Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Reviews
It's Zeiss!
By Marc
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-04
I listened to all the tech pundits when building my Sony Mirrorless system. I listened to hard.
I had forgot my original reason to select Sony ... they had a tradition of Zeiss partnership (i.e. Sony A mount) ... which furthered my previous dedication to Zeiss with my older Contax system.
I'm now correcting that error, and this Distagon 35/1.4 is just one of the prime lenses I've added (such as the Zeiss 50/1.4)
This Zeiss 35mm replaces my Sony 35/1.4GM, which is a great lens but doesn't have the Zeiss look and feel ... it is a creative and aesthetic decision which adds to my 6 lens Zeiss FE line-up.
Shot a wedding the day after I got the lens and it did not disappoint. Lens to lens, all the images consistently had that Zeiss snap.
Lens is built very well, focuses quickly, has an aperture ring and is less expensive than the GM ... it is a bit bigger and heavier, so if that is your goal this lens may not be for you.
not sharp
By drew1063
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-26
expected better results from such an expensive lens, wish I had done my home work before purchasing, a lot of people having the same issues.
failing after 5 years
By Handel
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-04
the aputure ring (along with cheap electronic focus ring) is a huge letdown with this camera. After 5 years, it is failing, whenever I set to f1.4, the camera freaks out and cannot properly adjust the lens to 1.4. other apertures work fine. This is a new problem has developed with use over 5 years... I baby my lenses and take care of them so this seems like a design flaw with the aputure ring. It is actually slipping slightly so that when I adjust to 1.4 it goes slightly past that, and is throwing off the electronic values. very disappointing.
And yes I updated the lens and body firmware, that did not fix the issue. this is a mechanical issue.
Perfect Focal Length & Beautiful Aperture
By Maddy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-29
I love the focal length of the 35mm. It's perfect for all kinds of portraits, and it's wide enough to capture a larger group of people or a beautiful landscape shot. As for the aperture, the 1.4 gives the background that gorgeous blur that everyone wants to achieve. The biggest complaints I've heard about this lens is that it's on the heavier side and that people accidentally move the aperture ring. I'm a fairly weak person, and this lens isn't heavy for me at all, and the aperture ring requires some pressure in order to move it, so I don't see how people are accidentally moving it. Overall, I'm loving this lens so far
Superb lens
By William Bruce
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-07
The 35mm is a great addition to my landscape and street photography kit. I have used it on multiple outings and am extremely please with the image quality. The sun bursts at f/16 are wonderful. It worked perfectly on my A7RIii. I would recommend lens to any Sony shooters.
Came broken
By JBurr
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2020-10-30
I have been SO frustrated with this lens. Bought in Nov. 2019. Out of the box it wouldn't shoot wide open. I could only shoot at above 3.5 so it was annoying. Eventually it completely stopped focusing at all. I sent it in for repair but was unable to get it to repair. Thankfully I bought the extended warranty. When the lens was sharp it was beautiful until it stopped working all together.
Awesome even in 2022
By Glenn
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-23
This is an often overlooked lens. Earlier reviews indicated they're are copies of it with left side softness. Mine has none of that. In fact, it's sharp as a tack with the so called "Zeiss" pop. Can't say for sure, but I think the soft copies were early copies. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it new again now. I can say that it is probably the quietest AF lens I've ever used. And fast & accurate as well. It's only real downside is price. It's $600 cheaper now than when it first released and that's great. However, the newer (and even better) G Master version is only a few hundred more. But if the G Master is out of your price range, don't look past this version.
An Amazing Lens!
By DANIEL
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-18
I read for years in the many photography blogs, forums, pro reviews - how bad this lens is - decentering issues et' al.' So, despite the many excellent photos from this lens on Flickr, I held off buying because of the fear I'd end up with a decentered copy. Well, I am not doubting that quality issues plagued this lens early on. But when the price dropped by $500, I thought it was worth the risk to buy one...with the confidence that B&H would seamlessly either exchange it or provide refund. Lo and behold this lens is not anything remotely close to what the poor reviews say about it - at least not my copy. This lens produces some of the creamiest and amazing bokeh for a 35mm lens. It is sharp corner to corner. And it is a feather weight compared to my Sigma 35 F1.2 (another amazing 35 - but more clinical in comparison).
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