The new Sony FE 55mm ƒ/1.8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T* lens is a fantastic fast prime lens for the Sony A7R and A7 full-frame mirrorless E-mount cameras and gives shooters a "normal" focal length perspective that's great for portraits and street photography as well as low-light shooting.

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

All systems are go with this perfect full frame lens for the a7R body. Every electronic setting of the a7R can be adjusted to work the optics of this lens. Focus is spot on; apochromatic images are a7R-perfected; and, as a result, they have depth, extremely high resolution, and clarity.

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);

Great lens!

This was my first Zeiss lens and I was hesitant to spend the money. The sel50f18 takes some great pics.I'm glad I took the plunge! I like this lens so much I bought the sel24f18z the next day.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

No Oss

"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 is the sharpest and the best quality 55 mm lens money can buy. You will never regret buying it. Light, fast and durable.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

This is a good lens. Lightweight, very sharp and great color reproduction. This is a good lens to pair with your mirrorless A7 series camera. Its not very big or heavy and the 49mm filter size will not break the bank if you shoot with filters.

Lightweight; sharp; color reproduction

Onion ring bokeh; price

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.