Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Reviews
Great for its size.
By TerryDover1
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-13
I had the 24-70 f 2.8 but damaged my lens. It still works but I destroyed the filter threads. it turns out this f/4 is smaller and works fine. Full frame lenses are expensive. if you dont need the faster f 2.8 this is excellent.
Only lens you'll need
By Heather
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-11
I bought my Sony A7RIII used, and wanted one nice lens to start with initially. This ticked all my boxes: Not too big, has a good range of focal lengths, great reviews, etc. I have been incredibly impressed with the performance of this lens, and it's been a real treat getting to know the ins and outs of it's performance. It feels like it's made incredibly well when you hold it in your hands, and the crispness of the photos I've taken has been exceptional. I upgraded from a Canon EOS XS, so obviously a huge shift but I am incredibly impressed. If you're looking for a great starter lens that is decent enough quality, then look no further.
Excellent image quality, build quality, and size
By Jonathan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-10
This lens is the sensibly sized standard zoom (when too many are excessively focused on massive bright lenses). However, it isn't standard about much. It is sharp, well-built, and better sized than the lenses everyone goes crazy for (while needing a goat to carry their gear for them). I am very pleased with it and have sold hundreds of gallery prints with images I made with it.
Lightweight and compact
By Chandler
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-03
Solid build and sharp glass. Works perfectly with the AF on my FX3. I chose this over the Sony and Sigma 2.8's as I wanted a light and compact zoom to pair with my FX3 for run and gun docs and gimbal work. The front element is light enough that I can adjust the zoom without having to rebalance which is a huge plus. I don't miss the extra stop but it would of course be nice to get a bit shallower depth of field. Regardless, the form factor and weight more than make up for that shortcoming.
It Is What It Is!
By Thomas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-21
I am rating this lens for what it is ... A cheaper 24-70 f/4 that has Steady Shot OSS and is labeled by Zeiss (which I wouldn't get hung up about). I see so many reviews, older ones, that claim distortion. Yes it is, unless you either have in-camera fix or software, which most just fix it automatically so x that off the list. Don't shoot people or other subjects at the edges using 24mm. I've seen lots of reviews wishing upon this lens for an f/2.8 or a longer or shorter (mostly longer) reach. Again, IT IS WHAT IT IS! Don't buy this lens wishing you had something else. Save your money and buy a real and heavy lens like the Sony GM 24-70 GM or a prime like the Sony 24 f/1.4 GM or the Sony 35 f/1.4 GM. This lens is none of those! Not even close! But, it is 2 to 3 times cheaper!
This is a lens that:
1) is decent for video because of the OSS (extra stabilization) . Research further as I am no video expert.
2) good carry-around snapshot or landscape lens (because of the weight and f/4 or better)
3) and for what I originally purchased it for .... an infrared lens without a hotspot!
4) I would replace my kit lens with this if I had a standard kit lens that changed aperture and was rated badly. If I could get this lens CHEAP. This is a straight f/4 24-70.
5) half decent for a budget FF or even a APS-C (cropped) except it would be a 36mm - 105mm f/4 on a cropped sensor. If you would buy just to get a lens, I would buy as cheap as possible and get a good deal or get used.
If I was going to replace a lens and this was my only lens, on a budget, I would save and get a third-party 24-70 f/2.8 such as the Tamron or Sigma. I would save, scrimp, and/or wait for a sale, bargain, or used lens from one of these guys. The main reason I bought this lens was for infrared. But it does have other uses as a companion to that function. If it wasn't for my infrared wants and desires to try, I wouldn't have bought it. I own a Sony 24-70 GM for my focal length in this range taking other photos. There are many good lenses for regular retail price of $898 or a couple hundred more. I would not pay that price, I paid $698 on sale. If I wanted to just have this lens, I would pick it up in a like new to excellent condition used for under $500. I didn't feel like going this route.
I haven't tried it out for the third (infrared) reason yet, as I am still waiting for my camera to be delivered to its source and upgraded to infrared (a7rii). I understand by researching many reviews and databases this is a good lens for that. I am looking forward to capturing many B & W infrared shots with this lightweight lens.
If you are a pro, think you are a pro, or just want the best quality and tack sharpness and performance, this isn't going to be your lens. Although you could make a case that it isn't a bad lens. It works well with animal and human Auto Focus (AF). The AF isn't the fastest but it works ok. This is an average lens to me that is a step above a standard kit lens. However it may exceed that level if used for the reasons outlined and what I plan on using it for (infrared) . I personally wouldn't use it for weddings or paid work necessarily, but that's me. Maybe for some oddity infrared shots and such. Anyway, if you want a snapshot lens that is mediocre and relatively cheap when on sale ($698 or better) or even much cheaper used, this is your lens. Pop it on and it's a perfect walk-around lightweight lens. Comparing it to something it is not is like wishing your toaster could also fry you up your eggs, but it cannot. So don't give the toaster a bad review. Go buy the frying pan!
I like it for WHAT IT IS so I will rate this lens 5 stars. I would really give it 4.5, as it does have its issues and could use an update (old lens). If I rated this (yawn) for what I WISH I had and dreamt, I would give a 3 or 4 stars when examining my champagne taste lens of desires in my head. I wish I had a $698-$898 lens that was perfect and f/1.4 at 24-135mm but it's not gonna happen. If this lens doesn't work for my infrared as I planned, my rating could change (and I will come back and change it and return the lens). I doubt that is going to happen.
Attached are two photos I took when I received the lens, out of box, and attached to my A7RIVa . I edited the dog (24mm indoors) slightly for shadows and colors with Lightroom. I edited the landscape (70mm sunset) pretty well in Lightroom according to my likes. This includes gradient filters, lighting, shadows and colors. It still shows what you could achieve with this lens, Sony camera, and LR or other photo editor. I don't do technical photos and photograph rulers and brick walls. I use it in the real world. All the Best my friends, I hope this helps someone. - GuyWithANiceCamera
Much better than some say
By Art
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-14
While this lens is not perfect, it's nowhere near as bad as some say. Yes, my 24-105G is a bit sharper but this lens has a nice look. It's a bit soft in the corners but for what I shoot (a little bit of everything) it's great. Really nice color and contrast. Much more compact and light than 24-105 and f2.8 g master counterpart. Makes a real nice compact travel companion on the A7riv. It's understandable that people had high expectations for this lens given the spendy price tag, but since price has been lowered I think it is worthwhile. While I wish it had an aperture ring, it is built like a tank. Despite some minor shortcomings for me, I still love this lens.
5
By Amha
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-03
Very good lens
Great lens for a great price
By Matthew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-21
I got this lens on open box for 650 bucks. Came in fantastic shape with all the original box/ papers. It's not quite as sharp as my sigma prime lenses but I'll be using this for landscape / nature shots and it's perfect for that I'm my opinion!
The only thing I don't quite like is the focus/ zoom rings. I wish there was a more pronounced physical feel between the two. In the moment it's hard to naturally have your fingers find them. Maybe because I'm not used to it. Great lens for a great price!
