About the Sony SEL55F18Z FE 55mm f/1.8 Lens

An ideal match for your compact Sony full-frame format E-mount camera
An ideal match for your compact Sony full-frame format E-mount camera
One of the big advantages of having a camera that uses Sony's E-mount system is the continued addition of premium lenses from Zeiss. This legendary manufacturer, in partnership with Sony, has introduced yet another "must-have" lens optimized for full-frame cameras like the Sony A7 and A7R. This "normal" prime lens, with its superb sharpness and bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, is sure to be on a lot of photographer's wish lists.
The lens's large f/1.8 maximum aperture gathers lots of light so you can use faster shutter speeds to "freeze" moving subjects. It's also ideal for taking great-looking photos at twilight, or indoors without a flash. Nine rounded aperture blades create a nearly perfect circular opening that allows you to softly defocus background details for crisply focused subjects that pop. The 55mm focal length makes it a great choice for dramatic portraits, landscapes, and all-around picture taking.
Product highlights:
- lens type: E-mount full frame [FE]
- compatible with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras
- effective focal length:
- 55mm with full-frame sensor cameras
- 82.5mm with APS-C sensor cameras
- Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating reduces lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color
- dust- and moisture-resistant design for shooting in adverse environmental conditions
- 3 aspherical lens elements to provide better image sharpness and contrast, and reduce spherical aberrations
- internal focusing design maintains overall lens length during focusing for greater consistency and faster performance
- minimum focus distance: 19.7"
- minimum aperture: f/22
- lens construction: 7 elements in 5 groups
- 9 rounded aperture blades for smooth background defocusing
- filter/attachment size: 49mm
- lens is 2-9/16" in diameter and 3" long
- weight: 10 oz.
- warranty: 1 year
Supplied Accessories:
- lens hood, front and rear lens caps, soft storage pouch
- MFR # SEL55F18Z
What's in the box:
Sony SEL55F18Z FE 55mm f/1.8 Lens owner's manual
- SEL55F18Z 55mm F1.8 lens
- 49mm Front lens cap (installed)
- Rear lens cap (installed)
- ALC-SH131 Lens hood
- Lens pouch
- Operating Instructions
- Precautions Before Using
- Limited Warranty sheet
- Carl Zeiss Serial No and inspection certificate
Reviews (7)
Customer reviews for Sony SEL55F18Z FE 55mm f/1.8 Lens
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More details on the Sony SEL55F18Z FE 55mm f/1.8 Lens

Product Research
Features
Optics: The Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* (T-Star) FE 55mm F1.8 ZA (SEL55F18Z) standard prime lens is compatible with the Sony α interchangeable lens cameras with the E-mount. It cannot be used on a camera with the Sony A-mount. The lens has a focal length of 55mm with 35mm full frame cameras, and a 82.5mm equivalent focal length on cameras with APS-C-sized image sensors. It comes with the ALC-SH131 lens hood, front and rear lens caps, and a lens storage pouch.
Carl Zeiss T* Coating: The SEL55F18Z lens was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss and Sony, and is produced under the strict standards and quality assurance of Carl Zeiss. The Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) coating virtually eliminates the lens flare, internal reflection, and light scattering that can occur at glass-to-air surfaces.
Dust/Moisture Resistant: While the SEL55F18Z isn't waterproof, critical areas of the lens exterior have dust- and moisture-resistant seals to help ensure professional reliability in tough environments.
Focusing: The lens can be used in the auto-focus, direct manual focus, or manual focus modes. You can switch between focusing modes in the camera menu. In Direct Manual focus, you can fine-tune the focus by turning the focusing ring after initially auto-focusing. Manual focusing is performed with the focusing ring as well.
Lens Hood: The lens comes with the ALC-SH131 lens hood which helps prevent lens flare. When installed, the lens hood adds approximately 2" to the overall length of the lens. The hood can be stored on the lens by installing it backwards.
Specifications:
Lens | Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA |
Focal Length (35mm) | 55mm |
APS-C Equivalent | 82.5mm |
Lens Construction | 7 elements in 5 groups (including 5 aspherical elements and one ED glass element for superior image quality) |
Maximum Magnification | 0.14x |
Angle of View | 43° (35mm) 29° (APS-C) |
Minimum Focus | 1.64' (19.68") |
Filter Diameter | 49mm |
f-stop | f/1.8 maximum f/22 minimum |
Aperture | 9-blade circular |
Weight | 10 ounces |
Dimensions | Diameter=2.536" Length=3" (3.455" with lens caps) |
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Customer Q&A
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Very sharp (one of the sharpest for E-Mount cameras)! Compact for traveling! Nice colors! Just a great all-purpose lens on the Sony A7rIII.
Allen from Atlanta, GA