Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens

The Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens is recognized as a premier standard lens for full-frame E-mount cameras, thanks to its classic focal length, swift maximum aperture, and superior build quality. Its 50mm field of view is versatile, ideal for capturing portraits, landscapes, and a variety of subjects. The wide aperture enhances creative control over depth of field and improves performance in low-light conditions.

ZEISS Optical Design

Built on the ZEISS Planar optical formula, this lens features 12 elements in 9 groups to support its wide f/1.4 maximum aperture while effectively reducing chromatic aberrations. The fast aperture is advantageous for shooting in challenging lighting scenarios and provides enhanced control over focus placement for shallow depth of field effects. Its rounded eleven-blade diaphragm ensures smooth, attractive bokeh when utilizing selective focus.

Each lens surface is treated with ZEISS T* anti-reflective coatings to reduce reflections, enhancing image clarity, contrast, and color accuracy. The optical design includes one Advanced Aspherical (AA) element and one aspherical element to effectively correct astigmatism, field curvature, coma, and various spherical aberrations. Additionally, an extra-low dispersion element is incorporated to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, resulting in sharper images with true-to-life color reproduction.

Autofocus and Handling

The lens features a Ring Drive Super Sonic wave Motor autofocus system combined with an internal focusing mechanism, delivering fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus while enabling smooth, intuitive manual focus adjustments. An AF/MF switch on the lens barrel provides convenient tactile control over focusing modes. The physical aperture ring can be de-clicked to allow for seamless and silent aperture changes, ideal for video recording. Designed with dust and moisture sealing, this lens is well-suited for challenging environments, while the rubberized control rings enhance handling in cold conditions.