The Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA is a very fast, extremely well-built "standard" lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras that delivers excellent image quality. It is big and heavy and also costs a lot, though, so you may want to consider some of the smaller, cheaper alternatives.

Back in 2006, Sony took over Konica Minolta's troubled camera business in a bid to become a major player in the market. Ten years on and its relentless experimentation and innovation have paid dividends, with the Alpha 7 full-frame mirrorless system rapidly establishing itself as a serious...

Gary Wolstenholme reviews the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA SSM lens, a standard prime lens for use with Sony A-mount cameras which sports a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and silent focusing.

Superb build; Fantastically sharp when stopped down; Quick to focus; Reasonably lightweight ofr its size and build

High CA at fast apertures; Fairly poor sharpness towards the edges of the frame at f1.4

I bought this expensive lens in March of 2018 only to realize that the autofocus was much slower than it was supposed to be when a friend received a different copy. Dealing with Sony's repair service has been an absolute nightmare. First, the lens was gone for over a month.

This high-performance ZEISS® 2" prime lens features a large F1.4 maximum aperture as well as spectacular contrast and resolution throughout every image. The large aperture makes it easier to shoot in low light and, in combination with an 11-blade aperture design, can produce gorgeous bokeh.

I recently purchased this lens to use with the new SONY A99 mk 11. I did hesitate at the price but wanted a prime lens for the sensor on the new camera . All I can say is wow , the colours , the bokeh , speed of focus , sharpness ,this lens has it all , I realise some of these points are subjective...

Consistent Output; Durable; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Back in 2006, Sony took over Konica Minolta's troubled camera business in a bid to become a major player in the market. Ten years on and its relentless experimentation and innovation have paid dividends, with the Alpha 7 full-frame mirrorless system rapidly establishing itself as a serious...

The Sony FE 50mm f1.4 ZA is a very respectable large aperture standard prime lens for Sony's mirrorless bodies. It's very sharp in the center and produces one of the best full-frame corners I've seen. Plus its resistance against flare and glare in adverse contra-light situations is commendable.

Very good resolution and contrast; No coma; Only little longitudinal CA; Very good resistance against flare; glare; and ghosting; Minimal distortions (through lens profile); Weather sealing; De-clickable aperture ring

Visible focus-breathing; Bokeh could be a bit smoother; Large and heavy lens

This new Sony lens in impressively sharp in the center, and really sharp in the corners as its should for its price tag; Interestingly it was released at the same time as Rokinons first autofocusing lens, also a 50mm 1.4 for the E mount that's less than half the price.

About 20% too large and expensive

I purchased this lens a few weeks ago, I am not sure yet where this lens sits in my collection, too short for my liking in my studio for portrait work, too long for my commercial property work and too heavy in my opinion for street photography although this is where it excels, it has only had a...