My New Favorite Lens | Sony 55mm f/1.8 ZA Review

Jay

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Sample Video
1:56 - Hands-On & Key Features
4:31 - Lab Testing Sample Photos
8:13 - Real World Sample Photos
14:30 - Texas Wedding Trip Photos
18:45 - Selling Dirtbike Facebook Ad
19:25 - More Real World Sample Photos
25:07 - Wrapping Things Up...

[davidhunternyc]

This is a brilliant video. I'm glad you got into the nitty gritty about sharpness, color fringing, and lens distortion. It's clear to me that the Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8 is a masterpiece. No camera is perfect. No lens is perfect. This lens, however, is a perfect tool for any type of photographer. The only limitation is you.

[next.level.visuals]

This lens is a must for people who want a distinctive look to their videos. The subject to background separation defies explanation. I am glad I found it.

[Princeton_James]

I avoided this lens for a while. For some reason I never wanted it. I kept on reading all the hype and decided to get it. Best decision ever. It's very good. Light, fast and sharp. To me the CA isn't that bad. Adds a little character.

[zachinsights]

Most helpful review of this lens I found. Thanks for sharing so many great photo examples! The photos speak for themselves.

[arthurjamesbelcina]

I bought this lens with my a7iii in 2023 and now it is living on my fx3. This is hands down the best portrait lens for wedding videography, IMO.

[numberchiefROKKA]

i am getting all the zeiss lenses just for the 3D pop and separation. Most people don't have objects or scenery layered into their shots. its just a straight head shot or object most of the time being shot as examples on YouTube. But when you have atmosphere or something to show depth....THEN this lens really shines in pics, but definitely in videos.

[seanjameson]

Thanks Jason, excellent review and is the best Ive seen on this lens. I was thinking of upgrading from the 55 to the 50 1.4 GM, but your review and excellent range of samples reminded me of how much character this lens has, so I think I'll save my money.

Excellent work, really appreciated.

[rkdazet]

Thanks Jason! This was my first Sony FE lens which I purchased with the original A7 shortly after both were introduced. It was my first step in transitioning from A mount. I added the LA-EA adapters and used some of my A mount lenses together with it. Its an extremely sharp lens as you have shown in your review. I can confirm the chromatic aberration issues. Longitudinal aberrations wide open is the more serious of the two. So in that case one has to avoid bright backgrounds behind the subject. Of course stopping down reduces aberrations. As usual lateral aberrations can be corrected in post. Some users might not like the close focus distance of 1.64 ft. Most of my photography is landscape and travel type photography, so its not my favorite focal length for that. For people/portraits its great. I've since added the Sony-Zeiss zoom lenses and Zeiss Batis series. The Zeiss rendering and the so-called Zeiss pop is true. Of course all of this is subjective and personal preference and taste. Size, weight and budget are important factors as well. And size and weight are a big plus for the 55mm f1.8 ZA! Current price is $898 new at B&H.

[sleepyricky]

Many samples! Thank you so much! I've been eyeing this lens for quite some time already!

[mrmeowpuss]

Really great review, thanks for all the effort that went into making this!

[downtown]

Budget friendly indeed. Years ago when I bought my first sony camera, this was the first lens I bought to go with it. Now I have a few more lenses so this one doesn't really get any play time until recently I pulled it out at Christmas time to take photos of the kids. While it's not perfect, it does have a pleasing quality to the images.

[ViburaBlanca]

Not related, but beautiful area, in the sample video you provided I could hear the eastern phoebes singing clearly. Definitely going to try this lens with a rode mic.

[TREASUREHOUSEENTERPRISE]

I enjoyed this video a lot, not only for the product review but it felt like sitting with a friend and experiencing the trip at the computer with you. 👌🏾 Appreciate you sharing, beautiful life.💛

[zollieuncle]

Thanks for sharing planty of sample photos. My fave is the wedding cake with bacon.

[Yukidebugs]

Wow you are the best photographer I’ve ever seen ❤❤❤

[JesusChristSaves.]

Ayeee! Thats my set up! Sony A7C II - with the 55mm F/1.8 Zeiss lens - just got it used on FB markerplace in nearly brand new condition, with the box, the leather case, and paperwork which looks like it was just bought, for 400$ dollars. I coulda got one for 325$ ... but that ond was way more beat up and didnt come with the box, case, etc. I love it ❤

[bololollek]

Absolutely wonderful 3d pop on that coin in the lab test. Sony GM lenses might outperform this lens in a brick-wall test but they will never give off that 3d feel

[futurefilm_]

Hey Jason– thanks for the video! I've noticed this lens gets a lot of hate and consequently sells for pretty cheap these days. I bought mine in 2016 and it has been consistently my favorite lens and was my introduction to what makes Zeiss so special. I've since moved away from Sony but use it adapted on my Nikon Zf and Z8. Never going to get rid of it.

What spurred me to comment though was that truck shot at 26:23. That's a real special one... kudos!

[Kunal]

I once owned both the Zeiss 55 and the 50 2.5 G. I sold the 50 in favour of the Zeiss. It's a sensational lens, which shines in the field. It is more than the sum of its parts. The bokeh is special and you can get the swirls if there are trees in the background. The lens has character and is less clinical than the newer G and GM lenses.I Love the look from the front. At F4, it has great 3d pop. It cannot be quantified. There is something different about how it renders the images. The images from my 85 are probably sharper, but they look flat compared to the images from the Zeiss. What a gem of a lens indeed.

[esquebee]

Some family friends of mine used to own the General store down there in Salado, cool to see some shots from there.