The Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is the fifth and newest compact E-mount Loxia-series lens from Zeiss. Previously introduced Loxia-series lenses include a 21mm f/2.8 Distagon, 35mm f/2 Biogon T*, 50mm f/2 Planar T*, and an 85mm f/2.4 Sonnar T*. Each of these lenses is manual focus and designed exclusively for Sony E-mount cameras, hence their svelte profiles.
Photographs © 2018 Allan Weitz
The Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is one of six 25mm Zeiss lenses currently in production, and is one of the smallest (2.44 x 2.93") and lightest (13.9 oz) of the lot. The only smaller Zeiss 25mm Zeiss lens would be the Zeiss Biogon 25mm f/2.8 ZM, which is an older design that, despite its high level of resolving power and overall image quality, is designed for M-mount cameras and better suited for black-and-white digital imaging. For color imaging, the 25mm Loxia is far preferable. Other 25mm offerings from Zeiss are designed primarily for use with DSLRs, which are larger and heavier, due to the larger flange distances required by reflex cameras.
The Zeiss 25mm Loxia has an 81° diagonal FoV, 9.84" minimum focusing distance, and contains 10 elements in 8 lens groups. Without caps, the lens measures 2.93" front-to-back and weighs less than a pound (0.87 lb, to be exact). The lens accepts 52mm filters and lens accessories. To keep flare and ghosting under control, all lens surfaces are T*-coated. Describing the Loxia 25mm f/2.4 as being ideal for travel and lighter-weight backpacking would be an understatement given the size, weight, and optical performance of this lens.
Unlike most contemporary optics, the lens barrel of the 25mm Loxia is made of metal alloy, as is the included tulip lens shade. If there are any plastic parts in this lens, they're well hidden.
In use, the 25mm Loxia feels right at home on a Sony A7R II. The lens feels balanced, and unlike many lenses I've adapted to Sony A7-series cameras, the Loxia doesn't make the camera front-heavy.
The focus travel is relatively short and quite positive, and finding my focus point was seldom an issue, especially when shooting in bright light. Wide open, whatever is in focus is crisp and clear, with visually pleasing out-of-focus back- and foregrounds. In a nod to videographer needs, it's worth noting that the aperture ring on the Loxia 25mm f/2.4 can be set for quiet, click-less operation.
The distortion-free aspects of Zeiss's Distagon design formula hold true for the 25mm Loxia. As with other Distagon wide-angle lenses, when used thoughtfully, the 25mm Loxia can capture wide-angle photographs that do not necessarily look wide-angle. There's depth to the image, but with less obvious spatial distortion, particularly of people or things positioned closer to the lens and/or the corners of the frame. Because the lens displays little, if any, barrel or pincushion distortion, the Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is highly recommendable for architectural and landscape photography.
Something I've noted when testing lenses on Sony A7-series cameras is how they hold up to the imaging abilities of 36MP and 42MP imaging sensors. Most currently manufactured lenses—not to mention a large percentage of vintage lenses—present well when matched with cameras containing 24MP imaging sensors. Mount them on cameras containing sensors in the neighborhood of 36MP, 42MP, or higher, and you begin noticing their optical limitations. The Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is a lens I would highly recommend to anybody seeking a high-performance E-mount wide-angle lens that can stand up to the demands of a high-performance E-mount camera.
Have you tried any of Zeiss's Loxia-series lenses, 25mm or otherwise? I have, I like them, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about them.
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Who makes the bubble level on your A7?