* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* ZA Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for E-Mount {49} SEL55F18Z
-
$382.00
Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 ZA: the standard prime Sony shooters trust
The SEL55F18Z pairs a 55mm focal length with an f/1.8 maximum aperture in a dust- and moisture-resistant body that covers full-frame E-mount sensors. Seven elements in five groups include five aspherical elements, and the Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating keeps flare and ghosting controlled even when shooting toward bright sources. Resolution holds across the full image circle, not just at the center, which matters when you're printing large or cropping aggressively in post.
The 9-blade circular aperture produces smooth background separation at wide openings, and the 42.9° angle of view sits in that natural-feeling range where the lens neither flatters nor distorts the way wider or longer glass does. At f/1.8, it pulls in enough light to work in interior spaces without climbing to high ISOs, and the 50cm minimum focus distance gives you some room to work close. The 49mm filter thread and 2.54" maximum diameter mean it slips into a camera bag without much negotiation.
On APS-C bodies, the field of view shifts to an 82.5mm equivalent, which turns this into a capable short-portrait option for shooters using it across multiple Sony bodies. For a11 or A7R-series users, it's a lens you can trust across a wide range of light and subject matter without swapping glass mid-shoot.
Who It's For
Wedding photographers working in reception halls or churches get a direct benefit from the f/1.8 aperture and T* coating's flare resistance under mixed artificial light. Street shooters using A7-series bodies will appreciate the compact 2.78" length and natural 42.9° field of view for unobtrusive work. Travel photographers who pack one prime benefit from the weather sealing on days when conditions shift without warning. Portrait shooters on APS-C Sony bodies gain an 82.5mm equivalent focal length with smooth nine-blade bokeh and full autofocus support.
Key Features
- 55mm f/1.8 focal length with 42.9° angle of view on full-frame
- Five aspherical elements reduce spherical aberration and edge distortion
- Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating minimizes flare and ghosting
- Nine-blade circular aperture delivers smooth bokeh separation
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction for professional reliability
- 49mm filter thread, 2.54" diameter fits standard camera bags
- 50cm minimum focus distance for close working distance
FAQ
- What's the actual angle of view on this lens?
- 42.9° on full-frame, which is the natural field of view that neither compresses nor exaggerates subject matter. On APS-C bodies it becomes an 82.5mm equivalent with a narrower angle of view, turning it into a short portrait lens.
- Does this lens have image stabilization?
- No. The SEL55F18Z is optically stable but relies on your camera body's stabilization. Most Sony a7-series bodies include in-body stabilization that compensates for the lack of IS.
- How close can you focus with this lens?
- 50cm (1.64 feet) minimum focus distance, which gives you reasonable working space for close subjects without specialty macro equipment.
- What makes the Zeiss T* coating different?
- The T* anti-reflective coating minimizes internal reflections, which keeps flare and ghosting controlled even when shooting toward bright light sources. You get better contrast and color accuracy across the image.
- How many aspherical elements are in the optical design?
- Five aspherical elements across a 7-element, 5-group design. They reduce spherical aberration and distortion to keep resolution consistent edge-to-edge.
- Is this lens weather sealed?
- Yes. Dust and moisture-resistant seals on critical exterior areas provide professional reliability in challenging conditions, though it's not fully sealed like some higher-end optics.
- What's the aperture blade count and how does it affect bokeh?
- Nine blades arranged in a circular design. The result is smooth, rounded bokeh with minimal aperture-shape artifacts when you shoot wide open or stopped down a few stops.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55mm |
| Max Aperture | 1.8 |
| Min Aperture | 22 |
| Mount | Sony E |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm (1.64 ft) |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Lens Groups | 5 |
| Lens Elements | 7 |
| Angle Of View | 42.9° |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Length | 2.78" |
| Maximum Diameter | 2.54" |
| Package Weight | 1.2 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 8 x 4.4 x 4.3" |
| Aps C Equivalent Focal Length | 82.5mm |
| Coating | Zeiss T* |
| Special Elements | Five Aspherical Elements |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 55mm |
| Min Focal Length | 55mm |
