Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 135 F1.8  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: marc-104   review date: June-27-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1200€

positive:

a perfect one for outdoor street portrait
sharp as a razor

negative:

long lenshood
weight

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: cny3123   review date: June-26-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Switched to Nikon, had nothing directly comparable.

price paid:

1400 before discount

positive:

Amazing, sharp optic with beautiful bokeh. Great build quality.

negative:

A bit heavy, but that is expected with the high build quality and wide aperture.

comment:

I switched to Sony for the A850 and Zeiss 135 since I got a great price for both. Before had a Nikon D2H with a 85mm f/1.8. Not even close in comparison I know for performance. Amazingly sharp, extremely shallow DOF wide open, great bokeh. Not much needs to be said for this lens other than A+++

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Brokenman808   review date: June-24-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 135mm 2.8

price paid:

traded

positive:

everthing

negative:

zilch

comment:

Wow!!!! So crisp, creamy and clean. Amazing tack sharpness at all ranges and love the all metal build. Really, a legend in any brand. The Bokeh is so ridiculous. There are not enough superlatives for this lens. If you got the bucks, get it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Spirit36   review date: June-06-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 85mm, F1.4G

positive:

Sharp wide open
Bokeh

negative:

Slow and noisy AF
Heavy
Not Minolta colors
Build

comment:

This lens is now away to it's second repair - that is not a good build quality. This lens feels like a tank but it is'nt.

I really struggled to get the right sharpness with the A700, but with the A850 it is perfekt even wide open.

With that price tag it really should have SSM.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ibordas   review date: May-05-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 70-200mm f2.8 G SSM
Sony 85mm f1.4 ZA
Sony 100mm f/2.8 macro
Minolta 100mm f/2
Sony 135mm f2.8 (4.5) STF
Minolta 200mm f2.8 APO

positive:

Sharp
Accurate & relative fast focus
Perfect for MF
Bokeh

negative:

Heavy
Lens-Hood in metal too heavy

comment:

This lens is simply a joy to use. I own a very nice collection but I can say with assurance that this lens is my best lens ever.

I gave a 4 for Build rating as I find the lens hood not that much appropriate, would be better to have a carbon lens hood, and the lack of SSM.

I find myself using this lens very much between 1.8 and 2 and sometimes going at 2.8/4 , tried some landscape shots at 5.6, it's razor sharp.

Since I own this lens I don't use anymore my beloved Min. 200 2.8

I prefered this lens to STF, & don't regret a second the switch.
The bokeh is not as creamy but is still wonderful for a "normal" lens.

UPDATE : I'm now using the 70-200 G lens hood on the 135/1.8 ZA, it fits perfectly and it's much more practical to use with c.pol and less heavy. I found the perfect compromise :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kill4fun   review date: May-05-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 135 f2.8
Minolta 28-135

price paid:

Rp. 11.500.000 (2nd)

positive:

Super Sharp
Nice bokeh
Good Build
Fit properly to camera body
f1.8 helps a lot

negative:

Front Barrel loose easily
Super Heavy haha :p

comment:

First impression about this lens.... it's terribly huge, large filter size, heavy, tank-like lens, and after my first shot... it's just amazing... One of my favorite lens... not going to sell it, and never even think of selling this baby :D

never been dissapointed while i'm using this 135/1.8 ZA... ^^

definetly one of the best lens in the world i suppose... :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dpp   review date: May-03-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70,
Minolta 100/2.8 Macro D
Minolta 50/1.4
Sigma 70-200 HSM II
Sony 70-300G

price paid:

1000 EUR

positive:

amazing sharpness!

negative:

Slow AF in the dark!
.. No SSM!!... for the money!?!??

comment:

There is no such glass is amazing! Extremely sharp lens! Crop little long for, but look forward to my A900 arrives and try it on FF!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ianb   review date: May-03-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Incomparable!

price paid:

L1,014

positive:

Just about everything
Bokeh superb - silky smooth
Fast autofocus

negative:

Affordability !

comment:

I have seen so many good shots on this forum taken using this lens, I ventured away from my Zoom lens preference.

...am I pleased I did. First observations...

Solidly built, fast and accurate autofocus, and the wide aperture produces a superb silky bokeh unlike any other lens I have.

I will revise comments when I have had the opportunity to use this lens for a wider range of applications.

Having had the opportunity to use this lens a lot more.. I cannot praise it enough. It does exactly what it says on the label...fast sharp bright ... will it ever leave my kit? I very much doubt it!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: riki   review date: April-12-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

sharp (thats a bit overused, but in this case it's true)
Uber portrait lens
Clutch on focus ring
Big generous focus ring

negative:

heavy
metal lens hood

comment:

This is an uber lens for portraits. It isnt SSM, but there is a clutch on the focus ring so that it doesnt rotate when auto focussing.

Its very sharp! auto focus seems quite fast. Its the fastest 135mm you can get I think. I was deciding between this and the STF. I think the potential for bokeh is "buttery" enough on this bad boy, probably better potential than the STF because of the f/1.8, you can take portraits where the ears are already OOF but eyes are sharp.

I saw a second hand one in the shop, front section was loose. The front section just supports the hood, and it not connected to the front element. Probably because the previous owner bashed it when the heavy metal hood was attached. I didnt want that one and got a mint copy instead. Something to watch out for if buying second hand.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nitrosyl   review date: April-06-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- Minolta 85mm f/1.4 G D
- Minolta 135mm f/2.8
- Minolta 200mm f/2.8 APO HS G
- Sony Carl Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Planar T*
- Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro
- Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM G

positive:

- Razor sharp!
- Almost lateral CA-free, even wide open!
- Neutral Zeiss color (good for portrait).
- Deep hood, minimal flare.
- Excellent bokeh.
- Best construction (ALL metal) I've ever seen.
- Constant length when focusing.

negative:

- Some axial or "bokeh" CA at very large aperture settings.
- Lack of SSM (doesn't affect my daily use though).

comment:

This is THE crown jewel of current Sony Alpha DSLR lens lineup. I could only hope all lenses are built and perform in this high caliber.

Its only weakness might be a bit of axial or "bokeh" CA when using wide open (lateral CAs are very well controlled). But so is true for almost every other 85/135mm competitors.

It is also lack of SSM. But I don't find that makes much difference in my daily use.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Theresa   review date: March-23-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1469 USD (new)

positive:

Extremely sharp
Good focal length for ff
Good balance on a850
IMHO Good manual focus
Bokah very good

negative:

No SSM
heavy, but not too

comment:

I bought this as my second lens for the a850. It is a good complement to the 24-70 ZA and even sharper. No regrets as yet.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hooni   review date: March-22-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma70-200/2.8
Sigma180/3.5
M28-135/4-4.5

price paid:

1500 USD (new)

positive:

Everything! Color,Bokeh,Edge to Edge sharp,Incredibly sharp wide open!

negative:

Weight, but worth it after using!

comment:

This lense is the easiest lense I own to use. It seems to do the work for me! I point, focus, and shoot. Everything that comes out of this piece of art seems perfect unless operator error screws it up. :( I have been very lucky to snap some incredible photos of my family over the last few weeks on vacation and can honestly say this lense will keep me engulfed in photography for a long time to come! It's ability to perform in low light is amazing and from what I read on this forum unmatched. Thank you Dyxum! Your reviews drove my lense choices and this was the GOLDEN EGG!!!!!

Edit: Price paid included tax, shipping, and 5 year extended warranty.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jerome   review date: March-21-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 135 f/2.8, Sony STF, Sony 70-200 SSM.

positive:

Optics

negative:

Heavy, big, expensive, bokeh wide open a tiny bit busy.

comment:

Simply put: one of the best lenses money can buy, any brand.

But: almost all 135mm are quite good. Compared to the old and much smaller Minolta 135 f/2.8 the two lenses are not that easy to tell apart from f/5.6 onwards. From a pure photographic point of view, if you don't shoot in available light, you don't really need this lens. From a purely emotional, unreasonable point of view, it just is like buying a luxury watch or pen...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: brororn   review date: March-13-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 80-200/2.8 HS APO G

price paid:

1200 EUR (new)

positive:

Optics and mechanics

negative:

Size and weight, slow and a bit noisy focus, hood (too) heavy, focus grip slippery (metal)

comment:

Have not used much yet but the image quality is very good, also bokeh usually very relaxing. Focus is not on par with the rest of the lens (should have SSM).

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: roweraay   review date: March-08-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Canon 135mm f/2L USM
CZ 85mm f/1.4ZA

price paid:

New

positive:

Mindblowing edge-to-edge performance on Full-frame.

Being a tele-lens, there is zero detectable distortion.

No optical flaws that I can detect - just peerless optically !

Massive and unprecedented max aperture for a 135mm prime (which also adds to its weight/chunkiness).

negative:

Big, chunky and heavy - par for the course for its Focal-length and the massive max aperture.

Heavy metal hood (if they offered a cheaper plastic hood, I would gladly buy it).

comment:

This lens is truly an asset to the Sony/Alpha mount. I have been using it for several months now, and find the images from it to be peerless. In the past, the Canon 135mm f/2L used to be my reference standard for a 135mm prime, but the Carl Zeiss 135mm has easily supplanted the "L".

I have blown up several 25MP FF pictures shot with this lens, upto 24"x36" and they hang on the walls of several houses, including my own.

To be quite honest, if I had an option to replace the Full-metal hood of this lens with a lighter plastic hood, I would gladly do it. That is the only downside I see in the package that comes with the lens.

Bottomline, sheer edge-to-edge quality on the extremely challenging territory of the 25MP FF sensor. Optically, there is none better, in any other system. Truly an asset to the Alpha mount !

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: TheRuttmeister   review date: March-05-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

L225 used.

positive:

F1.8!
And the look of every picture you take.

negative:

Its so heavy you can feel the body of my A300 flexing!
And its not every focal length I'll ever need.
Plus you won't be happy with cheap glass ever again.

comment:

I picked this up because it was too cheap to say no. No box or hood :(

I work in theatre and its been great for catching shots onstage in low light.
Its made taking good shots almost effortless. Its also great for candids. And I really like it for portaits too, the length ends up giving really intimate framing.
It makes me look like I know what I'm doing, I just wish it was 400mm or 50mm or 11mm or.... yeah... every lens I will ever need.

If I had the cash I would just buy every Zeiss lens because of this one.

Its damn heavy!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: akusumo   review date: January-22-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1300 SGD (new)

positive:

color
very sharp
fast lense
bokeh

negative:

heavy

comment:

the best lense for color n bokeh ...
excellent use for potrait and still life ...

just too heavy to carry another extra fixed lense in my bag ...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kevinbm   review date: January-10-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70
CZ 85mm
Sony 100mm

price paid:

L1070

positive:

Sharp
Solid build
everything else

negative:

Nothing

comment:

I've only used this lens a couple of times but already can see why this has such a good reputation - it's so damn sharp.

A lot has been made of how buly and heavy it is but I can't say that I have noticed - whether it's because I have strong wrists (from playing golf for the last 34 years) or because I have got used to using the CZ24-70 as my walk around lens.

The build of this lens is solid and the way it behaves in low light is as if it is a portable black hole - light just cannot escape.

Bottom line - if you have the chance - get this lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: January-09-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

135/2.8
200/2.8
100/2
Min and CZ 85/1.4s
Minolta 80-200 HS

price paid:

L1050

positive:

Sharpness
Clarity
Accuracy

negative:

A bit bulky next to Minolta primes.

comment:

Amazing lens. Second to none. I can't fault it in any way.
AF is slower than the Minolta primes, because it has a lot more glass to move. But it is faster and quieter than the CZ 85 - fast enough for anything but sports..

IQ is in a league of its own, much cleaner than anything I've seen before.
Pictures are beautiful. No CA to speak of, colurs are perfect, sharpness and contrast wide open are unbelievable. Ace lens for easy portraits on A900.

Best tele I've ever used.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: walti   review date: January-08-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 135 STF

positive:

Incredible

negative:

Weight, weight, weight.
Lack of SSM is a pity.
Do I mention weight?

comment:

Perfect portrait lens for FF, more difficult to manage on APS.
Don't use it at f/5.6 or above for female portraits if the model is > 20 years. You're threatening your life, really.

Ah, it is weighty, remember...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: bill_bly_ca   review date: December-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Beercan
SAL70200G

price paid:

1600 CDN

positive:

Sharpness, especially micro contrast

negative:

Price (Only before I purchased)

comment:

I would have given a fractional rating (e.g. 4.5) for build if it was a choice , because of the common complaint of the fine pitch focus ring ribs. As it is not an option, I give it a 5 for build rather than a 4.

I bought this in Feb 09 and it has been flawless.. I have yet to experience lens wobble described in older posts and that is after (my guess) about 60 to 90 hours of use.

Heavy, yes Expensive, Yes Little noisy, Yes... But the way it renders the rays upon the focal plane defies description by words.

I also like the lack of SSM as I can use it on the 700si for a roll or 2 of film from time to time.

If I were limited to one lens for the a850.. Far and away, this would be the one..

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Rudy   review date: October-17-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Canon 85 F1.2 L, Canon 135 2.0 usm

price paid:

1350€

positive:

Just about everything, magic

negative:

Weight, not ssm, price

comment:

I had the joy of using one of these babies in the Sonystyle store in Barcelona. Could play with it for about an hour.
Conclusion:
Don't try the lens without having the cash, it will make you frustrated, so good it is.
Even the "slow" screw drive af is rather fast on an 900 body.
Mine will be delivered next week. I cant wait to go out with it. WIll update the review then.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: youpii   review date: August-29-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

85/1.4ZA

price paid:

$1220

positive:

My sharpest lens
Fast AF
Zero distortion

negative:

Heavy

comment:

Excellent head shot lens. Background is magically soft. AF lock button is very convenient but we need a 2nd one for vertical photos.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gipipa   review date: August-07-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Dopol   review date: May-22-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

70-200G
70-300G
Tamron 90
CZ 16-80

price paid:

779Euro (new)

positive:

Sharp, from F/1.8
great bokeh

negative:

SSM could make focus faster
Some CA if you push it (but less then any other lens I own).

comment:

I ran into this lens (new) for a great price, I couldn't resist. I had hoped to lay hands on the CZ85 1,4 but that was sold out. However, no regrets, whatsoever so far.
The lens is heavy, I used it as a street lens in Hamburg and Amsterdam. Great shots, but lots of comments and tired neck.

Particularly like the great, great bokeh and sharpness
Oddly, the lens sometimes 'assumes' I had it focus-locked and so won't focus. Didn't find out why, doesn't bother me much.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DonSergio   review date: May-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

135STF
85za
85G
70-210/4

price paid:

1200$ (New)

positive:

Sharpness
Colors
Built like tank
Great bokeh
Excelent MF control, better than STF

negative:

Heavy
Not SSM
AF speed is not great

comment:

I think that 135za is one of better lens for A-mount.
Great sharpness from wide open, colors, bokeh, awesome overall image quality. Built like tank.

Some minor issues: it would be nice to have this lens with silent SSM motor and more faster AF speed.

On APS-C i found 85za more versitile (lighter, compact) so 135za is better than 85za, but 135za rare to use, it heavy and very big.

I think this lens shine on FullFrame.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: koolbeep   review date: April-23-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm 1.7

price paid:

9,500 HKD

positive:

Legendary Zeiss Sharpness
Superb Zeiss Color
Build like a Tank
Addictive Bokeh

negative:

As always.... PRICE! but if you ask me if worth it, ofcourse 101% YES

comment:

Let the photo speak to itself... I never like my shot on any of my minolta lens wide open but this one get me to another level of my photography.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: PaulinUK99999   review date: April-22-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

L950

positive:

Sharp; beautiful bright colours. 77mm filter.
Solid feel so ideal in a tough environment or studio.

negative:

Fixed length too long as portrait lens on APS-C.
Not SSM - but not a major problem.
Fixed length and weight mean not a first travel walkabout choice.

comment:

I have had this lens nearly a year now and it still amazes me with its clarity and feel everytime I pick it up. Very sharp; beautiful colours and a confidence about it.
Its too long (imo) as a portrait lens on an APS-C camera and lacking SSM, but if taking time and care with a static subject then that doesn't matter.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gm4jjj   review date: April-10-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70/2.8 100/1.8 Macro 70-300G 80-200 HS G

price paid:

L799 used

positive:

Very sharp, nice bokeh, well built, with one exception - the front ring.

negative:

Not SSM
Front filter ring loosens.

comment:

Lovely lens, did not disappoint. Cannot really fault it, perhaps it would have been nice with SSM, but that adds to the cost and battery drain.

I have marked down the build because of the rattling front ring problem.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: diagaz72   review date: March-13-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1050 Euro new

positive:

everything!

negative:

It's heavy

comment:

This lens is the king of all lenses. It's just amazing, for the pics you get with it are perfect. The bokeh is wonderful, creamy. Sharpness is terrific at 1.8.

This is THE LENS!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Dreamer1973   review date: February-27-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta Beercan
Cz 16-80

price paid:

1099 euro

positive:

Everything

negative:

None

comment:

I never had before a non zoom lens.
It's a very sharp lens, great colour and it feels like having a great lens in your hands.... just like it is.
It also fits on a a900 camera.
I like the ring to focus manualy because it's a bit large.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mediman30   review date: December-30-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

L950.00

positive:

super duper sharp! amazing bokeh, great colours, lens built like a tank.

negative:

quite heavy-ish

comment:

No wonder other camera system users go with Sony, to be able to use this amazing lens is a complete joy! If you can see one in the shop, just try it. You will know why people rave about this lens. Save L2 a day and you can buy it as your next christmas present to yourself!...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: zfcentral   review date: December-28-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Nikkor 135/2 ais
Nikkor 135/2 DC

price paid:

1150 USD (NEW)

positive:

+Sharp and contrasty even @ F/1,8
+Colors are excellent without a aparent cast
+Well buildt

negative:

-Focusring has a small play so when you move it back and forth it moves a little. This makes for a poor MF

-No SSM

comment:

Highly recommended portrait lens for those who shoot a full frame camera,

Given it relies on the in camera motor its not very well suited for sports, since the A900 motor leaves alot to be desired as far as speed goes. (and AF of course)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: manxtt12   review date: December-24-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm F1.4
Sony Zeiss 85mm F1.4

price paid:

1299 USD (new)

positive:

- All Metal Build
- Shallow DOF & Bokeh
- Great Color and Contrast
- Very Sharp
- Excellent with A900

negative:

- Heavy
- Price

comment:

It is very sharp, it is very fast, it is very well built and it is one of the best. Beautiful Bokeh, better than 85mm F1.4. This lens is sure to please.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jamesb-59   review date: December-11-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1400 USD (new)

positive:

One of the best out there.

negative:

comment:

The mother of all lenses. A dream to shoot with on APS and full frame.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: titikh   review date: November-30-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

minolta 50 1.7
Sony 50 1.4
Sony 75-300

price paid:

1199€ (new)

positive:

Sharpness
Precise
Color
Good construction

negative:

Only Weight.. does it matter ?

comment:

The lens I've dreamed of.

Perfect image quality at 1.8. What else ??

I wish I had a A900.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Entropy   review date: October-21-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 200/2.8HS G
Tamron 90/2.8 Macro
Sony 70-200/2.8 SSM G

positive:

Sharp Sharp Sharp
Fast Fast Fast
Beautiful Images
All Metal Build
Shallow DOF

negative:

No SSM
Heavy
Expensive
Shallow DOF

comment:

Two pounds of glass and metal combine to create magic.
If you're used to the old Minolta "fast and light" primes like the 200/2.8 you're going to be in for a shock, but it does share one characteristic with its older step-brother... this lens is usable wide open and takes fantastic pictures. A bit long for traditional portraiture on the APS-C crop, it's a perfect length for candid or travel shooting. Lack of SSM and slightly sluggish focusing is the only significant downside.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: behimey   review date: September-27-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

sony 50mm 1.4
Sigma 70mm 2.8 Macro
Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro
Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro

price paid:

1199 usd(used)

positive:

sharp sharp sharp!
Awesome build.
solid feel focusing.

negative:

CA when wide open in high contrast shooting. Weight imbalance when mounted on a body without a vertical grip

comment:

Wish I had all the Zeiss Glass!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ausgezeichnet   review date: July-30-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SONY 50mm 1.4
Minolta 100mm 2.8 Macro
CZ 16-80

price paid:

999.- € (used)

positive:

Build like a tank, very solid, heavy, well designed, bokeh is lovely, sharp @1.8, makes almost anything look good ; )

negative:

comment:

I had to buy this,it was almost too affordable and I only had it one day so far, but this is a very special lens.
So for anyone doing portrait work and related stuff, this is the lens to get.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: el_floz   review date: May-26-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 70-200 G SSM

price paid:

950 EUR (quasi-new)

positive:

Sharpness
Fully usable wide open
Beautiful bokeh

negative:

comment:

Awesome, awesome lens. Get it if you can! Fully usable at wide open.

The only downside are the longitudinal CA's. They're generally hard to compensate for in LR. Stopping down a little, of course, solves problem, or just go B/W.

The Sony 70-200 G lens virtually does not suffer from that problem. I've made a direct comparison of the two lenses here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/el_floz/2583231323/

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: zdenek.falar   review date: May-12-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M-AF 2/100mm
M-AF 2,8/200mm Apo
Σ 2,8/70mm-210mm Apo

price paid:

25k CZK

positive:

sharpness (as CZ standard)
colour and contrast transmission (as CZ standard)
flare (as CZ standard)
excelent build (as CZ standard)
long running of manual focusing ring (~ 105° - 120°)

negative:

non-compatible with my older D7 (2001), but compatible with my new D7 (2005)

comment:

Two questions:
- Why does this lens have two different serial numbers: in CZ inscriptions near filter and in Sony infos near bayonet?
- Is this construction (by massiveness) for middle format cameras (~ 6×4,5)?

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: BMW_M3   review date: March-28-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sal 1680 Za
Beercan
Big Beercan
KM 28-75 ?2.8

price paid:

1349 USD

positive:

Sharpness
Build is great, heavy, but no problem
Hood is very well designed too.
Fast focus compared to the 85 mm ZA
Beautiful bokeh
"Macro" ability.

negative:

CA at wide aperture.
A bit costly, but worth every cent

comment:

This lens is by far the sharpest lens I've owned. It's fantastic. Even wide open. I did a few shots of people at 5-10 meters wide open indoors, and it's amazingly sharp. it takes some practice to fully use this lens, due to veeery thin DOF at large aperture and close subjects. At 72 cm and ?1,8, the DOF is only 1,5 mm. That has it's uses indeed. I used this lens at a theatre where flash photography is prohibited, and the results stunned me. Contrast and colors are unbelievable.
It is as stated in other reviews, heavy. This is no problem, it only helps you to hold the camera and lens still in low light situations.

I will enjoy this lens immensely in the spring when there is more light outdoors and the world isn't all gray any more..

Flare is no problem, due to t* coating and hood, and besides, I rarely take photos including the sun at 135 mm :-)

If you ever get the chance, go get one!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: nemofin   review date: March-21-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

85/1.4 Zeiss,
Many pro nikon optics..

price paid:

1550e

positive:

Sharp sharp sharp. Awesome build quality!

negative:

not really nothing... maybe price, size and lack of SSM. ;)

comment:

Awesome optic, so sharp even from full aperture. Great build quality.. hard to find anything to complain about..
I love mine 85/1.4 Zeiss, but it seems that this is even more sharper..:)
Size was also little surprise, this thing is HUGE ;)
This 135 Zeiss need definetly FF pro body to go with, so I cant wait the new FF sony... but all I can say about this optic is that its tack sharp, great build quality.. SSM would be great, but anyway AF seems to be quite fine even now with a700. Both, this and 85/1.4 zeiss are awesome optics, highly recommended!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nygus   review date: March-03-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

70-210/4
135/2.8

price paid:

1575 CAD

positive:

Sharp wide open
Colors
Bokeh

negative:

Heavy

comment:

Awesome lens! Perfect for concerts with not much light. Unbelivable sharpness on A700 wide open. Photos come punchy with perfect colors.
Best hood I've ever seen - full metal and on inside black matte fabric.
I don't recommend this lens for 7D - it has too weak motor or just bad AF. It hunts and very frequently miss the stop little bit - sometimes focus pass the target and sometime is little before target. I had to focus few times to hit the spot.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kaisal0   review date: March-02-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

135 F2,8
85 F1,4
80-200 G

price paid:

1200 Euro (new)

positive:

Best sharpness i ever saw.
Minimum distance only 72 cm.
Beautiful colors.

negative:

NOTHING

comment:

The best lens I ever had. There is only one negative thing:
The lens is to good for the Minolta 7D. Sometimes you get artefacts and to brilliant colors.

I use this lens together with the achromat 500D from Canon. This is a great combination for macros.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jeff Pittman   review date: November-03-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1100

positive:

Build, sharpness, color, bokeh.

negative:

Heavy, but that doesn't really bother me at all.

comment:

I read other reviews about how heavy this lens is but was still surprised when I picked it up for the first time. This lens is a beast! Feels as heavy as my 28-70 2.8G! I love this lens and find that carrying this lens and my 85 1.4 with the A700 and Maxxum 9 (1.5x and full frame) gives me a lot of options. Great portrait lens on the Maxxum 9. I picked this one up as a demo from B&H and saved some money and the lens was like new. Highly recommended. It's a great lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: infrastellar   review date: October-18-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

There is no lens with A mount to be compared with.

positive:

Sharp, sharp, sharp. Build quality.

negative:

chromatic aberation

comment:

This is the best lens, I have ever used. I mean quality. Accidentaly, there is nothing more to say :)

edit: came back to use this lens more. I can observe huge chromatic aberrations in some situations.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Aleq   review date: October-17-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- 85/1.4
- 50/1.4

positive:

- sharpness (5***), from 1.8(!)
- bokeh
- hood

negative:

- size
- price

comment:

Best lens for α-mount?

sharpness: 5 

color: 3 

build: 2 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: artuk   review date: October-06-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Very sharp
Good image from full aperture

negative:

Very high contrast
Average to Poor bokeh
Large

comment:

The ZA 135 appears to be an all new design for ZA Sony Minolta mount, and represents the fastest 135mm prime lens ever made for an AF camera system (Canon et al have an f2 design). It is a full frame lens so is backward compatible with Minolta AF film bodies. As a result of its maximum aperture, the front element is a 77mm filter mount (an unusual size compared to Minolta lenses, which typically were made as 72mm). It is a very heavy lens, around 1kg, and it also "fat" for its length, the lens body the same girth from the filter ring until the lens mount. It has a single focus hold button.

Personally, I find hand holding this lens can be tiring. Shooting in portrait aspect especially, it is diffcult to support the lens and use the focus lock button, though anyone with smaller hands may have difficulty is either orientation. I find the weight on camera, even on a body such as the Dynax 7 (film) is very front heavy, making it difficult to support easily without camera shake in poor light. (Admittedly, its alot harder to run out of light when you can shoot a f1.8!). I would suggest it is important to support the lens when carrying it on camera, as cheaper plastic bodies may be unduly stressed by the weight if only the camera is held. It size and weight sometimes make it hard to handle, and it is not an ideal lens for travelling light!

Build all metal, although the deeply knurled focus ring (as with other Sony designs) seems to be a magnet for dirt and dust, and is hard to clean due to the depth of the knurling. The lens comes with a very deep metal lens hood and a faux leather draw-string pouch, which unfortunately is excessively tight when the lens is stored inside with the lens hood reversed.

I have marked it down for build as my copy has developed the known problem where the section of the lens body in front of the manual focus ring becomes loose. It is known to fail completely in some cases, and when fixed can re-occur.

Sharpness is very good from full aperture. There is some evidence on full frame of vignetting at f1.8, this appears to clear up around f2.8. Performance improves wih stopping down, as expected, improving through f2.8 and f4, and probably reaches its peak around f5.6. The design clearly uses high edge contrast in order to boost sharpness, or perceived sharpness. Other tests of resolution that I have seen clearly show it is a high performance design, but not significantly higher than other quality lenses in this class. I would suggest that the high edge contrast is what makes it's sharpness very apparent - it is certain visible even on 6"x4" prints.

Colour is good and reasonably well saturated, though I feel the colour is less saturated than some Minolta designs. Although Zeiss lenses are often regarded as "neutral", I find it difficult to judge neutrality. Certainly, given that Zeiss designers have always tended to focus on resolution performance, this was often at the expense of neutrality and colour and contrast consistency from design to design. The lenses were often high contrast as a result of their resolution targets. The colour is good, but different from Minolta designed / coated lenses. I would suggest that it lacks the "liquidity" of colour and overall image compared to the best Minolta designs.

The high contrast nature of the design sometimes seems to have some side effects. Highlights seem to "blow out" more easily than other lenses, perhaps 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop earlier. As with some other very high contrast lenses I have used, in very bright or contrasty conditions it sometimes seems to yeild over-bright and somewhat washed out colours and images. It is hard to define exactly what is causing this, and it may be a fault or result of the printing process. In more moderate contrast conditions, overall colour and contrast is very good. In mixed scenes or in poor light, shadow detail does not seem to be held particularly well, and shadows tend to block up early, even on film with its wider lattitude than digital.

The combination of 135mm length, close focusing to 80cm (1:4), and that fast f1.8 aperture can be used to easily create slectivr focus and depth of field effects. Indeed, at larger apertures care must be taken as depth of field can become so narrow it is paper thin. In my opinion, the "bokeh" and nature of the defocused areas of the image are not particularly good. Highlights tend to be particularly bright, and "circles of confusion" (discs of light) appear to be produced not only from true highlights (points of light) but also any lighter areas of the image. Even mid-tones seem to be rendered this way a little, backgrounds being made of many intersecting defocused circles of confusion. In some cases, true highlights render circles of confusion with bright edges and dark centres. The high contrast design seems to be in part responsible. Additionally, backgrounds are often rendered darker than with other lenses, leading to almost black backgrounds where mid-tones stand out as bright details. In general, the ability to handle out of focus shading and tone is not good in my opinion. I can be used to easily create depth of field and out of focus effects, but the nature of those out of focus effects in not especially good in my opinion.

I have seen no evidence of distortions, which you would be as expected in a fixed length tele lens.

I have not experienced any problems with flare, the deep hood protecting the large front element from the problems of stray light hitting it at incident angles. I have not tried shooting into light sources with it, so cannot comment on that aspect of its performance.

Overall, it is difficult to sum up. The fast maximum aperture allows use in lower light and for candid use, and the sharpness is always very good. However, as already noted, highlights tend to burn out easily, shadow details are not held particularly well, and bokeh is mediocre. For me, it lacks the apparent "magic" of pictures taken with the best Minolta lenses, and lacks the liquid colour and tonality of those designs. These are important aspects of overall image quality, and sometimes I find the obvious sharpness at the expense of other image qualities a little "disappointing". It is a very personal view.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: SLR2834   review date: October-01-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

10990HKD

positive:

Superb optical performance
Solid build
Love that blue zeiss logo on the lens barrel

negative:

There's play in the focus ring

comment:

Optically this lens is absolutely first class, like everyone else here has commented.

I'm very disappointed however, that there's play in the focus ring while in manual focus mode. It's so annoying I've given up manual focussing with this lens.

Up till now I've tested four samples of this lens (including my own) and ALL exhibit play in the focus ring. I contacted Zeiss Germany regarding this, and according to them, up to 1mm of play in the focus ring in this lens is normal. Well, I currently own fourteen AF lenses from various manufacturers, of which 8 disengage their focus rings while in AF (ie their focus rings don't rotate in AF mode), 6 of these do NOT have any play in their focus rings while in MF.

Yes, apart from the 135/1.8ZA I have one other lens that exhibits similar play in the focus ring, and that's the 85/1.4ZA!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hercules   review date: October-01-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

I could not compare it to other lenses, it is my second lens after kitlens.

price paid:

1500euro

positive:

Overall quality, both build and image quality.

negative:

For me no negative aspects, besides the price.

comment:

This lens is amazing. Its huge, but it is easy to hold. Focus works well, both automatic and manual. The focus hold button
is very practical.
Extremely sharp, and the out of focus is nice.
The lens can be used both for portraits and some macro work.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Two_truths   review date: September-26-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50mm F1.4 D
Sigma 24-135mm F2.8-4.5
135mm F2.8 (ABramley's)

price paid:

L653 (new, imported)

positive:

Beautiful images,
with a gorgeous build,
very bright.

negative:

Hood attracts dust and the rubber is not good glued on very well

comment:

My impressions from shooting this during daylight are that it's bokeh is dreamy, the colours and are great, and in-focus subjects are very sharp and very contrasty compared to their background.

The lens is a giant, for someone shooting primes, yet it is well worth it. The weight stabilises the lens when you are handholding it in low-light, and with the A100 I can shoot as slow as 1/20sec without camerashake.

The front element is pretty accessible, so I recommend either using the hood or a filter to protect that.

EDIT: Using this lens on the Sony A700 is a breeze; the two were made for each other. My only gripe is that they put the AF illuminator too close to the lens mount, whereas they could have shifted it further to the right. As such, the AF illuminator does not function with this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ABramley   review date: September-26-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

70-210/4
135 2.8
18-125

price paid:

L653 (new)

positive:

Solid build (when nothing's broken...)
Very, very Sharp
Quality hood
Heavy, but not stupidly so - feels good
Very decent AF with a beasty body
Very pleasing bokkeh

negative:

AF could still be improved for the price (SSM!)
Front section can work loose!!!

comment:

Incredible piece of kit, a lot of fun to use and it seems to give spectacular results. Highly reccomended.

(Edit) After approx 6 months of use the build has had to go down to a 4. Although the thing's solid as a rock when screwed together, there's been numerous reports of the front section working loose - and now mine's done the same. Not best impressed!

Now been given a workout on a900 - still incredibly sharp and the AF speed has jumped up from the 7D and Dynax 7. An SSM edition would still make me put it on ebay though!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ssssssssssssss   review date: August-21-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

MYR6300 NEW

positive:

magnificent sharpness at wide open f1.8, stopped down will is razor sharp. colours are wonderful. Auto Focus is fast and spot-on. focus hold button is a bonus. it's built like a tank. wonderful bokeh too.

negative:

apparently nothing can be found on this lens.

comment:

if you can afford it, go get one.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: leonardo   review date: July-05-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M/AF 135/2.8
M/AF 85/1.4 G

price paid:

USD1350 (new)

positive:

Build quality
Sharpness wide open
Colours
AF more than OK on a700

negative:

Brick-sized
Pricy
Expensive filters
Slow AF on D7D

comment:

The first impression of the beast is - wow, what a brick. Then, after a few shots taken in the back yard, a feeling of "Huh - is that it?" slowly creeped into my mind. I was utterly disappointed.

Two days after that, I went for a nostalgia odysse and really gave it a go. It stood the test with flying colours ! I really wonder what made me so disappointed the first afternoon.

It is by far the best lens I ever have had in my hand ( including the Canon EF 200mm f/1.8 L USM ). Sharp, with vivid and saturated colours, and with a lovely bokeh. Putting it on a D7D with a 1.4TC gave me just the reach I needed and I was more than surprised to find pictures more than OK. Nothing of the usual TC degradation was present in the pictures. This is a true keeper - despite the price.

Having migrated from KM D7D to Sony a700, I find this lens an even better companion. It performed well on D7D, but putting it on an a700, turnes out a magnificent lens, quite obviuosly tailored for the a700, and the upcoming Flagship Model I guess. Far better AF perfomance, coupled with eye start, makes it a dream to use. Precise, fast, tack sharp, lovely bokeh and with vivid and satureated colours, without any tweak'n in camera settings. Outstanding performance with a Kenko 300 DG 1.4x TC as well.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: King-Frizzy   review date: March-08-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1350 usd

positive:

Amazing Color
Very Sharp
Great Build

negative:

Slow AF for a 135 1.8 ..

comment:

I bought this lens to get super sharp portraits and i got just this. I bought this lens from BH in New York 3 weeks ago i love it! It has the best build quality of any lens i have ever seen and is just plain sexay! If you want an amazing prime lens go for it. But because of its macro capabilities the AF is slower than you would expect..

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ecclesiasm   review date: February-10-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 135/2.8, 70-200/2.8 SSM

price paid:

GBP 695 (new)

positive:

Very sharp; accurate AF; short working distance; build quality

negative:

Weight

comment:

AF is very accurate, more accurate than both Min135/2.8 and the 70-200/2.8 SSM in low-light situations. Images are sharp at wide open. It feels very solid and balanced on my 7D /w grip. Weight is OK if you're used to shooting with 1kg lenses. Am hopeful of even better results on a FF sensor. Definitely keeping this!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gobs   review date: January-01-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Build, Feel
Sharpness,
Bokeh

negative:

price

comment:

This is one amazing piece of glass. Very sharp at wide open.
Bokeh is great at wide open, smooth and creamy. Simply outstanding. After my first use of this lens, i knew that this is a real keeper. Weight is fine with me and i can really say that this lens is worth every penny of its price.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: aarif   review date: December-31-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1500

positive:

sharp wide open silky smooth bokeh

negative:

Heavy slightly slow AF for a fixed focal 1.8

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Panito   review date: December-18-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 85/1.4G(D)
Minolta AF 135/2.8
Minolta AF 200/2.8 APO G HS
Minolta AF 100/2.8 Macro RS

price paid:

1300 €

positive:

Very very sharp wide open
Color and contrast are just wonderfull
Superb bokeh
Fast AF and very accurate even in low light
Construction (hey, it's a Zeiss)
Minium focus distance very confortable (72cm)

negative:

Heavy for a 135mm

comment:

This Carl Zeiss come from another planet. It's heavy, it's massive, it's all in metal, the front element is really impressive (77mm), and its size is bigger than the 200/2.8 (the 135/2.8 compared to the CZ looks like a lensbaby).

It is incredibly sharp wide open (the sharpest lens wide open I ever seen). Color and contrast are excellent. And the bokeh is so smooth (maybe very closed from the STF), it might be the most beautiful bokeh of all minolta AF lenses.

The AF is very fast and very accurate. It does not hesitate on the subject even in low light. I am still very impressed after using it for one month. Images are simply superb.

Its 1.8 aperture make an ideal tool for sports, action, concert, and everything else in low light. You can also take some very closed portrait thanks to its 72cm minimum focal distance (vs 85cm for the 85/1.4, and 100cm for the 100/2).

Definitly the best lens I ever have.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Shercando   review date: December-10-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 100 f/2.8
Sigma 90 f/2.8
Minolta 70-200 f/2.8 APO G SSM
Minolta 80-200 f/2.8 APO G
Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 APO EX

price paid:

$1399.00 B&H

positive:

Reeks of quality in build. Superb sharpness like I have never seen before on any lens.

negative:

It's heavy but you forget about that as soon as you start shooting with it. I have to re arrange my bag to accomodate this lens. It is huge and bulky.

comment:

I have never had such great sharpness from any other lens I have owned. It's surprisingly quite heavy and hard to handle due to it's oversize diameter. Risky in fact to handle it in cold weather.

The depth of field is so shallow at f/1.8 it will take some practice to get used to it. I hope the next Sony AF body has a better focus and viewfinder than the KM7D.

Later I will add to this after I have used it more.

I sold the lens. It is just too awkward for me to handle. If I kept it, I know I would drop it sooner or later. My fingers are just too short to grip it properly,

OK, it's 11-11-08 and I just bought another yesterday. Why give up such a great lens. I'll just not change lenses in the cold and be very careful as well. I'll mount it at home on my A700 and leave it on until I get back. Well, that's the plan anyway :-) I have a Christmas stage performance coming up in a few weeks too.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: faithlessnomad   review date: November-20-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Canon FD 135mm f2

price paid:

2400 AUD

positive:

Brilliant colour. Outstanding sharpness. Fast glass and fast AF. Can focus in low light. Solid build worth its weight in creative possibilities

negative:

Overweight for the light Sony A100, better suited to a heavier, professional FF body.

comment:

I am switching over to the Sony system after 20+ years working with the Canon F1 and FD lenses. I invested in the Sony Alpha as I feel an electronics company with strong background in digital appliances will eventually emerge as one of the main players on the professional digital SLR camera scene. Plus I like Zeiss lenses and an autofocus 135mm f1.8 is pretty hard to ignore and an amazing creative tool for someone who shoots cars
As Canon dumped its superb FD range of lenses back in the 80s without offering an upgrade path I will not support them or their cameras.