Please update your browser to take advantage of the latest technology security enhancements to ensure your B&H Shopping experience is as safe as it is enjoyable:
A perfect pairing for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, the Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens offers excellent resolution and a bright f/1.8 aperture for photographers looking for a high-performing normal-length prime.
A perfect pairing for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, the Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens offers excellent resolution and a bright f/1.8 aperture for photographers looking for a high-performing normal-length prime.
ZEISS Optical Design
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.
Three aspherical elements, including two double-sided, are incorporated in the lens design to reduce astigmatism, field curvature, coma, and other monochromatic aberrations.
ZEISS T* anti-reflective coatings have been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections in order to provide greater image clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when employing selective focus techniques.
Autofocus and Design
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.
UPC: 027242868175
Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Specs
Focal Length
55mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
43°
Minimum Focus Distance
1.6' / 50 cm
Magnification
1:7 Macro Reproduction Ratio 0.14x Magnification
Optical Design
7 Elements in 5 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
49 mm (Front)
Dimensions
2.54 x 2.78" / 64.52 x 70.61 mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight
9.9 oz / 281 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.2 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8 x 4.4 x 4.3"
Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Reviews
Great video AF
By Blake
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-04-04
Not sure what people are talking about with this lens having problems on video AF. I am a full time DP/Cinematographer and have used this lens hundreds of hours on FX6 and A7Siii shooting video in professional settings and have had nothing but great experience with the AF tracking and focus performance. Gimbal, tripod, handheld, interviews, low light, outdoors etc. The AF works great on A7Siii and FX6 with this lens.
And yes this lens is gorgeous optically as other reviewers have said. Amazing value in this lens.
Love the light weight and great sharpness
By Creamcityshooter
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-03-27
I’m not a professional photographer. I do display my work, however. Occasionally, I need to restrict my lens choice so I can travel lightly. This is a superb all around choice for that purpose.
See any errors on this page?
question
Will this work on a7r or rII?
Asked by: Gary
Yes any lens with an E mount will work on the a7 series cameras. The FE in the name of the lens signifies it as an e -mount for a F ull frame sensor cameras, like the a7 series. The crop sensor lenses (lenses with just E not FE in the name), will also work pn the a7 cameras but will be cropped and have a vignette/shadow on the pictures due to the bigger sensor on the a7 series cameras.
Answered by: Stephen S.
Date published: 2018-08-25
question
Is there a way to set the focus distance from meters to feet on this lens? I am using it on the the AR7II. I cannot find a menu setting to change that anywhere. I know on the Batis lenses one can turn the focussing ring but that does not work on this lens. I am trying to figure out hyperfocal distances and I do have an app but I find it difficult to keep switching back to meter distances.
Asked by: lia R.
Unfortunately, it does not appear that this is a possible function using this lens.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-25
question
Why no OSS on this lens?
Asked by: Anonymous
Note IBIS (in body stabilization) is only available on the most recent/newer (Mark 2) A7 cameras like the A7R2, A7ii, and A7S2 which are at least 2000-3500 in cost. The first gen A7 cameras dont have IBIS. Usually you only need OSS when using a long/telephoto lens of 70mm or greater due to the increase in shake when zoomed in farther. Wide and normal lenses from 10 to 55 mm usually dont need extra stabilization as long as your shutter speed is above 1/125 sec or higher
Answered by: Stephen S.
Date published: 2022-12-01
Am thinking of buying a Sony a7CR or a7C ii. ...
Am thinking of buying a Sony a7CR or a7C ii. Because this is an older lens, is it up to resolving the newest Sony sensors?
Asked by: Peter
The Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens is an amazing lens, and can definitely hold up with higher megapixel cameras such as the Sony A7R.
Answered by: David B
Date published: 2024-04-18
question
Is this Lens compatible with the Sony FS700?
Asked by: Toks O.
Yes, and it will work fabulously. I use it on my a7s as well, gives wonderful images w/o having to pay a lot of $ for Cinema lenses
Answered by: DARREN L.
Date published: 2018-08-25
Does this lens suffer from "focus breathing" when ...
Does this lens suffer from "focus breathing" when pulling focus in video applications?
Asked by: Walter
Yes, the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens would show focus breathing. Moreover, the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens does not seem to be a lens supported by the focus compensation feature, which is built into many Sony camera models. See the following link for focus breathing compensation cameras and supported lenses: https://bhpho.to/3XCcqC5.
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2024-09-17
Which is best sigma 50mm f/1.4 art and this Zeiss ...
Which is best sigma 50mm f/1.4 art and this Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 ?
Asked by: Nakib
Both lenses are excellent, but the Sigma is slightly better in low light as it is 2/3 of a stop brighter.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2020-12-14
How are the bokeh and focus breathing on this ...
How are the bokeh and focus breathing on this lens?
Asked by: Zachary
From testing in store and from owning this personally, the bokeh of the Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 is aesthetically quite pleasing and quite clean, although depending on what you're used to and your tolerance for "busy-ness", your own review might be skewed. It does have some focus breathing, which might be an issue in video.
