We look at this new Zeiis wide-angle prime
as an ideal option for top-quality ILCs.
Carl Zeiss lenses are renowned for their
outstanding optical and mechanical qualities and Sony has several AF versions
in their range for the Alpha DSLRs, but this one is the first for their NEX
interchangeable lens cameras. Not surprisingly, they’re more expensive than the
regular Sony lenses, this one is a shade under $1,275 but there’s nothing
really to compare it with in Sony’s current E-series line up. It’s the
equivalent to a 35mm f1.8 on a full-frame camera, and closer to a moderately
fast f2.0 than a fast f1.4 maximum aperture. Externally, the Carl Zeiss follows
Sony’s minimalist cosmetic appearance with the aluminium alloy barrel lacking
any focus distance or depth of field markings but standing out from the rest by
its black anodised finish. It’s a big lens, absolutely dwarfing the tiny 24mm
f2 equivalent Olympus (also reviewed), and around three times the length of
Sony’s own 16mm f2.8 pancake lens. But a 225g it balances well, even on the
tiny NEX-5N body.
The lack of distance scale and depth of
field marking is a surprise at this level, especially on a lens that’s designed
with both photojournalism and video capture in mind. However, the autofocus is
smooth and practically silent, except for a slight low-volume rasp, while the
electronically controlled manual focus has a satisfyingly long and precise
travel. That, in combination with the outstanding colour peaking option of the
current NEX models, allows pinpoint focus accuracy with relative ease. And
that’s especially true for stills when used in conjunction with the magnified
AF assist option and would be for video capture if that same option was
available. But, that’s a shortcoming of the camera body not the lens, as manual
adjustment during video capture is still possible with the colour peaking
option. Autofocus using a linear motor is fast for a large lens and so can
still be relied upon for spontaneous shots. There’s no faulting the optical
quality either, well, not seriously at least.
Sony
Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA + NEX-5N
It has the characteristic imaging aesthetic
of Zeiss lenses imparted through the Zeiss T* coatings and attractive
differential focus, or bokeh. Out-of-focus highlights are rendered as visually
attractive circular blobs, these are often seen clipped on lesser lenses. But
some fringing on high-contrast edges is visible when viewed at 100 percent
actual pixels, and while low, this lens exhibits some slight lateral chromatic
aberration as well. Current Sony NEX bodies can reduce the effects of chromatic
aberration for in-camera JPEGs as they can for distortion and shading. Turn
those options off in the menu and you can see the effects on-screen. From our
tests, the Zeiss has heavy corner shading, or light fall-off. Wide open it’s a
fraction over three stops to the extreme corners and, somewhat unusually, in a
lens such as this one, there is some slight pincushion distortion.
Peak resolution occurs at f8, topping out
at a shade over 1800 line widths per picture height, and somewhat lower than we
might hope for considering the sensor. It’s sharp wide-open in the centre but,
like just about every lens, softens out to the edges, though this improves
considerably just one stop down from the maximum. Stopping down improves
resolution across the field but the integrity of the image at the edges is
outstanding, even at maximum aperture.
The 24mm f1.8 Zeiss is an exceptionally
fine lens. The lack of distance scales and depth of field markings is a
disappointment but, while certainly pricey, it’s still good to see Sony
offering the Zeiss as an option with the NEX bodies.
Test
results - Tested on a Sony NEX-5N, mounted on a tripod, shooting max-quality JPEGs
at ISO 100
Verdict
Score: 9/10
Ratings:
This is the first Zeiss-designed lens for
the Sony NEX bodies, and while costly, optical quality like this rarely comes
cheap
Technical data
Model:
Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm f1.8 ZA
Price:
$1,275
Web: www.sony.com
Elements/construction: 8/7
Angel of view: 61 degrees (diagonal)
Max aperture:
f1.8
Min aperture:
f22
Min focus distance: 0.16m
Mount:
E-mount (NEX)
Filter size: 49mm
Length:
66.5mm
Diameter:
63mm (max)
Weight:
225g
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