Zeiss 50mm f/2 Loxia 2/50

 
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50mm $849
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image of Zeiss 50mm f/2 Loxia 2/50

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Buy the Zeiss 50mm f/2 Loxia 2/50

(From Carl Zeiss lens literature) A 50mm lens was legendary photographer Cartier Bresson’s favourite. The reason is simple: this focal length provides the equivalent field of view of the human eye on a 35mm camera, which makes for a very natural perspective. Compact, light and extremely flexible, the ZEISS Loxia® 2/50 shines in the most varied of applications. Regardless of whether it’s for street photography, landscapes, portraits or spontaneous discoveries, the ZEISS Loxia 2/50 is the ideal companion for photographic and filmic exploration.

ZEISS Loxia lenses were specifically designed for Sony α7 cameras. This means that they can make the most of the mirrorless, full frame system, while giving you all the creative possibilities of ‚classic’ photography with manual focus at the same time.

And that’s not all: ZEISS Loxia lenses also provide everything you need to shoot high quality video, such as the unique DeClick feature for smooth adjustment of the aperture, for example.

DeClick feature
One completely new feature of the Loxia lens is that you can ‘declick’ the aperture’s locking mechanism using a tool (supplied) and an adjustment screw on the bayonet surface. This means that for video applications, you can smoothly eliminate any unwanted differences in brightness as you pan the camera. This feature can also be used with other video systems whose size makes them suitable for adaption.

Precise manual focus
Manually focusing a lens means controlling the image result from your fingertips. A good ergonomic design makes all the difference. ZEISS lenses stand out with their large rotation angle which enables precise focusing. Changes are immediately visible in the viewfinder. The high-quality focusing mechanism moves smoothly without play, thus also supporting the intuitive interaction with the focal plane. The precise engraving in meter and feet, and the depth of focus scale provide additional support for manually focusing.

Virtually distortion-free optics
Dramatic perspectives and a view from extraordinary image angles – ZEISS lenses open up new composition possibilities. Distortion would disrupt the composition because straight lines, whose image does not go through the image center, would be reproduced with a curved shape. This annoying effect is accordingly and largely compensated through elaborate optical designs at all focal lengths.

High-grade full-metal casing
Tangible quality that holds its value is what qualifies ZEISS lenses for decades of hard use. A precision-engineered full-metal casing, grippy focus and aperture rings made of metal, and a tough front bayonet and filter screw guarantee stunning photographic results. A special sealing ring on the bayonet also protects the interface between the camera and the lens.

Full frame compatible
ZEISS lenses are suitable for digital Sony Alpha cameras and have been optimized for film and sensors up to full 35 mm format (24 x 36 mm).

Zeiss 50mm f/2 Loxia 2/50

Zeiss 50mm f/2 Loxia 2/50 User Reviews

8.0/10 average of 1 review(s) Build Quality 10.0/10 Image Quality 9.0/10
  • 8 out of 10 points and recommended by eggry (1 reviews)
    absolute build quality, fantastic mechanical feedback, very small, exif supported
    sharpenss is not so great, design of rings are not pragmatic

    The lens is the piece of jewery in terms of beauty, build quality, mechanical feedback. I've never used as smooth as this lens' focus ring. It's butter-smooth, you can rotate it with one finger without any struggle. Aperture ring's feeling also very good. It's small but not light. It doesn't feel any cheap.

    One of its weakness is its sharpness. It's not sharp as Sony FE55.8ZA, not just center but across frame. It's Planar design so it should be expected that Sonnar design(FE55.8ZA) would be better at it. but I expected more even sharpness than this. Center sharpness is very good but not at border. Maybe not a big deal for Planar fans.

    Also rings are very pleasant to use but it's not designed well in terms of pragmatism. There's no diamater difference across whole lens. while it makes lens look sleek, it's not good to actual use. You should find yourself rotating rings not intented way when you're trying to mount it or unmount it. That can't be good experience consider this is very expensive lense. I think 50.4ZF/ZF Planar's exterior design is much better to use.

    Still, if you prefer mechanical feeling, premium build quality than absolute sharpness(I won't say it's bad. actually it's quite good. Just FE55.8ZA is better at it.), This would be worth it.

    reviewed May 24th, 2015 (purchased for $950)