The Zeiss has to be one of the sharpest lenses ever made. The MTF chart at dpreview is insane. At f/5.6 the corners are sharper than what most lenses ever get to in the centre.
I love my Zeiss 55… bought at a super discount along with my Sony A7III, for a really great total price! I absolutely recommend it, but only if on deep discount and with cashback! Thanks for this comparison!
Tom, I nearly spit out my tea when you used the word (pretty) "cheap" for the Zeiss. Here in Canada the going price for a new 55mm is $1249.00 +tax and the Sony nifty fifty is listed at $349.00 + tax. Not exactly in the same ball park. Makes the 50 mm seem like a true bargain but I really do love my Zeiss which I bought along with the A7iii ( no regrets!)
I bought the 50mm one and returned after using once. It looks and feels so cheap and looks like a 20-year-old lens. The lens moves in and out while focusing, which makes it look even cheaper. Also the noise it makes while focusing is kinda annoying. I’d suggest choose the zeiss one unless you really lack that extra money. A good lens is the one that you love and would like to take it out for shooting. The 50mm one is really not that appealing to me.
If you update the Sony 50mm f1.8 FE, and make sure its updated to Firmware Version 3, its a baby beast. Obviously not as durable as the Zeiss 55 but for both photo and video its great for lowlight
In the comparison of the women's headshots, the 55m clearly has a magenta tendency. I would like to see the comparison as I think it affects the blue coloration and such.
Hi Tom, Thank you for posting this video. The video clip at the beginning was very beautiful. Was there any profile or style used when shooting? Or it was edited? Thank you
Unfortunately I had to significantly trim the lens chart portion of the reviews - waaaay too many people were clicking away at that point which was hurting the channel's growth. I appreciate that looking at lens charts in great detail is important to some, but for the vast majority of people, they only really want to see the real life examples. All I can say is maybe try pausing the video and zooming in at 4k?
@@TomCalton I hear that, many people are pretty fickle, and no matter what you do someone will probably complain, haha! I wonder if including a couple more shots of that at the very end would be a compromise, or maybe some downloadable image files of the test charts in the description. I appreciate your response, and your reasoning makes sense. :)
I own both ans recently purchased the 55mm. The cheap 50 isn't nice to use, and it's slow, noisy focus and moving front element makes it feel like a toy. The 55mm one the other hand is a work of art!
The biggest fault with the 55mm is its horrendous fringing issues. Don't get me wrong, it's still the best "budget" 50mm lens for Sony, but I'd stop short of describing it as a work of art for this reason... unfortunately!
Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 ! Alone the fact that it is NOT a useless 50mm Lens, any Lens shorter or longer than 50mm are more usefull ! Back in time a 50mm was a kit Lens that you nearly could not avoid to get when you bought a Camera, most Photographer packed the 50mm away and newer used it. I guess that in modern time the 50mm got popular on APSC Cameras which gives sense because then it is equivalent to a 75mm Lens, but I do NOT like a 50mm Lens for full frame Cameras.
@@TomCalton fantastic! Keen to hear your thoughts as I’m not overly keen on the build/tiny size of it but there’s something about the rendering I absolutely love!
I'm a massive fan of 50mm since day one but...After shooting 45mm for a long time i prefer 45 over 50 but not 40. It's confusing but trust me,there is difference !
I have several 50’s… zeiss, gm , apo lanthar, even zeiss sonnar zm ( crazy 3d pop!)…. Still I just order samyanag 75 mm 1.8, right know on sale here in the US, have you tested it?
I have it - I think it’s very good. I’d say not as sharp as the Sony 85mm f1.8 but there’s not much in it. Better control of chromatic aberration than the Sony though, and I prefer the samyang’s bokeh. I also find the lesser size and weight significant for the samyang, and I find for my work the 75mm focal length is more versatile. The switch on the samyang annoys me a little as it’s very easy to knock to the lower position which prevents you using the dial on the camera for aperture control (the focus ring on the lens becomes the aperture control) until you switch the switch back again. Overall though, I’m really happy with it and think it’s superb value!
@@kingweddingmedia Interesting, Indeed I ordered,.. for it price and size, also I find interesting the 75 fov. There is no way to deactivate the switches? Do just they do not exist in order to avoid such issues with the camera?
@@charruaporelmundo I think there might be a way to customise it or disable it but you’d need the docking station which costs about as much as the lens which I’m not getting!
I have read comments that say that sony did a silent update to the Zeiss lens when they dropped the "Carl" from the front of the lens to address any issues the original variant had. Any idea on whether this is true?
I recently bought this lens, and my copy doesn't have the "Carl" label, so I'm also curious, but I couldn't find anything online. As for the issues.. if you mean the CA it's still there, It's annoying when the purple-red fringing starts messing up the skin tone of your subject when you try to correct it in post.
Prices as listed as of the time of testing and obviously prices fluctuate all the time on Amazon. There may have been a sale on at the time, which could explain the price difference. But thanks for pointing it out.
Not a big fan of Sony's licenced "Zeiss" lenses. You are paying a lot for the branding and it isn't even real Zeiss optics. Better off getting a Sigma contemporary lens - and save some money - or get a Sigma art lens for not much more money and enjoy the superior performance. You could also go all in and get a Sony GM lens, but those are in a completely different price bracket.
The whole point of being creative is to explore different colours, tones and styles. Please be respectful of other people's tastes and preferences, even if they don't align with your own.
@@TomCalton I'm simply pointing out this video and photo is overly done, a bit too much. Sometimes when too much is added the effect is the opposite. But I agree anyone can freely explore and express their artistic preferences.
Man, you have the most beautiful models.
The Zeiss has to be one of the sharpest lenses ever made. The MTF chart at dpreview is insane. At f/5.6 the corners are sharper than what most lenses ever get to in the centre.
I love my Zeiss 55… bought at a super discount along with my Sony A7III, for a really great total price! I absolutely recommend it, but only if on deep discount and with cashback! Thanks for this comparison!
I use the Sony 50mm 1.8 with A7R4. Small, light, sharp (enough) wide open, razer sharp at 5.6. Bokeh is amazing. Autofocus is ok with V3 update.
It's a brilliant budget option 💪🏻
Tom, I nearly spit out my tea when you used the word (pretty) "cheap" for the Zeiss. Here in Canada the going price for a new 55mm is $1249.00 +tax and the Sony nifty fifty is listed at $349.00 + tax. Not exactly in the same ball park. Makes the 50 mm seem like a true bargain but I really do love my Zeiss which I bought along with the A7iii ( no regrets!)
Those are pesos?
@@charruaporelmundo No - true Canadian Dollars and tax in my province is at 13%.....
Have we considered the possibility that the lens is fine and theres just something wrong with George?
No, because there absolutely IS something wrong with George. No discussion needed 😂
You are The GOAT of TH-cam photography videos!
Oohhhh staaaaaap 🤭
Every time I look for head to head lens comparison, you appear on the top. Here is my follow!
Thank you!
I bought the 50mm one and returned after using once. It looks and feels so cheap and looks like a 20-year-old lens. The lens moves in and out while focusing, which makes it look even cheaper. Also the noise it makes while focusing is kinda annoying. I’d suggest choose the zeiss one unless you really lack that extra money. A good lens is the one that you love and would like to take it out for shooting. The 50mm one is really not that appealing to me.
The Zeiss is still amazing. Did my first video on it and it exceeded my expectations.
The FE50F1.8 is my favorite! Miss sometimes the Minolta AF50F1.7, because of the very nice bokeh.
If you update the Sony 50mm f1.8 FE, and make sure its updated to Firmware Version 3, its a baby beast. Obviously not as durable as the Zeiss 55 but for both photo and video its great for lowlight
The Sonnar AF motor is prone to break. The only weakness of the 1.8/50 is the lack of seals.
Picked one up as a back up lens. For the money, zero complaints
It's a solid backup lens for sure!
Hello Tom, I hope you are well 👌 I have the Zeiss, and I love it 🤩! Thank you again for this crazy video 🙏👌
My pleasure brother, hope you enjoyed the video and that you're keeping well 🤘🏻
In the comparison of the women's headshots, the 55m clearly has a magenta tendency. I would like to see the comparison as I think it affects the blue coloration and such.
Your Creativeness and Humour get the most points. well done. love the spinning head :)
This video came right on time!!! Nice work Tom
Thanks, glad I could help!
Hi Tom, Thank you for posting this video. The video clip at the beginning was very beautiful. Was there any profile or style used when shooting? Or it was edited? Thank you
Thanks! We shoot with PP8 and then colour grade in Premiere Pro
model - how much should i play with my hairs?
Tom- YES!
Nice comparison, was hoping to see the close up of the corners on the test chart though.. :)
Unfortunately I had to significantly trim the lens chart portion of the reviews - waaaay too many people were clicking away at that point which was hurting the channel's growth. I appreciate that looking at lens charts in great detail is important to some, but for the vast majority of people, they only really want to see the real life examples. All I can say is maybe try pausing the video and zooming in at 4k?
@@TomCalton I hear that, many people are pretty fickle, and no matter what you do someone will probably complain, haha! I wonder if including a couple more shots of that at the very end would be a compromise, or maybe some downloadable image files of the test charts in the description. I appreciate your response, and your reasoning makes sense. :)
I own both ans recently purchased the 55mm. The cheap 50 isn't nice to use, and it's slow, noisy focus and moving front element makes it feel like a toy. The 55mm one the other hand is a work of art!
The biggest fault with the 55mm is its horrendous fringing issues. Don't get me wrong, it's still the best "budget" 50mm lens for Sony, but I'd stop short of describing it as a work of art for this reason... unfortunately!
Hi Tom, hope you could review the samyang 50mm 1.4 II FE
I'm hoping too! Been on the waiting list since the start of the year... 🙄 Hopefully I'll get a sample soon though
Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 ! Alone the fact that it is NOT a useless 50mm Lens, any Lens shorter or longer than 50mm are more usefull ! Back in time a 50mm was a kit Lens that you nearly could not avoid to get when you bought a Camera, most Photographer packed the 50mm away and newer used it. I guess that in modern time the 50mm got popular on APSC Cameras which gives sense because then it is equivalent to a 75mm Lens, but I do NOT like a 50mm Lens for full frame Cameras.
The samyang 45mm f1.8 should have been involved here - cracking little lens!
Don't worry, reviews on the Samyang 45mm are coming...
@@TomCalton fantastic! Keen to hear your thoughts as I’m not overly keen on the build/tiny size of it but there’s something about the rendering I absolutely love!
Thanks for the info… very useful…🤘📸
I'm a massive fan of 50mm since day one but...After shooting 45mm for a long time i prefer 45 over 50 but not 40. It's confusing but trust me,there is difference !
Are you using the samyang 45? or do you know of other one? thanks.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the newly released autofocus Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 for full frame Sony.
I haven't tested it yet but I'm hoping to soon!
Hi Tom - what profile did you shoot the early model clips in.
I just sold my Zeiss 55 preferring to keep them outstanding (hidden gem) Sigma 65 f2.... would what this shoot out might look like?
Hmmm, interesting! May have to add that to the test schedule...
The Sonnar is not competitive with the Sigma.
I have several 50’s… zeiss, gm , apo lanthar, even zeiss sonnar zm ( crazy 3d pop!)…. Still I just order samyanag 75 mm 1.8, right know on sale here in the US, have you tested it?
I have it - I think it’s very good. I’d say not as sharp as the Sony 85mm f1.8 but there’s not much in it. Better control of chromatic aberration than the Sony though, and I prefer the samyang’s bokeh. I also find the lesser size and weight significant for the samyang, and I find for my work the 75mm focal length is more versatile. The switch on the samyang annoys me a little as it’s very easy to knock to the lower position which prevents you using the dial on the camera for aperture control (the focus ring on the lens becomes the aperture control) until you switch the switch back again. Overall though, I’m really happy with it and think it’s superb value!
I haven't tested the Samyang 75mm yet, but I'm aiming to test it against the Sony 85mm f/1.8 in the near future 👍🏻
@@kingweddingmedia Interesting, Indeed I ordered,.. for it price and size, also I find interesting the 75 fov. There is no way to deactivate the switches? Do just they do not exist in order to avoid such issues with the camera?
@@charruaporelmundo I think there might be a way to customise it or disable it but you’d need the docking station which costs about as much as the lens which I’m not getting!
@@kingweddingmedia Don't know if still running, but I got it on offer, lens plus station for 312 usd.
I've bought Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8S DF DSM. Fast, silent, waterproof & sharp, but quite heavy lens.
I'm trying to get my hands on more Yongnuo lenses - hopefully I can review the 50mm in the near future!
I have read comments that say that sony did a silent update to the Zeiss lens when they dropped the "Carl" from the front of the lens to address any issues the original variant had. Any idea on whether this is true?
I recently bought this lens, and my copy doesn't have the "Carl" label, so I'm also curious, but I couldn't find anything online. As for the issues.. if you mean the CA it's still there, It's annoying when the purple-red fringing starts messing up the skin tone of your subject when you try to correct it in post.
The Sony is $248 as stated, but the Zeiss is way underpriced in the video. New it sells for $998 in the U.S.
Prices as listed as of the time of testing and obviously prices fluctuate all the time on Amazon. There may have been a sale on at the time, which could explain the price difference. But thanks for pointing it out.
I'm here again, if you have the chance, new samyang 50 mm 1.4 vs this 55 please.
This Friday brother 👌🏻☺️
@@TomCalton oh!! Cool!.. will be there 🙂
You missed the Sony 50mm/2.5
I said "both fast and affordable". f/2.5 isn't all that fast for a prime lens, IMO.
@@TomCalton Just ordered the Zeiss. Thanks for your excellent video.
@@TomCalton I kindda agree on that, BUT that lens seems so tempting considering it's build, features and weather sealing while almost weights nothing!
Not a big fan of Sony's licenced "Zeiss" lenses. You are paying a lot for the branding and it isn't even real Zeiss optics. Better off getting a Sigma contemporary lens - and save some money - or get a Sigma art lens for not much more money and enjoy the superior performance.
You could also go all in and get a Sony GM lens, but those are in a completely different price bracket.
The 😍 beautiful Alice. ❤️
500& price for new zeiss 55/1.8 in Moscow, russia :D
People, just get the Samyang 45mm 1.8
Holy fuck you know you are poor when you hear: pretty cheap zeiss. Its over well a monthly average pay in my country, used.
What I meant is that it's cheap for a Zeiss lens. Not that it's a cheap lens. Zeiss lenses are notoriously expensive.
why do people always like to apply lut and make the video so unnatural? just stay with a nomral/neutral color tone.
The whole point of being creative is to explore different colours, tones and styles. Please be respectful of other people's tastes and preferences, even if they don't align with your own.
@@TomCalton I'm simply pointing out this video and photo is overly done, a bit too much. Sometimes when too much is added the effect is the opposite. But I agree anyone can freely explore and express their artistic preferences.
Do NOT test high resolution Lenses on low resolution Cameras !!! noob
your video is amazing, how do you have just 12k subs ?
Thanks! The channel is only just turned 2 years old, so we're still pretty new. You can always help to spread the word though 😁
Now it’s 121! 😅