Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens

• Based on the ZEISS Sonnar optical concept, this lens uses a design with seven elements in five groups that helps achieve the large maximum aperture of f/1.8 while simultaneously reducing flare and improving contrast.
• Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture allows users to create images with shallow depth of field and work in low-light conditions with relative ease.

• Linear autofocus motor and internal focus design provide quick and precise autofocus performance and enables accurate and silent focusing while recording videos.
• Dust- and moisture-sealed design better permits working in inclement conditions and rubberized control rings benefit handling in colder temperatures.

Key Features:

1. Focal Length & Maximum Aperture:
   • The 55mm focal length is a classic choice for portraits and general photography, offering a natural field of view that closely mimics the perspective of the human eye.
   • The wide f/1.8 maximum aperture allows for excellent performance in low-light conditions, fast shutter speeds, and beautiful background separation (bokeh) when shooting wide open. It is ideal for creating a shallow depth of field and isolating subjects.
2. Sonnar Optical Design:
   • The lens uses Carl Zeiss Sonnar optical design, known for sharpness and clarity. The name “Sonnar” comes from Zeiss’ legacy design, which emphasizes high sharpness with fewer elements, reducing light loss and distortion.
   • The design incorporates 7 elements in 5 groups, optimized for clarity and minimal aberration, ensuring sharp images from corner to corner even at wider apertures.
3. Zeiss T Anti-Reflective Coating*:
   • The lens features Zeiss T (T-Star) anti-reflective coatings*, which significantly reduce lens flare and ghosting while improving contrast and color fidelity. This ensures vivid, high-contrast images, even in challenging lighting conditions like shooting into the sun or in backlit scenes.
4. Outstanding Image Sharpness:
   • The lens is praised for its exceptional sharpness, even at its widest aperture of f/1.8. It delivers crisp, detailed images with impressive resolution, making it a great choice for photographers looking for high optical performance.
   • It maintains excellent performance even when stopped down, producing sharp and detailed results across the aperture range.
5. Smooth and Creamy Bokeh:
   • With its fast aperture, the lens can produce beautiful background blur (bokeh), ideal for portraits and subject isolation. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm enhances the smoothness of out-of-focus areas, contributing to aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
6. Fast and Accurate Autofocus:
   • The lens features a linear autofocus motor that is both fast and silent, making it suitable for both still photography and video work. It locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in low light, and the silent motor ensures no distractions in video recordings.
7. Compact and Lightweight Design:
   • Despite its high optical performance, the lens is compact and lightweight, weighing only 281 grams (9.9 oz). Its portability makes it a convenient option for travel, street photography, and everyday use without adding bulk to your camera bag.
   • The lens has a sturdy metal exterior, giving it a premium feel and better durability.
8. Weather Sealing:
   • The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is dust and moisture-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use in challenging conditions. This weather-sealed design ensures reliability when shooting in less-than-ideal environments, offering protection against the elements.
9. Versatility:
   • On full-frame cameras, the 55mm focal length is perfect for a wide variety of photography styles, including portraits, street photography, and general everyday shooting. On APS-C cameras, it provides an equivalent focal length of around 82.5mm, making it even more suited to portrait photography due to its tighter field of view.
10. Lens Hood Included:
    • The lens comes with a petal-shaped lens hood (ALC-SH131) to reduce unwanted stray light and lens flare, improving contrast in bright conditions. It also adds a level of physical protection for the front element of the lens.

Pros:

• Incredible sharpness even at wide apertures.
• Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light and beautiful bokeh.
• Lightweight and compact, making it highly portable.
• Zeiss T coating* reduces flare and improves contrast.
• Weather-sealed, suitable for outdoor photography.
• Fast and quiet autofocus, ideal for both photos and video.

Cons:

• No image stabilization, though many of Sony’s full-frame cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
• Premium price for a prime lens of this focal length and aperture, though it delivers top-notch optical performance.
• Limited macro capability, as the minimum focus distance is 0.5 meters (1.6 feet), meaning it’s not suited for extreme close-ups.

Ideal For:

• Portrait Photography: With its sharp optics and creamy bokeh, this lens is perfect for capturing flattering portraits with excellent subject isolation.
• Street Photography: Its compact form factor, fast autofocus, and natural focal length make it ideal for discrete, everyday shooting.
• Low-Light Photography: The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for shooting in challenging lighting conditions without compromising on image quality.
• Travel & Everyday Use: Lightweight and versatile, this lens is great for general use, travel photography, or any situation where you want excellent image quality without carrying heavy gear.

Technical Specifications:

• Focal Length: 55mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Mount: Sony E (Full-frame and APS-C compatible)
• Format Compatibility: Full-Frame (35mm format) and APS-C (crop sensor)
• Angle of View: 43° (on full-frame)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.5 m (1.64 ft)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.14x
• Optical Design: 7 elements in 5 groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded
• Filter Size: 49mm
• Dimensions (DxL): 64.4mm x 70.5mm (2.5 in x 2.8 in)
• Weight: 281g (9.9 oz)

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