Is this lens sharp wide open at f/1.8?

Yes. Reviewers and owners consistently describe it as sharp across the frame even at its maximum aperture, which is unusual for a fast prime.

Does it work on APS-C Sony bodies?

It mounts on E-mount APS-C cameras, where it behaves like an 82.5mm equivalent short telephoto. It is designed for full-frame coverage.

Does it have image stabilization?

No. Stabilization comes from the camera body on models that have it, such as most recent Alpha full-frame bodies.

How close can it focus?

The minimum focusing distance is 1.64 ft, with a maximum magnification of 0.14x. That is fine for portraits but not for macro work.

The lens comes with front and rear caps, a lens hood and a soft pouch. A body and memory card are not included.

How does it compare with the Sony 50mm f/1.4 ZA?

The 55mm f/1.8 is smaller, lighter and cheaper, and many find it sharper wide open. The 50mm f/1.4 gives a faster aperture and shallower depth of field but is much bulkier.

Sony

SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens

Best price now

$1,098.00at WalmartChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Sony

SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens

Best price now

$1,098.00at WalmartChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $1,098.00 at Walmart on Nov 11.

Our take on the SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens

The Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA is a full-frame E-mount prime built with Carl Zeiss optics: 7 elements in 5 groups with T* coating, a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and a 9.9 oz metal barrel. It is the classic first prime for Sony full-frame bodies, sharp wide open with smooth background blur, and it stays small and light next to the f/1.4 alternatives. Reviewers rate it very highly for sharpness and rendering; the main complaints are the lack of image stabilization and a minimum focus distance of 1.64 ft that limits close-up work.

Best forSony full-frame owners wanting one sharp standard primePortrait and available-light shootingTravel and everyday carry with a small bodyVideo shooters who need quiet autofocus

Pros

Sharp across the frame even at f/1.8
Smooth, creamy background bokeh
Compact and light at about 9.9 oz
Quiet linear-motor autofocus
Dust and moisture resistant build
T* coating controls flare and reflections

Cons

No optical stabilization
Minimum focus distance of 1.64 ft is long for close-ups
Only 0.14x magnification
No aperture ring or focus switch on the barrel
Older design from 2013

SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by AVC Photo & Video SpecialtyReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$1,098.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
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What reviewers say

4.8 / 559 ratings

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the lens for sharpness, contrast and bokeh, and many call it the sharpest native FE prime for the money. Criticism centers on the long close-focus distance and the absence of stabilization.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedReviewers say it is sharp across the frame even at f/1.8.
BokehPraisedOwners like the smooth full-frame background blur at wide apertures.
BuildPraisedThe metal barrel and dust and moisture sealing get good marks.
AutofocusPraisedThe linear motor is described as fast and quiet, useful for video.
Close focusCriticisedThe 1.64 ft minimum distance makes tight close-ups hard.
StabilizationCriticisedThere is no optical stabilization, so low-light handheld shots rely on the body.

About the SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens

The Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA is a full-frame E-mount prime lens made with Carl Zeiss optics. It is designed for α7 series full-frame E-mount bodies. The T* coating works with the optical design to suppress internal reflections, which gives contrast from highlights to deep blacks.

Its maximum aperture of F1.8 can produce full-frame background bokeh. The lens can also be stopped down for greater depth of field. The bright aperture helps when shooting indoors or outdoors in low light.

Focusing is internal and driven by a linear motor, so it is smooth and quiet. The design is dust and moisture resistant.

Lens type: Standard prime
Mount: Sony E (full-frame)
Focal length: 55 mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8 maximum, ƒ/22 minimum
Elements/groups: 7 elements in 5 groups
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: No image stabilization
Min. focus distance: 1.64 ft
Magnification: 1:0.14
Filter diameter: 1.929 in
Dimensions: 2.5 in diameter, 2.8 in length
Weight: 9.912 oz
Color: Black
Release year: 2013

Specifications

color: BlackSource
Aperture (max): ƒ/1.8Source
Construction: PrimeSource
Focusing Distance (min) (ft): 1.64Source
Magnification Ratio (1:x) (x)

Questions and answers

Is this lens sharp wide open at f/1.8?: Yes. Reviewers and owners consistently describe it as sharp across the frame even at its maximum aperture, which is unusual for a fast prime.
Does it work on APS-C Sony bodies?: It mounts on E-mount APS-C cameras, where it behaves like an 82.5mm equivalent short telephoto. It is designed for full-frame coverage.
Does it have image stabilization?: No. Stabilization comes from the camera body on models that have it, such as most recent Alpha full-frame bodies.
How close can it focus?: The minimum focusing distance is 1.64 ft, with a maximum magnification of 0.14x. That is fine for portraits but not for macro work.
What is in the box?: The lens comes with front and rear caps, a lens hood and a soft pouch. A body and memory card are not included.
How does it compare with the Sony 50mm f/1.4 ZA?: The 55mm f/1.8 is smaller, lighter and cheaper, and many find it sharper wide open. The 50mm f/1.4 gives a faster aperture and shallower depth of field but is much bulkier.
Where is the SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens cheapest?: At Walmart, for $1,098.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Full-frame E-mount Prime Lens?: Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 59 ratings.