Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Recently, I converted from film to digital photography. My Rollie SLR mid-format camera is on the shelf.I am now using the entry-level Sony Alpha 100 DSLR with Carl Zeiss lenses.As I progress I can take my Zeiss lenes to professional level Alpha cameras, since they are interchangeable.
The Sony SAL-85f14Z is a prime lens, a low mid-range telephoto lens that meets my needs for low-light shooting situations, including portrait work.
Using the 85F14Z augments my Sony Carl Zeiss zoom lens.Zoom lenes now play a major, if not dominant, roll in today's photography. However, it is important to have a mid-range prime lens in order to cover a certain realm of "traditional" and digital-age photographic options.
The Carl Zeiss optics will take your breath away the first time you look through the viewfinder! The F/1.4 maximum aperture will embolden all who take it in hand, a powerful tool for any adventurous photographer, especially for those who usually shoot in low-light environments, such as myself.
Granted, with a fixed lens you have to move around to get the shot you like. You can not stand around flat-footed, when using a zoom lens. And that is good! Movement will stimulate your creative impulses. To this entry-level digital photographer, my Carl Zeiss 85F14Z might as well be the Hope Diamond!

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

I own several quality zooms and frequently shoot portraiture, but bought this lens to take photos of my first grandchild. Its sharpness, contrast and low light capabilities are just amazing. It has re-energized my photography. Yes, it's heavy, especially with an a850 and vertical grip, but it's worth every ounce. If you can afford it, you will not be sorry!

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Carl Zeiss glass is superb and this 85mm is no exception! Bokeh is very creamy.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Superb quality, beats most other high-end brand in its category. The only issue I found with the lens, that since this is a pro level equipment, perhaps the filter thread should be 77 mm as opposed to the current 72 mm. It would allow the photographer to carry only one set of filters for all the Zeiss lenses. But than again, if you have the money to pay top dollars for a gear like this (and it is worth it!) you can afford to invest couple of hundred more for a set of 72 mm filters.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

This is an outstanding lens. From consistent performance even at the extremes of its aperture range to solid construction and durable feel, this lens is at the top of Sony/Zeiss' game. It's especially powerful in low-light situations and portraiture, where the combination it manages laser sharp crispness where you want it and beautiful, creamy bokeh where you don't.

It's an expensive lens, and there's arguably a little bit of name inflation rolled into that premium. But the quaity of the lens and results speaks for itself, and at this quality point it's competitive.

If I had to list something negative about it lens, the best I could would be to grouse about its weight. It's notable heavy in the hands, and after a while of shooting fatigue it can weigh on your wrists. But that same weight feels good, instills confidence, and is an unavoidable result of the lens's quality until they change the laws of physics or we see some major advances in materials sciences.

In short, it's an incredible lens. If the price point does not dissuade you, you will not be disappointed.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

I use this lens to take pictures of my girl friend. As the 85mm is usually suitable for portraits, this lens is also perfect for portraits. It has nice bokeh and also nice background.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

This is an outstanding portrait lens on both my a900 and a700!!! Very sharp even when shooting wide open and consistent from center to extreme corners. Colors are wonderful and the bokeh is very pleasant and creamy! Focusing is a bit loud without SSM but hardly an issue.
There's a bit of bokeh fringing shooting wide apertures but is expected with these types of fast primes. This is an amazing lens... it's a ZEISS!!!

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

This is a truly outstanding lens in every way: color detail and resolution. Excellent for small areas of landscape.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Heavy, expensive, and also the best.
Fantastic in low light situations like indoor Volleyball, church events, Weddings and I stop it down to f/5 - f/11 and have superb outdoor shots that are crystal clear.

No real negatives on this beauty. A tad heavy but certainly a useable lens.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

this is a super lens, sharp from f1.4 on, with lovely soft out of focus rendition too -

common for this class of lens, there are some bokeh ca's to be seen on out of focus highlights wide open but for me, with the likely content from this lens, these are a plus -

it is small and light (even making the 900 light in a crowd) and best of all it's a zeiss - so if you need a 1.4 for those dark places or for narrow focus, this is the lens -

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Very solid construction, superior IQ, high contrast images, and soft background defocus from f1.4-f5.6
This lens truly adds a new dimension to my work, it is replacing a Tokina 100mm f2.8 as my primary head and shoulders portrait lens. I have a feeling this will stay on my A850. A professional tool.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Focuses quickly. Somewhat heavy, but basically easy to manage. I used this recently for indoor shots of performing artists (on my Sony a700) and created the best shots I've had under stage lighting. Very sharp, beautiful bokeh. I've had this lens about two months. Semi-pro in experience. Probably the best lens I'll ever own.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Extremely sharp, focuses faster than expected (faster than all my other lenses including 16-80 Zeiss), great color and bokah. Not sure about video yet. I've owned this two weeks and had great success shooting an indoor jazz event with a700 (effective 128mm focal length).

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

Came in right on time for Christmas family and friends group photos. Half of the hand-held shots came out very sharp at f-stop 2.0 - a high percentage by any standard. They are as sharp as the best photos taken with my Sony 50mm f1.4 - without having to get too close to the subject.I will need to upgrade my APS-C sized Minolta 7D to a full frame such as the A850 - as I had to step back into the next room with the 1.5x factor on the focal distance on a APS sensor.Great lense - fast & sharp! All other user's reviews checked out very well.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

I am a professional photographer for nearly 25 years. I have used many portrait lenses of different manufacturers. I bought my Sony Alpha a850 last year along with Zeiss 135mm, f/1.8, ZA. I needed a shorter lens to be used in my studio or outdoor when working in tighter places. I chose Sony's 85mm f/1.4 and must say that without any hesitations it is absolutely one of the best portrait lenses I have ever owned. It will not disappoint anyone.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

This is my first professional, full frame lens purchase and I could not be more thrilled to have it! I recently used this lens to photograph a very fast 1 year old for his portrait session and fell in love (needless to say, I was doing a lot of running). Not only did I get the shots I needed but they were sharp, clear and bright. The bokeh is gorgeous and the color output is beautiful. This will be my new workhorse lens for all my outdoor portraits (along with my 50mm 1.4 of course!).

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

The best! I needed a lens for low-light situations (specifically inside of a large church) and this fits the bill exactly. I used to have to take shots at f5.6 ISO2000 1/30 and then play with them a great deal in post-editing. Now I can use f1.4 ISO800 and 1/60 - 1/125. I love it! Add to that the fact that the images are some of the sharpest I have seen and you have a great lens. A bit pricey but worth it to me.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

This lens lives up to all the good reviews about this lens on the internet already. Very sharp, wonderful bokeh.

I noticed some CA when @ 1.4 in a very bright location. I would imagine this is to be excepted with any lens however in such a location.

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

There is an almost mystical quality you get with this lens when shooting portraits that astonished me - even through the compromised viewfinder of my A350 I knew instantly that I had made a good choice. You will not be dissapointed!

Comments about Sony SAL-85F14Z Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T* Autofocus Lens:

The lens quality is unsurpassed in low light settings. Excellent defocusing effects.