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ZEISS Loxia 85mm f/2.4 Lens for Sony E

BH #ZE8524LFE • MFR #2162-636
 12 reviews
ZEISS Loxia 85mm f/2.4 Lens for Sony E
Key Features
  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.4 to f/22
  • Three Low Dispersion Elements
  • Sonnar Optical Design
A compact short telephoto prime for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Loxia 85mm f/2.4 from ZEISS is an ideal portrait-length lens characterized by its sleek form factor and impressive optical qualities. Utilizing an optimized Sonnar concept, the simple seven elements, seven groups design incorporates three anomalous partial dispersion elements to greatly reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to the individual lens elements to control lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast when working in strong lighting conditions.
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$1,449.00
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ZEISS Loxia 85mm f/2.4 Overview

A compact short telephoto prime for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Loxia 85mm f/2.4 from ZEISS is an ideal portrait-length lens characterized by its sleek form factor and impressive optical qualities. Utilizing an optimized Sonnar concept, the simple seven elements, seven groups design incorporates three anomalous partial dispersion elements to greatly reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to the individual lens elements to control lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast when working in strong lighting conditions.

Loxia-series lenses are distinguished by their manual focus operation along with a manual aperture ring that can be de-clicked for silent operation; making them especially suitable for filmmaking applications. Loxia lenses are also characterized by their compact form factor and all-metal lens barrel, which incorporates engraved focusing and depth of field scales, for fine-tuned control. Additionally, the lens body sports a dust- and moisture-sealed design to permit its use in trying environments.

Short telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length
An f/2.4 maximum aperture permits working in low-light conditions, offers control over depth of field, and also helps to maintain the compact overall form factor of the lens.
Sonnar optical concept suits the combination of a large maximum aperture and long focal length, and also contributes to notable sharpness, well-controlled flare, and high contrast.
Three anomalous partial dispersion elements are used to significantly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for increased clarity and color fidelity.
ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections and provide greater contrast and color fidelity.
Manual focus design is benefitted by focusing and depth of field scales along with a 220° focus ring rotational angle and hard stops at both infinity and minimum focusing positions.
Manual aperture ring has clicked indicators throughout aperture range. Using the included De-Click Tool, this ring can be mechanically 'de-clicked' for smooth, silent rotation throughout the aperture range; making it ideal for video applications.
Weather-resistant construction includes internal seals to guard against dust and moisture as well as a blue sealing ring at the lens mount to protect the lens-camera interface.
The lens mount is fitted with an electronic interface that conveys all lens Exif data to the camera and can also be configured to automatically activate the camera's focusing magnification function when turning the focus ring.

ZEISS Loxia 85mm f/2.4 Specs

Focal Length
85mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.4
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
29°
Minimum Focus Distance
2.62' / 80 cm
Maximum Magnification
0.14x
Optical Design
7 Elements in 7 Groups
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
52 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.44 x 3.74" / 62 x 95 mm
Weight
1.31 lb / 594 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.29 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.1 x 5.45 x 4.65"

ZEISS Loxia 85mm f/2.4 Reviews

Broken Iris Blades

By William
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-25

I bought this lens a couple of years ago and unfortunately its been sitting on my bench due to the iris blades coming loose inside the lens. The lens wasn't dropped, it must have happened while being transported in my lens case perhaps by rough handling by the airlines? I've been holding off on getting it repaired since I don't want to spend half the price of the lens on the repair (based on estimates) I've been using the Sony 85mm 1.4 GM lens in it's place. Needless to say I was very disappointed to have a Zeiss lens fall apart like this!

Excellent example of Zeisss products!

By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-03-28

This lens is just fantastic in image color, character and sharpness and on the Sony A7R III instant magnification makes focusing very easy. For a moving target I then would zone focus.

Thoughts after 2 years of use

By Tony
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2019-02-17

Ive had this lens for two years - bought this in December of 2016. Its a lens I have mixed feelings about but would recommend anyone interested to give it a try. Pros: Very sharp across the frame starting at f2.4. Nothing more to say but this is top notch image quality here all around. Great bokeh - that sonnar rendering is smooth - similar to the 55mm f1.8. I compared it against the Sony 100mm f2.8 STF and decided that the STF lens didnt add anything cause the bokeh on the L85 was so good. Great look as with all Zeiss Loxia lenses MF: The MF experience feels great here - everything twists and turns the way it should. Cons: Size and weight: Significantly heavier and longer than all other Loxia lenses. This really impacts usability more so than the smaller Loxia lenses. Difficult to put on and remove - given the placement of the focus ring, the whole thing twists when you take it on and off. AF: This is obvious but all this focal length and with all the cons above, not having AF is a real limiter here. Alternatives: Ive considered replacing this with the Sony 85mm f1.8 to free up some cash and its a much more usable lens since the parts dont twist and move around as much and it has AF. However, I found the image quality unspectacular next to the Loxia especially the bokeh. The Sony 85mm f1.4 is probably the better choice with excellent bokeh, af and very sharp but its even heavier and larger. Sony 90mm f2.8: Great macro lens from what I can tell and its very sharp but on the size and weight dimension, it also scores poorly for me. The bokeh is also rather busy here. I found it sharp but unremarkable. Sony 100mm f2.8: This is probably what i would go for even with the downside of less light due to STF. Like the Loxia 85mm, it provides a nice smooth bokeh and is plenty sharp. I would probably get this lens if I didnt have the Loxia 85mm. The Loxia does collect more light. Net net, after looking at all the different options around this focal length, I still think the Loxia 85mm is the best option available and would recommend it. I would strongly consider the 85mm f1.8 as a budget option and Sony 100mm f2.8 if youre looking for something that differentiates your photography if not the Loxia.

Small In Stature, Big on Performance

By Edward
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-08-21

I purchased the Loxia 85/2.4 to complete my set of 5 Loxia lenses. I find manual, prime lenses are ideal for landscapes and architecture. Autofocus is unreliable in terms of where to focus, and is unreliable where there is little contrast or detail. I have several 90'ish lenses, and the Loxia is by far the sharpest, and is sharp corner to corner even at the widest aperture. That meets a basic requirement for landscapes. Best of all, 5 lenses fit into a small belt pack that would barely hold a single pro-level zoom lens, and it takes three big zooms to cover the same range. In the photo, I compare three E-mount lenses, all purchased from B&H. The panels are at full resolution, from a small corner of the complete image.

Quality optics

By Christopher
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-07-16

Lens moves with precision focus and takes absolutely stunning photos on the A7 digital camera.

Lovely lens but...

By Bee
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2018-06-03

I compared this lens to the Sony 85/1.8 and found it having only "slightly" more color and equally sharp! I was surprised. I dont pixel peep or look at "corner sharpness" etc (like most people who'll look at your photos). I just magnify to 100% and I dont see the value yet,when you can edit shots taken with the 1.8 to match this one. Am I missing something? Oh,and the 1.8 is autofocus which helps with moving people (events). Peculiar.

Excellent for Cine' use

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-18

I needed a longer focal length lens for medium-close-up shots. I am using this lens on a SONY FX9 for Cine' work. This lens has a really nice look, very sharp and no CA. My only complaint; I wish it had a lower minimum aperture for lower light and shallow(er) DOF. At 2.4 out of focus light sources have the typical cat eye look but turns more octagonal at 2.8. Mechanically, what can you say - it's Zeiss. There's nothing like a solid constructed manual focus lens.

Great Lens

By Lawrence
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-04

A great telephoto lens. Very sharp and a wonderful lens for the Sony A7 camera's.

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What is the de-clicked function? I have a used ...

What is the de-clicked function? I have a used Loxia lens, how to tell if the de-clicked function is disabled/enabled?
Asked by: JIONG
If the aperture ring stops at every f/ stop, the ring is "clicked" mode. If it does not (i.e., it turns smoothly) it is in "de-clicked" mode. You can click or de-click the lens by inserting the special Zeiss key (which comes with the lens) into a small slot in the back of the lens and turning it 90 degrees.
Answered by: marco
Date published: 2021-01-06

Has anyone tried this with the Anamorphot 1.33 ...

Has anyone tried this with the Anamorphot 1.33 Adapter? I know the 35mm Loxia is beautiful with the Anamorphot adapter from SLR Magic.
Asked by: James
You could attach this adapter with a step up ring such as the Sensei PRO 52-82mm Aluminum Step-Up Ring, B&H# SESURPA5282. However, your results may vary. https://bhpho.to/2yWBx6K
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2019-08-15

question

how much do I gain going from f2.8 to f2.4? Also how is this lens compared to Zeiss Batis f1.8?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Loxia 85/2.4 is much sharper in the corners than the Batis 85/2, from the wide open to f/5.6, where the Loxia is still noticeably sharper. I didn't compare the center, nor apertures above f/5.6, which is the diffraction limit on a Sony A7Riii. I have both, but one is for landscapes (Loxia) and the other for portraits and candids. For what it's worth, the Loxia is sharper in the corners than the Sony 90/2.8 Macro.
Answered by: Edward I.
Date published: 2023-08-01

question

Will this lense work on the Lifepixle IR conversions w/o the Hot Spot ... I have with my Batis lenses... the Batis is all but useless due to this flaw. Please does anyone know ?
Asked by: Anonymous
The ZEISS camera lenses are designed for the visible spectrum and are not promoted for use with cameras with NIR or IR capability. The 'flaw' you refer to with the Batis lenses is not a problem with the lens, since it was never intended for use outside of the visible spectrum.
Answered by: ZEISS Zeiss Expert
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Has anyone noticed that with the aperture open to f2.4 on this lens, Sony A7 is showing f2.2 in the EVF/screen?
Asked by: Anonymous
We have not heard reports of this occurring. You may wish to consider exchanging if within 30 days or sending the lens and or camera in for service.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2018-10-24
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