"I purchased this lens along with the A7ii and what a combo! the sharpness, colors, and performance is amazing! This lens is worth every penny, and even better on sale for $799.99!!!"

This lens makes me want to be a better photographer... and hopefully it'll help me become one!

The Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA is a standard prime lens for Sony's mirrorless cameras, and corrected for use on full-frame bodies. Announced alongside the original A7 bodies in October 2013, it delivers close to standard 50mm coverage for a normal perspective, and a bright f1.8 focal ratio...

The Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA ($999.99 direct) is the first standard-angle prime lens for Sony's full-fame mirrorless camera system. Its maximum f/1.8 aperture isn't as sexy as the more standard f/1.4, but it makes up for slightly less light gathering capability with incredible sharpness and a compact design. The only minor quibble is a lack of optical stabilization, but most prime lenses in the 50mm range aren't stabilized. It's a great lens, with no distortion, but its asking price is a bit higher than comparable lenses for full-frame SLR systems. The Sonnar measures 2.8 by 2.5 inches (HD) and weighs about 11.2 ounces. Its barrel is metal, with a large manual focus ring, and like the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R it's sealed against dust and moisture. The front element isn't overly large, it's surrounded by a 49mm filter ring. The lens hood is a petal style, and is reversible so it won't take up extra room in your bag when not in use. The lens can focus on objects as clo...

The Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA captures sharp, lovely images, but it's not a budget lens.

Extremely sharp from edge to edge; Negligible distortion; Wide f/1.8 aperture; Excellent build quality

Expensive; Not optically stabilized

55mm focal length; Fast F1.8 maximum aperture; FE lens for full frame Sony E-mount cameras (also works on APS-C E-mount models);

55mm focal length; Fast F1.8 maximum aperture; FE lens for full frame Sony E-mount cameras (also works on APS-C E-mount models);

Compared to all full frame standard f/1.7-1.8 lenses, tested by us so far, the Sonnar 1.8/55 FE has one undeniable advantage: sharp images in the frame centre already from the maximum relative aperture.

compact and solidly sealed casing of high quality,,, very good image quality in the frame centre already from the maximum relative aperture,,, sensible image quality on the edge of the APS-C sensor,, imperceptible lateral chromatic aberration,, moderate distortion,, lack of serious problems...

distinct longitudinal chromatic aberration,, huge vignetting on full frame,, too high coma,, steep price.

This was the first "premium" lens I picked up for my a7III after owning the 50mm 1.8, as well as the Tamron 28-75 G1. This is a lens that I will never let go of. There's something magical about the way that it renders images.

Incredibly durable, lightweight, tack sharp, silent and fast autofocus

Chromatic aberrations wide open can be distracting, video autofocus is not reliable in super low light conditions.

The Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is a high-performing lens that merges light weight, compact size and quality build with excellent image quality and AF performance. While not the cheapest option available, this easy to take with you lens performs excellently.

The Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is certainly capable of delivering stunning results ... if you are aware of a few limitations. The image center is sharp at f/1.8 but the outer image region isn't quite as impressive here.

The Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 is the lens I’ve used the most with the A7 series yet I’d never published a dedicated article about it. As such, I thought it was about time I gave it some attention, especially since this lens is considered by many to be one of the best autofocus prime lenses ever designed.