will likely triple.
      Chris has a rare talent for cutting all the fat out of his reviews-and because he’s so precise, even his longer reviews still feel short. (Good job Chris!)

  • @edeto16
    @edeto16 6 років тому +1

    I know this lens is great but I personally dont like the 50mm focal length very much. I find anything in between wide/ tele awkward. I'd much prefer the Sony 85mm 1.8, possibly supplemented by a 35mm.

  • @u2py599
    @u2py599 6 років тому

    Thank you for delivering a great video on a very interesting lens again. Especially the comparisons were extremely helpful.
    On the topic of those comparisons:
    I do think many people would be enjoying some between similar lenses. For example between the manual and electronic versions of different Samyang lenses.
    One comparison I am hoping for is between the Samyang 35mm f1.4 manual and/or automatic and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 art. I am, as well as many other people, considering buying one if those since their price is relatively low compared to the Zeiss version.

  • @RealRaynedance
    @RealRaynedance 6 років тому +3

    It's almost a shame (although expected) that the Zeiss is almost double the price of the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4. The Zeiss wins hands down in terms of sharpness (mid-frame and beyond), but the Samyang generally fixes the other issues the Zeiss has.

    • @bentleeremy2070
      @bentleeremy2070 3 роки тому

      You all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a way to get back into an instagram account?
      I was stupid lost my login password. I would love any assistance you can give me!

    • @chaimuriah4640
      @chaimuriah4640 3 роки тому

      @Bentlee Remy instablaster :)

    • @bentleeremy2070
      @bentleeremy2070 3 роки тому

      @Chaim Uriah I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now.
      Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @bentleeremy2070
      @bentleeremy2070 3 роки тому

      @Chaim Uriah it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
      Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

    • @chaimuriah4640
      @chaimuriah4640 3 роки тому

      @Bentlee Remy glad I could help =)

  • @fotomats8651
    @fotomats8651 6 років тому +5

    I shoot weddings with the FE 50mm 1.8 on my Sony A73. It's a perfect sharp Lens at 2.8 and above and I see no difference to my 85mm 1.8 btw

    • @anbar5675
      @anbar5675 4 роки тому

      Foto Mats, for me the problem is between f1,8-f2. I am interested to this lens but don't know if is possible to shoot portraits wide open with acceptable sharpness.

  • @Shadow81989
    @Shadow81989 6 років тому +1

    Good and interesting review, as always. Good to see, that Zeiss can still make some nice quality lenses - not only from the build quality. I had honestly started to doubt that!
    Btw at around 5:40 you first say that it has green highlighting "beyond" and purple "behind" the plane of focus.
    Isn't "beyond" and "behind" the same thing in this context? I'm not a native speaker, so I might be wrong about that...
    Either way the purple seems to be in front of the focus plane, not behind.
    The pictures show it very well though, so it's no big deal. :-)

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed the review! "beyond" means "in front of" - the opposite of "behind".

  • @scorpiolok1030
    @scorpiolok1030 5 років тому

    Hi Chris, as compared to Sony 35mm f2.8, which one you would be more recommend to buy? I am in a dilemma on choosing from these 2...

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      Definintely the 55mm f/1.8 IMO, a way more interesting lens. The Sony 35mm f/2.8 is hideously overpriced especially compared to the Samyang 35mm f/2.8

    • @scorpiolok1030
      @scorpiolok1030 5 років тому

      Christopher Frost Photography XD thank you Chris for the recommendations I also decided to go for 55mm F1.8

  • @heric.4428
    @heric.4428 Рік тому

    Just bought second hand one you clarified versions,i have just "Zeiss" written on front side,reccomendation for some good filter for both street and portrait is needed,thx...

  • @MrJAM-np7go
    @MrJAM-np7go 6 років тому

    I've own this lens since I bought my a7m3. Not perfect like Sigma Art but stunning IQ and small size and light weight makes me love this one.

  • @WinrichNaujoks
    @WinrichNaujoks 4 роки тому

    So is there a lower priced alternative for full frame cameras? One with OSS even, perhaps?

  • @otakugains6900
    @otakugains6900 9 місяців тому

    What was the sweet spot for the Zeiss?

  • @kapeshape
    @kapeshape 5 років тому

    Just bought one (from the UK;-)) Can't wait to attach it on my A7Rii... Thanks you for your nice reviews. Also picked up the Samyang 50mm1.4 after watching your review. That lense is also really nice compared to its price..

  • @user-bi3wp1ct1q
    @user-bi3wp1ct1q 4 роки тому

    Thanks for making great videos, very insightful. I am torn between the 55mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.4 plantar. I want something light and for video as well as photography. Your review and some other reviews I've watched all say similar things about chromatic aberration etc on the 55mm which is holding me back from making the purchase.
    I am wondering though, a lot of the reviews for the 55mm are from a few years ago and I was looking on the Sony website today, and it says about the 55mm "T coating reduces all forms of aberration". I'm wondering if Sony has made some design changes to fix the CA issues in 2020? Do you know about this?
    I'm new to photography, no one on youtube likes chromatic aberration, this lens seems to have it as a major problem going by the reviews, but yet you still give it the thumbs up? Can CA be easily fixed in post? Thank you.

  • @Anarki2U
    @Anarki2U 4 роки тому +1

    An update version with a button for AF on/off will be nice, aperture ring will be very nice, maybe a GM version !?

    • @allend6137
      @allend6137 4 роки тому

      Yes.. That’s what I’m waiting for 😀

  • @cameraprepper7938
    @cameraprepper7938 2 роки тому +1

    I hope that Zeiss will modernize the Sonnar 55mm 1.8 with aperture ring and AF/MF button.

  • @nineteenseventy4588
    @nineteenseventy4588 6 років тому

    Thanks, did you ever have the opportunity to test out it‘s 50mm f1.4 Zeiss „Brother“ yet?

  • @juzellejardin7777
    @juzellejardin7777 5 років тому

    Bought mine for 430 euros . For the price and quality of the results, I have nothing to complain about. Sharpness at wide open is way more better compared to the FE 85mm.

  • @robertoscimia9563
    @robertoscimia9563 6 років тому

    Hi Chris, I follow your channel, I really like your reviews because everyone can see the results. your method is very intuitive. could you recommend a super wide-angle for sony 14 or 15 mm?

  • @RyanSotelo
    @RyanSotelo 3 роки тому +1

    Ahh man that focus breathing kills me... but the image sharpness is damn impressive

  • @mechpade
    @mechpade 6 років тому

    Will you try the Sony 100mm STF lens? I know that you've the Laowa STF but for Canon. I'm really curious of your take on that STF lens

  • @peteryungcp
    @peteryungcp 6 років тому

    Thanks for your detail testing. This lens is a bit expensive. I am happy to keep using metabones V with my Sony A7RIII with Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 di vc usd instead.(Similar spending but I could use back my Canon Lens) The most amazing thing is I could still have eye focus function.

  • @saadazzahrani
    @saadazzahrani 6 років тому

    Excellent lens and Excellent review.
    Are you going to make best lenses of 2018 just like last year ?

  • @linsnowx
    @linsnowx 6 років тому +1

    You pay for the much better build quality and the bokeh here. The CA is easily fixed in post anyways so it usually doesn’t bother me at all. I own both this 55mm and the Sony 50mm, it’s totally another level of gear. :)

    • @linsnowx
      @linsnowx 6 років тому

      I'm actually not aware there's such update... frankly I hardly use the 50mm at all since I've got the Zeiss 55mm. Didn't want to go through the trouble to sell the 50mm for double hundred bucks so it sits in my cabinet...

    • @linsnowx
      @linsnowx 6 років тому

      that's what i was saying... for ~$100 it doesn't even worth the time and material to pack and ship it lol

    • @dasaauto2024
      @dasaauto2024 5 років тому

      The Loxia 50mm f/2 was on sale with eBay’s 10% off yesterday for $637, shipped and factory sealed. That or the Sigma 50mm Art are my two top 50mm picks. (Not popular picks though.) I’ve used the Zony 55mm and it’s nice, light, sharp and has good AF. Definitely a great lens. If only Sony mirrorless users were as spoilt for choice at 35mm. 😂

  • @princeharbinger
    @princeharbinger 5 років тому

    Great review! Would you mind doing the Sony 90mm F/2.8 macro G OSS next? I would like to see the differences between APS-C vs FF.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому +1

      I will one day :-)

    • @princeharbinger
      @princeharbinger 5 років тому

      @@christopherfrost You can rent lenses from Adorama. Might be a good idea for reviewing purposes. Keep up the good work! 🙂👍🏼You are the best lens reviewer on UA-cam. 🙏🏼

  • @denislan1829
    @denislan1829 6 років тому +1

    This is not fair comparison though. looking forward to see a sigma 50 1.4 or so.

  • @mrbaiser4133
    @mrbaiser4133 5 років тому +5

    I'd really like to see a detailed comparison with the Sigma 1.4/56mm on aps-c

    • @mrbaiser4133
      @mrbaiser4133 5 років тому +1

      Someone else did it. The Sigma was the winner, but both were extremely good. But the Sony 50mm OSS was visibly worse in the corners up to f5.6, in contrast to C.F.'s results.

    • @raggedyexynos6826
      @raggedyexynos6826 5 років тому

      Nice

  • @florianguigui1302
    @florianguigui1302 6 років тому

    Hey, very nice comparison, just sold mine to get the new tamron 28-75, very similar sharpness on 24Mpx.
    I was wondering: would it be possible to make your sharpness results available on your website for example ? So we can compare different lenses you tested. I really like this "comparison" format, makes us buy the best gear for the bucks !
    Cheers mate !

    • @charruaporelmundo
      @charruaporelmundo 5 років тому

      Florian GUIGUI I have the tamron, an wondering if I should get this 55 or save my money for the future, maybe coming 35 1.8 ,... and just get the fe 50! 🤔

  • @Tory9242
    @Tory9242 4 роки тому

    May I ask, when the 55mm ZA focus from f1.8 to f22, the noise becomes louder step by step, is it normal for this len?
    I am sure it is from the blades that moves when focusing

  • @Chen-qg6gh
    @Chen-qg6gh 2 роки тому

    Can you please review Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA? thank you!

  • @charruaporelmundo
    @charruaporelmundo 5 років тому

    Have you ever review the Planar 50 mm 1.4 for Sony?... I have the humble 50, and I'm thinking to upgrade it, but...this planar 50 1.4 got my attention, beside it price difference with the 55. Thanks

  • @shavindraperera2934
    @shavindraperera2934 4 роки тому

    Nice review! I got this lens with my new A73 and absolutely love with its sharpness.
    However I have noticed an aperture noise when turning on/off the camera. Have you noticed it before? Or is it normal?

  • @V8rgr8
    @V8rgr8 5 років тому

    Nice review Christopher. First time I heard you sat A$$ too. That was a fun surprise. I am going to get one. Thanks and God bless.

  • @SamsomiteMight
    @SamsomiteMight 6 років тому

    Can you do Sony FE 50mm F2.8 macro? I really can't decide between this and that. 😒

  • @yudhakusuma2589
    @yudhakusuma2589 4 роки тому

    I use A7II. And I have a 85mm FE lens 1.8. but I feel it's too zooming to use marriage documentation. I want a lens with a rather wide view and good for portraits. it would also be better if you could video. I searched UA-cam and found options on Zeiss 55mm 1.8. can it replace the 85mm role that I have? because I had to sell it to get a 55mm zeiss lens. Thanks for the answer🙏🙏🙏

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  4 роки тому +1

      If you want a wider angle lens, then that could be the one for you

    • @yudhakusuma2589
      @yudhakusuma2589 4 роки тому

      @@christopherfrost thank you

  • @SWAPPEDCHANNELS
    @SWAPPEDCHANNELS 6 років тому

    A question, I got mine recently. Does your lens make noise when focusing, adjusting aperture? Mine does, when I turn camera on and off and try to use af for pics

    • @bobhanuman65
      @bobhanuman65 6 років тому

      kelt3211 there are a lot of defective copies of this.

  • @ephemeral667
    @ephemeral667 6 років тому

    Great review! I love my 55mm 1.8 :)

  • @mrbaiser4133
    @mrbaiser4133 5 років тому +1

    I'd prefer the Tamron 1.8/45mm if it was available in native e-mount.

  • @thelynce1
    @thelynce1 5 років тому

    Hey Chris, I'm looking for a prime lenses for landscape, portraits, Astro. Could I cover all in one lens? Is it Sony 55 1.8, Sony 24 1.4, sigma 35 1.4? Please help me.:) I own Sony a7iii

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      For astro you need a wide angle lens with a bright aperture i.e. 20mm f/1.8. Landscape is good to use a zoom lens stopped down to f/8 e.g. Sony 28-70mm. Portrait you need a short telephoto lens with a bright aperture i.e. 85mm f/1.8

    • @edwindugan936
      @edwindugan936 5 років тому

      @@christopherfrost Love your work, I similar question to Lina. I'm thinking to buy an A7II for an upcoming Italy/Greece trip, which lens would you recommend if I could only buy one. I'll be using the camera for almost everything (landscape, portrait, video). My friends wedding will be in Greece.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      @@edwindugan936 if you could only take one then definitely the Sony 24-105 f/4

    • @edwindugan936
      @edwindugan936 5 років тому

      Christopher Frost Photography awesome thanks...I just googled it and ouch hefty price..I saw your review for the 28-70 which is much cheaper...is there a lot difference between that and the 24-105?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      @@edwindugan936 There's quite a difference, not least in zoom range and maximum aperture

  • @ryanprosser2502
    @ryanprosser2502 6 років тому

    Diolch yn fawr iawn Chris! Just waiting for my copy to come in the post!

  • @borispradel1037
    @borispradel1037 6 років тому +5

    I had the Zeiss 55 side by side with the 50 (full frame) on my A7II for 10 months or more (owned both), and although the Zeiss was impressive, in actual use differences in IQ were negligible. I ended up selling the Zeiss because in my opinion it was no where near fives times better than the regular 50. It's the law of diminishing returns. The regular 50 is a very decent lens, the Zeiss should cost half its current price.

    • @Jomst
      @Jomst 6 років тому +2

      Planning to get the 55 but i agree that the 50mm is decent enough. So right now im planning to go with the 85.

    • @christianl.1039
      @christianl.1039 6 років тому

      You mean the Sony 50mm full-frame SEL50F18F, I wanted to buy the Zeiss 55mm but looking at the Sony 50mm seems to be ok, i heard there is a firmware update recently that fixed the slow focusing. Do you think the SEL50F18F is better than the Sony Zeiss 55mm, I need to know.

    • @borispradel1037
      @borispradel1037 6 років тому +1

      @@christianl.1039 Hi, it's not better, but the 55 is almost five times more expensive and the 50F18F is very good. Well, I don't use it for video, because I'm mainly interest in stills, I think it could be slow and noisy for video, but the 55 isn't as fast as it should be either... I also have the Canon 40mm 2.8, and recently bought the Yongnuo 1.4 50M for Canon (I use an adapter) and they're very cheap lenses and quality is oustanding. I think the 55 is overpriced, for stills there are more and cheaper alternatives...

    • @borispradel1037
      @borispradel1037 6 років тому

      @@christianl.1039 ua-cam.com/video/5eFL_w42SRw/v-deo.html

    • @dasaauto2024
      @dasaauto2024 5 років тому +1

      Boris Pradel If you had a 42MP sensor you might change your mind (though I know that’s not relevant to you). Also, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 can be found on sale for $200, the the Zony 55mm for $700. So, in the US anyway, the Zony 55 is more accurately said to be 3.5X more expensive. If you want to use MSRP, then it’s 4X more expensive.

  • @agapitojuliano5517
    @agapitojuliano5517 6 років тому

    Zeiss outperformed in all aspects, great!!!

  • @NaviRetlav
    @NaviRetlav 6 років тому

    It would be nice if you could test out the SONY 100mm FE STF lens , and compare it to the laova one ;)

  • @aakashgurung1789
    @aakashgurung1789 6 років тому

    That was awesome review... Thanks ☺☺

  • @chrispfeiffer6905
    @chrispfeiffer6905 5 років тому +10

    That focus breathing is .. yikes

  • @davidzero7024
    @davidzero7024 5 років тому

    Hello guys, this lens is great but the aluminium is soft. I gently hit a glass at a terrace and it shows a minuscule dent right away. So bear in mind. You can see similar dent at 1:46.

  • @georgiosc41
    @georgiosc41 5 років тому

    Love the lens i have it on my A7 but most of all i love your shooting location my home!!!!!!! Great job

  • @firstglass1696
    @firstglass1696 6 років тому

    Thanks once more for your unbeatable reviews, they´re so enormous helpful. I´ll certainly come back on this lens to test on my own, when I (hopefully) change to full-frame next year. The sharpness really beats much more expensive lenses, although for me CA really is an issue, you´re not buying a 1.8-lens to stop it down to at least f4.

  • @robertcudlipp3426
    @robertcudlipp3426 5 років тому +1

    This lens seems to be a class of its own, great for A7 FF mirrorless and is a great performer on my new a6400, expensive, yes, but it will never be sold.

  • @marlowmorven3297
    @marlowmorven3297 4 роки тому +2

    Wishful thinking: A 50mm G-master

    • @trym2121
      @trym2121 4 роки тому

      Yeah, it's a very wishful one.
      Sony is stuck between their branding (G and GM) and Zeiss. Before GM, Zeiss is the GM. So a little chance of having 50 GM when there is 50 1.4 Zeiss.

    • @MonicaHolly143
      @MonicaHolly143 3 роки тому

      @@trym2121 not anymore

  • @PhotoArtBrussels
    @PhotoArtBrussels 6 років тому

    I have the Sony 50mm f1.8 as run around, next to other lenses, and indeed that one is not extremely sharp, but i got if for 180€; and at that price it still is a good lens.

  • @TroupeGoal
    @TroupeGoal 4 роки тому +1

    It doesn’t seem to be a worthwhile upgrade from the 50mm 1.8 for the value-oriented non-pro.

  • @alvarobenitez1952
    @alvarobenitez1952 4 роки тому

    Came back to this video to click “like” :)
    Thanks for the help by this review!

  • @adden2242
    @adden2242 6 років тому

    Awesome lens! price is very high.. im already good with my sony 50mm lens

  • @rbvlogs8161
    @rbvlogs8161 4 роки тому

    I just bought Sony 55mm 1.8, recommend me ND filter plz

  • @MetalSlugzMaster
    @MetalSlugzMaster 6 років тому

    Did you visit Crete? I think I've been to 0:44 years ago.

    • @Adamrz1991
      @Adamrz1991 6 років тому

      that's Rhodes

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +1

      @@Adamrz1991 Nope - Crete :-)

    • @MetalSlugzMaster
      @MetalSlugzMaster 6 років тому

      @@christopherfrost Hasn't changed a bit in 18 years. Same houses, lights, and benches. Forget the name of that particular town though.

    • @Adamrz1991
      @Adamrz1991 6 років тому

      @@christopherfrost so, the picture with the lighthouse is also from Crete? I was on Rhodes and it's exactly the same!

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому

      @@Adamrz1991 All from Crete. We were thinking of visiting Rhodes too, but we didn't in the end :-)

  • @chryseass.5143
    @chryseass.5143 6 років тому +1

    Hi Christopher - always enjoy your reviews on lenses. Perhaps it would have been fairer ( in terms of focal length ) to compare the Zeiss 55 1,8 to the APS-C Sony 35 1.8 lens on your crop sensor camera to get the near identical view ( 35 working out to a 52.5 focal view on the smaller sensor) If I recall the 35 1.8 e mount lens is more expensive than its 50mm sibling but still not as pricey as the 55mm lens. I own all three and well remember how difficult it was to use that 50 as a 'normal' lens on my a6000/6500.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +4

      It doesn't quite work like that - while 35mm is the FF equivalent of 52.5mm on a crop camera, you need to apply the crop factor to the 55mm lens on a crop camera as well, making it into the FF equivalent 82.5mm, so it wouldn't be a good comparison. Remember, on a crop camera, you always, always apply the crop factor of 1.5x, no matter what lens you're using.

    • @chryseass.5143
      @chryseass.5143 6 років тому +1

      @@christopherfrost Now I am confused, Christopher. What I am saying is that purely for the focal length equivalency, a 35 crop sensor lens used on a crop sensor body would give you roughly the same view as the Zeiss 55mm lens would on a full frame body. As you clearly stated, the 55mm lens renders roughly an 85 mm view actually ( actually an 82.5 mm focal length with the crop factor applied) when used on a crop sensor camera.. If someone wanted to have a "nifty- fifty" focal length when using their aps-c camera then the 35mm 1.8 lens ( for asp-c) would be more appropriate to use- is that not the case or am I under a misapprehension?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +2

      @@chryseass.5143 Yes, but why would I compare a 55mm lens on an APS-C camera and a 35mm lens on an APS-C camera? They're different focal lengths, so they wouldn't compare. That's why I compared 55mm against 50mm - they're the same (almost) focal length. :-)

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому

      @@therealsergio I know all of that. The reason I did that particular comparison test was for anyone who owns an APS-C camera and who wants to know what the sharpest lens will be - whether there's an advantage to buying the Zeiss lens for their particular system, or whether a cheaper option will be just as good. If anyone wants to see how the Zeiss works against another FF lens, then... 02:33 ...you're welcome. Honestly - that should really all be quite obvious.

  • @pauldavidbarikder1546
    @pauldavidbarikder1546 4 роки тому

    Yes, it is.

  • @danielsalahi577
    @danielsalahi577 5 років тому

    Is the sony zeiss sonnar 55mm 1.8sharper than the sony FE 85mm 1.8 ?

  • @geopapa80
    @geopapa80 6 років тому

    Chris you must review the Sigma dc dn primes for aps-c. diamond primes

  • @Fontsman
    @Fontsman 6 років тому

    You can get this lens way cheaper than quoted. It's a little gem.

  • @dionamuh
    @dionamuh 6 років тому

    Picked up the FE lens new for 140 pounds last week. Much better value. And I'm not a huge 50mm fan anyway, I prefer 35mm (the Samyang 35mm f2.8, love it)

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому

      Sounds like you made the right choice :-)

    • @heisenbergvader7823
      @heisenbergvader7823 6 років тому

      Dionamuh The Samyang 35mm F2.8 is the cheapest lens that I bought among all, but it stays on my A7iii most of the time, which really surprises me. This lens is just so light weight so I always wanna take my camera out and shoot

  • @brandon_youtube
    @brandon_youtube Рік тому

    Hi all, I wouldn’t recommend the Sony 50mm 1.8 lens. I missed a lot of shots with the slow auto focus. Maybe I should have shot manually instead. I’m thinking about this zeiss however!

  • @arunanand03
    @arunanand03 5 років тому

    Is sigma 50mm 1.4 art sony better?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому +1

      Don't know :-(

    • @charruaporelmundo
      @charruaporelmundo 4 роки тому

      The Planar correct all those CA, loca etc, it is even sharper at 1.4 already, bit that perfection come at a price, I’m not talking about money but about size and weight

  • @classic.cameras
    @classic.cameras 2 місяці тому

    One of the best 3D Pop (Micro Contrast) Sony Prime lenses you can buy for a Sony Camera. Even in 2024 and beyond. This lens is amazing but BUY USED there are a lot on the used market so save half the price of new.

  • @mbmedia1
    @mbmedia1 4 роки тому

    5:59 this photo in chefchaouen Morocco right

  • @hmuz8388
    @hmuz8388 4 роки тому +1

    what's the T* stand for?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  4 роки тому

      A T-stop is a measurement of final light transmission, rather than the physical size of the aperture (which is your f/stop number)

    • @stevendeary502
      @stevendeary502 4 роки тому +1

      The orange T* is a Zeiss anti glare coating, they put it on many of their products to reduce flare and add contrast

  • @nordfresse
    @nordfresse 6 років тому +3

    I couldnt care less about sony lenses, so I guess its official now that I just watch your videos to hear you talking...

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      Thanks for the compliment :-) although I don't just review Sony lenses...

  • @astifcaulkinyeras
    @astifcaulkinyeras 6 років тому

    Are you going to do the Sony/Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 on full frame?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому +3

      One day in the future, but not any time soon - I'm working through the more affordable lenses first (not that this particular lens is all that 'affordable' heh heh)

  • @steliosantoniou
    @steliosantoniou 5 років тому

    i love Crete!

  • @LtRyanPYT
    @LtRyanPYT Рік тому

    I was going to buy the lens, but that focus breathing was awful

  • @RagingBubuli
    @RagingBubuli 5 років тому +1

    Zeiss look brighter.

  • @alexislhote2909
    @alexislhote2909 6 років тому +1

    At f4 and after, the 50mm sony as the same image quality and cost only 200 euros......

    • @fotomats8651
      @fotomats8651 6 років тому

      @ F 2.8 in the Center also 😉

    • @charruaporelmundo
      @charruaporelmundo 5 років тому

      I did own the two of them, I did put them side by side and this zeiss was only better at 1.8 . Of course it has better construction but I’m keeping my cheap 50 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @hugoparente1908
    @hugoparente1908 6 років тому

    I have one and love it, but the CA with 1.8 are...terrible...My best zoom by far and far better than the Tamron is the sony 24-105 f4. Simply the best.

  • @marlonb.8243
    @marlonb.8243 Рік тому

    If you are a professional, you really do not need OSS/OIS/ISS.

  • @Robin_Polarstern
    @Robin_Polarstern 3 роки тому

    What is the best lens for e mount ?

    • @SunnySoCal
      @SunnySoCal 3 роки тому

      all depends imo what you’re looking for my recommendations are
      -sony 50mm f1.8 OSS $200 new and can be found for $150 or lower used which is really sharp for portraits & has stabalization if you don’t own an a6500 or a6600 which offer ibis
      - sony 55-210mm $309 which can be found at most camera sites for $90-100+ used which is fairly nice for portraits and landscapes on a budget it gets mixed reviews but my results from 2 years ago are still fairly sharp
      - sigma 30mm f1.4 $300 can be found used for $250 or less which is nice for portraits hardly a super sharp lens but it has a fair bit of sharpness in the center imo color fringing wide open which usually creates a messy background if plants are behind your subject i’ve personally used this it disappears when stopped down but i sold mine but it could be just what your looking for
      - sigma 16mm f1.4 $400 sharper than the 30mm f1.4 and essentiallly is a aps-c 24mm with a nice depth of field it’ll be more along the lines of being a landscape lens but it has a nice minimum focusing distance
      - the best IMO is the sony 16-55mm f2.8 GM if you have the money to throw at it is the only lens you’d ever need on aps-c for general shooting even portraits it delivers beautifully i used it for a weekend photoshoot and didn’t wanna give it back chris even has a review of it he says the same
      - sigma also offers an older 30mm f2.8 dn art which is really sharp for how cheap it is can be found only used you’ll have to do some digging but usually a fair price is $120-150 for it chris also has an older review of it
      whatever you go with i hope i helped they’re so many more i could’ve named 3rd party options especially don’t be put off by samyang or rokinon they offer great quality as well but do your research and make the best decision it’s 3 in the morning i don’t even know why the hell i’m up or how i found your comment lol but best of luck 😁

  • @ElReySupr3me
    @ElReySupr3me 3 роки тому

    I feel like mine is shit in the corners.