Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens
Sony's SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens opens up a new world for owners of NEX cameras. The equivalent of 36mm in full-frame or 35mm format, this lens is a versatile medium wide-angle focal length with superb Zeiss Sonnar optical design. The extremely wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 is ideal for shooting under low-light conditions, and with the seven blades that form a near-circular aperture, it can also create photos with lovely shallow depth-of-field (which provides a powerful sense of space).
The design includes aspherical lenses which compensate for distortion and an ED element which suppresses chromatic aberration, for excellent corner-to-corner sharpness (even with the aperture wide open). Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows you to manually focus after autofocus has locked on, so you can easily fine-tune your focusing without switching modes. This is especially useful when shooting with very shallow depth-of-field. A linear motor used for autofocus drive helps make this lens ideal for video--a very low-noise focus operation, with a stepping motor built into the lens for smooth, quiet aperture actuation. This lens is a wonderful addition to any photographer's camera bag.
- Carl Zeiss Sonnar Optics
- This is the first Carl Zeiss lens to be released in the Sony E-mount lineup, employing the legendary "Sonnar" optical design for standout image dimensionality and presence. Aspherical lenses located on either side of the aperture effectively compensate for distortion, while an ED element suppresses chromatic aberration. The overall result is excellent corner-to-corner sharpness even with the aperture wide open, for impressive overall resolution.
- Large f/1.8 Aperture
- The large f/1.8 aperture is an ideal choice for shooting interiors in low light, as well as for superb background defocusing. Despite being a wide angle lens (36 mm in the 35 mm format), this lens allows for 1/4 macro shooting with accurate focus as close as 6.2" (16 cm). The ability to get close to the subject enhances this lens's ability to create beautifully defocused backgrounds while providing a strong sense of space.
- Smooth, Quiet Autofocus for Video
- Lens operation is fast but at the same time smooth and quiet, minimizing noise and image jitter when shooting movies. A linear motor used for focus drive contributes to low-noise focus operation, while a stepping motor built into the lens provides smooth, quiet aperture actuation ideal for movie shooting.
- Circular Aperture
- The lens features seven aperture blades that form a near circle. This results in a pleasing defocused circular effect on the background of your image when the aperture is set wide open.
- Direct Manual Focus
- Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows for direct manual focusing after autofocus lock-on without having to switch modes. In cases where autofocus has trouble locking onto the subject, or when the user wants to focus at a specific point, this feature enables fast and easy fine-tuning. This can be particularly useful for portraits as well as macro shots in which depth of field can be extremely shallow.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
24 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 36 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony (E Mount for NEX) |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 6.2" (15.75 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.25x |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Front: 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.48 x 2.58" (63 x 65.5 mm) |
| Weight | 7.9 oz (224 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 36 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Nice bokeh (26)
- Strong construction (24)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (23)
- Lightweight (21)
- Consistent output (20)
Cons
Best Uses
- Low light (31)
- Night photography (24)
- Landscape/scenery (23)
- Macro photography (11)
- Video (11)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (20), Semi-pro photographer (9), Pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (34)
Most Liked Positive Review
One fine piece of glass!!!
Sorry for the obvious inference, but it's true. I've always admired Zeiss optics and this lens carries on the tradition in fine form. I mounted this lens on my NEX-5N with the OLED...Read complete review
Sorry for the obvious inference, but it's true. I've always admired Zeiss optics and this lens carries on the tradition in fine form. I mounted this lens on my NEX-5N with the OLED viewfinder and have used it almost exclusively since. I also have the 18-55mm, 18-200mm zooms, the 30mm macro, 16mm pancake with fisheye & wide angle converters and a few Lensbabies. I'm considering a second body for them as the Zeiss epitomizes the one "Go-To" lens concept. As a street lens, this combo is hard to beat.
The sharpness is unsurpassed and the bokeh produces an exceptionally pleasing fine, creamy effect. This is especially noticeable with the aperature wide (or almost wide) open and the foreground subject at minimum focus (~six inches). While the f1.8 maximum is fast, DOF is so shallow that care must be taken with autofocus to capture the subject. However, manual autofocus assist greatly helps in these instances especially when low-to-medium peaking is enabled. There's one note of caution about the sharpness. This probably wouldn't be my first choice for portraiture unless in-camera softening or post-processing is used. This lens will bring out all the wrinkles, dimples, etc. It's great if you're going for that effect, but maybe not ideal for family gatherings, weddings and such.
Overall sharpness is best achieved at f4.0 and beyond and grain is well controlled at high ISO. For some reason, I find that I rarely use AWB with this lens. I normally use the sun, cloud or shade settings (tungsten or fluorescent when indoors). If necessary, I'll dial it in manually when the lighting is particularly tricky. I'm not sure if this is a lens or sensor effect. I find that, more and more, I'm taking this same approach with my other cameras/lenses as well.
The lens is pricey at ~$1,000.00, but this is a classic case of getting what you pay for. Build quality is excellent and the manual focusing ring turns smooth as silk.
If you're serious about the NEX system, this is money WELL spent. I'm anxious to see prints made from a Zeiss/NEX-7 combination.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great for low light but with some issues
After reading some glowing praises about this lens from other NEX owners, I decided to bite the bullet and try this thing out on my NEX 7. What are my thoughts?The Good:The ...Read complete review
After reading some glowing praises about this lens from other NEX owners, I decided to bite the bullet and try this thing out on my NEX 7. What are my thoughts?The Good:The fit and finish of the Zeiss is superb. I was quite surprised how compact it actually is (without hood of course). Also, this lens is one of the sharper wide-angles I've ever tested and the corner sharpness wide open and stopped down is quite good. The Zeiss is suited well for nighttime photography, not only the sharpness but the deeper depth-of field associated with wide-angles compared to more normal focal length, fast lenses, so that more of your subject would actually be in focus. I really do like to close focusing distance of the Zeiss which makes it extremely versatile.The Not-So-Good:I did notice some lateral chromatic aberration even when stopped down. Although this is already corrected in-camera, let's just say Sony's JPEG engine is not the best in the world. This means I need to resort to processing my RAW files in Adobe Camera Raw. The lateral chromatic aberration can be fixed in Lightroom/Photoshop but you never totally get rid of it.One surprising thing I noticed is that this Zeiss has bit of focus shift. One note: NEX lenses autofocuses with the lens aperture wide-open. My wide-open shots were accurate but my other shots when the lens is stopped down had a bit of backfocus.I do wish this lens had image stabilization (or at least I wish my camera had in-body stabilization). I was more than fine when shooting stills, but when I it came to video, I really needed a steady hand or else I would have some jittery video clips.You need to watch out when threading filters to this lens. The filter thread on this lens is slightly recessed into the barrel, so if you install a thin B+W UV filter like I did, you may have a hard time taking it out if you put the filter on too tight. I did mention that filter threading is plastic?Conclusion:In my experience, the negatives outweighed the positives, so this lens is not for me. Other people are very happy with the Zeiss but I guess I'm too picky, especially if it costs[$]. Looks like I'll stick with my legacy glass for the meantime. The Zeiss is great for low light and if you are willing to live with some of it's issues, more power to you.
Reviewed by 36 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Video
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Sharp end-to-end. Very nice bokeh. Love it with shake reducer on NEX 7.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Excellent build quality
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Price
- Size
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
This lens is slick and looks great on my nex-7.Know I can finally enjoy the 24mp the camera offers.The photos are sharp and the bokeh is great.The lens has not come off the camera since I got it.Very smooth and precise focus no delay when in manual mode just turn the focus ring and it reacts also very fast auto focus.The only down side is the size maybe if it was a bit smaller and a bit more affordible. Great walk around lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
You've read the reviews of this lens that describe excellent tech specs comparable to the best. This lens exhibits great contrast and saturation and produces subtleties of transparency, clarity and depth - probably not a surprise from Zeiss, a master of fast normal and wide-angle designs.
A perfect match to the compact NEX form factor (and AF system), it advances the NEX from a great digital camera to a lightweight artistic tool. An optimized engineering marvel, the lens performs like magic.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
I own 4 other lenses in the sony new series (16,50, 18-55, 55-210) and this is by far the best quality. I mostly shoot movies with my NEX 5n and 7 and could not be more pleased with the zeiss glass. If you can only get one lens, make sure this is the one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Expensive but unmatched
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
The only truly important aspect of your photo gear is the lens. There is very little one could find fault with regarding this lens, except price, but of course, you get what you pay for. This is a fast, bright, lens built to a very high standard in all areas. The action on the barrel is smooth and well-damped, the optical quality is exceptional, it's bright, has excellent bokeh and when shot at f1.8 renders very tight depth of field. Sony makes a 50mm f1.8 that is also excellent, but 50mm is effectively 75mm on the NEX cameras, so it's a mild telephoto. This one renders as 36mm, making it a very comfortable lens for street photography and mild wide angle shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
This really is a wonderful lens for the NEX line of cameras! It's about the same size as the standard kit lens (18-55mm). Produces wonderful bokeh and great image quality. It's fast and light and just looks beautiful mounted on the NEX-7.
Worth mentioning, however, is that it sometimes hunts for focus in dim lighting; as most cameras do. Switching to manual helps.
Still, this is just a great lens! Worth the price? That all depends on the individual. For me....it was worth it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Pets
- Portraits
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Hard to justify the price until you see the results. Details, colour & depth of field all stand out. It's my lens of choice replacing the NEX-7 kit lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Without this lens as an option, I would not have bought my NEX-7. Hopefully, there are more Zeiss primes to come. Lens is solidly built. Not only excels in stills but also perfect focal length for ENG video although wish it had optical stabilization.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Have this lens attached to a Nex-7, has been the perfect combo for street photography in NYC/Philly. Also working great for fast motion shots of my daughter. A HUGE step up from the 50mm lens, no comparison. Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Matt
ISO 800, f/2, 1/3200
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Video
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
I am extremely happy with this Carl Zeiss, Sony lens. I just shot my granddaughter's ballet recital. I took mostly video but also added in some stills. lens must be assembled by watchmakers. It is simple to use but, I am sure it is as complex a lens as there is. The results I achieve with the lens are phenomenal.I use the lens as a macro lens in my jewelry business.I only focusing on the jewelry and is is super-sharp. The photos are extremely interesting to look at.The 1.8 f-stop allows me to shoot in low light without a flash.The lens is a great complement to the NEX7 kit lens (18-55mm).I will be sure to take this lens with me on my Scandinavian and Russia trip later on this year.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Arnie
Photo of lens box
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Really nice lens(sharp sharp sharp sharp..........)
but ....little bit pricy
and the lens hood has some manufacturing problems, the glue between the metal part and the plastic part are not strong enough, really easy to get broken
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
I am using this lens with my Nex-5N. This lens already proved its perfect performance so far. 24mm F1.8 lens 50mm F1.8 I own both lens. I am waiting for another fixed focal length lens from Sony. G series or CZ series 30mm or 35mm F1.4.. I like 50mm on FF body. This lens shows its best performance at F4 to F8 and it looks super crispy and color is very accurate under any condition indoor or outdoor or night and day.. This lens's actual focal length is 35mm. This is all around player length. You can take 3 people within 1mm with some background. or I like its macro ability. That is fast and very very good IQ. Little pricy but it is the one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Black-great on black NEX
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great colors
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Sharp at all focal length
Cons
- Chromatic aberration
- No Image Stabilization
- Slight distortion
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
there are only two native worthy lens for the NEX system. They are SEL50 1.8 and SEL24 1.8. Both are exellent.
Zeiss SEL24 is supperb. for what I need it - people photography indoors in limited light. quick autofocus. silent. light. great colors from it. very sharp from wide open, I also like the bokeh. Exactly what I was looking for. Only wished it had image stabilization that could help in some cases. This lens stays on my NEX5N most of the time. afte buying it and SEL50 I sold all my manual lenses and adapters as I know they will never be put on my NEX again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
very good performance for nex5n/nex7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Nice and sharp and I find the F1.8 Fast enough. A great leave on Lens on the Nex 7.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Metal body may stratch
Best Uses
- Food photography
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
By far the best ever E-Mount lens around so far. Definitely can compare with Nikon Gold-Ring or Canon L-lens. Great colour reproduction and great contrast as well. Silent and fast AF with metal lens body, stylish lens hood and small filter requirement (49mm). Large manual focus ring!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Sam the man
Food
Images shared by Sam the man
Tree Root
(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Street photography
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
sharp, nice contrast, great for low light, nice bokeh, quick AF, what more do you want? the zeiss is pricey, but it consistently puts out great photos. for street photographers its a great prime to have.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- SEL50F18
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
Attached to a Sony NEX-7, it's hard to improve on picture quality!
The sharpness, contrast, and reality of images taken with this lens on the Sony camera consistently produces a "wow" factor.
Effect is almost 3-D.
The only thing that could improve it would be to make it a 24-70mm zoom lens and retain the same quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
This lens is large on the NEX, but no larger than Sony's own lenses. It is well made of what appears to be aluminum, so its lightness and balance don't overwhelm the NEX. I like that it focuses closely and could serve as a macro, but the results are not 1:1.
I don't like the lens cap (on any Zeiss lenses,actually), and it is not as "pin sharp" as my Zeiss ZM lenses. But it is very sharp compared to Sony E-Mount glass.
It feels great to mate a very good lens with AF on a NEX.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Riebs
March morning in Wisconsin, softened w/LR preset
(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
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Comments about Sony SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount Carl Zeiss Sonnar Lens:
When used correctly on an NEX-5N, this lense can take some truly 'awesome' photos with incredible sharpness and detail. But it does take some experimenting to be able to realize what this lense can truly do.
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $17.95
- Price: $24.95
Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
Color Balancing / Lens Calibration
- Price: $79.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- Front and Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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