A99 with the Zeiss 135mm lens (Courtesy of Adalbert).
A new source told me the current Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 A-mount lens would get replaced at Photokina. The new version will have “SSM” focusing mechanism. There will be no optical change as the current 135mm f/1.8 is already close to perfection (and also $100 discounted at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and SonyStore).
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0 Responses
If it comes with weathersealing too I would sell my Zeiss 135 right now…SSM only is not enough reason. The lens is near perfection but sometimes I don’t like taking it outside in less favourable weather conditions like light rain while the Zeiss 50 is better at it.
Hope we see more than just updates to current lenses.
I’d definitely jump on the old model if the price drops a bit.
It will be introduced with the new Sony A99 II ! I guess/hope/ promise….
@ Admin
Do you know st. about the features or sth. more about the two flagships Sony A Mount A99 II and the Mirrorless FE Mount Sony A9?
Will they be released on/announced on photokina in mid september?
Good to have you 😉
No reliable info yet 🙁
The a9 is about as real as the NEX-9 that preceded it.
He must be talking about the A9000.
Stacked sensor, 250MP total. $5,000 or 6400 Euros. 😉
YESSSSS!!!
That’s what I’ve been waiting for! That, and a full-featured AF module in A99-II (not the one from A77-II) will convince me that Sony is serious about A-Mount.
super! SSM all they way 🙂
Finally,had been waiting for CZ 85mm and 135mm SSM version 1 year ago. But will see what new a-mount camera announce first to choose going to e-mount or a-mount. Worry sony are getting serious on E-mount only
I’ll be very surprised if they release the 135/1.8 or the 85/1.4 for e-mount – everything I’ve seen so far suggests they’re keeping the e-mount as compact as possible (if anything people here are pushing for something smaller than the a7). I can’t see a 1kg+ prime going down well with this system, especially if you’re handholding (which presumably is the big point of e-mount).
A 135mm f/1.8, and a 85mm f/1.4 for the e-mount makes as much sense as a V8 in a Prius.
what about the FE70-200 then?
An FE 135 2.0 should be possible
For me everything is possible..a3000 is a dslr body nex..and they just keep compact as possible now but not future..but anyway let see what will happen in this year later
So, I guess I’ll have to crowdfund it somehow
Good news, hope ZA 85mm SSM also coming.
The 85mm can benefit from an optical formula revision and better CA correction to start with
Hopefully Sony will revise the ZA 85 after Zeiss releases the 85mm Otus and borrow from the design (as may have happened with the Otus 55 and the FE 55).
Current 135mm without SSM: $1800
Same lens with added SSM: $2700
SSM, why? It’s a portrait lens, I own one and never had a complain about the AF. Can’t see the point in this, as Andrea said optically this lens is almost perfect so I don’t see the need for a revamped model…
really? maybe your needs are not universal needs..ever thought of that? I shoot a lot of concerts..and trust me, the old 85 and 135 are usable only on manual focus in such low light. And did you ever tried to shoot a wedding, or some other event where you have to be as quiet as possible?? do you realise how LOUD those lenses currently are?
I do have shot lots of concerts with this lens and focus was more accurate and reliable than, for example, Minolta 85mm f1.4 or even Sigma 50mm f1.4 HSM. Loud AF noise? Shutter noise is way more distracting than the AF… depending on your camera, on my A900 that’s the noisy element, not the AF.
And no need to be that harsh, mate.
Agree… I have a Zeiss 135 too and using it on a a850… AF Noise is not an issue compared to shutter sound.
I can tell you that ist maybe more accurate than minolta 85 but waaay less accurate than cz 24-70. And again, please speak for your self, those ones of us who have A99 will not agree with you 😉 shutter sound is not an issue for us..the AF sound: definitely 🙂
sorry, guess I got a bit harsh, but I simply cant stand this kind of “my needs=universal needs” statements like you provided…
As you, I’m speaking from my own experience, I’m not pretending by any means to constitute a dogma from my opinion. For example, shutter sound is not an issue for A99ers but for us, A900/850 owners, it is. Comparing both, shutter “clack” is way more noisier than the AF.
Relax mate, I’m not paid by Zeiss or any other brand, this is a board of opinion, nothing else.
no..please read your initial comment…you were trying to speak for everybody, saying how pointless the update is… Im relaxed, dont worry 🙂
Tried (and used) at several weddings – nobody complaint so far about the noise of my a99 with the 85 f1.4 and 135 f1.8. However, wouldn’t go as far as SSM not being needed, just saying so far, I don’t see it as a huge problem for myself.
Certainly, it would be great to have (near) completely silent lenses ready when the silent A7s gets available. But due to it’s very high ISO sensitivity, you probably won’t need the fastest lenses possible on it unless you also want a very shallow depth of field. So even for that E-mount camera, compactness might be more important than big aperture.
For portrait studio work – where big aperture is certainly needed- the noise is usually not an issue and compactness also, so using an A-mount lens with adaptor is probably okay.
AF-D mode
Works already since the a99 firmware update with the current non-SSM version: http://blog.sony.com/2013/02/dualaflensfirmware/
Good to know, thanks. I was under the impression AF-D is SSM only. Although it does not work with my 85mm SAM lens.
I bet this lens will sell like hot donuts in death valley!
Think about all the e-mount freeks how this will improve their mood!
SSM and weather sealing. Then i would break the bank to get one
The 135mm ZA is a good lens and one of the best A-mount lenses, but it’s nowhere near perfection. The Zeiss Apo Distagon 2/135 is so much better optically, it’s not even funny. It’s really lame that Sony doesn’t put any work into updating A-mount lenses, just some minor (non-optical) updates and a much higher price.
Sigma did a much better job.
Really? So much better…..care to share some resources.
JJ was nice enough to mention it. You should do your own homework.
Maybe I should. offering- but at more than twice the cost. I can’t find any full on side by side comparisons. However, words like, “it’s much better optically…not even funny.” Them are big words…I’d like to see that visually demonstrated. let’s not go overboard here.
Look the 2 lenses up on http://www.lenscore.org (don’t know how to link to lenses directly sorry). The 135 ZA is very good, better than the Canon, but the Zeiss Apo is much better than the Sony. BUT: maybe the rumor is incorrect and Sony actually did update the optics? We should probably not bash Sony based on rumors. 🙂
I wouldn’t use the http://www.lenscore.org as a reliable source of information to pass judgement on any lens. It more advertising than fact.
I’d start at an objective website first, before moving onto a Nikon advertising site. Checkout the link below.
http://www.photozone.de
+1
There’s no great difference between the Canon 135L and the ZA 135 either. Also see my reply above.
The Zeiss is superior.
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/04/zeiss-ze-135mm-f2-vs-canon-135mm-f2l
Can’t remember disputing that when THKPIC raised that point. Also don’t you mean the Sony Zeiss? 😉
For me splitting hairs between lenses like these to find which has better IQ is a silly exercise. If you want the best IQ in a long lens at around f/2, you need to see the 200/2L IS. Everything else becomes subpar.
According to lensrentals it is, but read the comments and I have to agree with some criticisms. No picture’s to compare- somewhat subjective final conclusions and it wasn’t being compared to the 135mm 1.8. Some say the 135mm resolves just as much and the bokeh is better but fringing is more pronounced. That’s the problem…this person says that, a little bit here…a touch of horse “you know what” here. I just want it dxo’d and put this thing to rest. The 135mm 1.8 (even though I own it) has reached mystical status. Enough fairy dust already, I want some real tests.
I can confirm that have a look at several apo 135 zf2 reviews it is opticlayy much better…..despite 2.0 instead of 2.0, mf than af…..
i would never hesitate or switch back/or choose the za 135 1.8 over the 135 2.0 anyday…..it is so much better….so much less chromatic aberrations (Locas etc.)….
after a short time you can handle the mf lens like the af lens for sure…
get the 135 zf2 it is with the otus 55 1.4 and the sigma art 35 and 50 1.4 the best lens ypou can buy today…..until the 24, 85 and 135 sigma art versions are coming……
Impressive waht sigma is doing….shaking up the market esp. with regard to lens….
Time will tell…
There are no resources, its opinion. The original 135mm was never DxO marked, or compared to the F/2.0. I’ve used both, and if there is any difference its imperceptible to human eyes.
135APO has been reviewed and compared to various lenses. If you have used the ZA 135 and any other lenses, it’s easy to draw your own conclusions.
Also the 135APO is the best lens (optically) that Zeiss has. It’s even better than the Otus 55. The ZA 135 is a good lens and a unique lens but it has never been a contender for being one of the best lenses ever made.
The Zeiss ZE 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar is an exceptional lens scoring 40 DxO marks. I owned one once, however the autofocusing Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA sitting in my bag, is as just as good.
The Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA is one of the reasons most Aplha users made the switch.
If you can produce an article that indicates the older manual f/2.0 is better please provide us a link, because I researched both lens throughly prior to buying the Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA.
Every review of the Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA indicates its close to perfection, which is my opinion as well.
http://www.photozone.de/sonyalphaff/500-zeiss_135_18ff?start=1
Older manual f/2?
Also you’re looking at all the wrong places for lens reviews. Photozone’s method is flawed for most parts and DxO’s megapixel rating is a joke.
The reason why I don’t call the ZA 135/1.8 an exceptional lens is because of its wide open (and there abouts) aberrations. In this regard, it’s very similar to the Canon 85/1.2L II at f/1.2. Wide open, both lenses are only really suitable for portraits and not in bright day light because they cause magenta fringes. At the same time, both lenses create pleasing images under certain conditions which is the reason why people like them both.
The 135APO is better corrected.
Don’t believe anything you read online from a review site, most of them are slanted in either Canon’s or Nikon’s favour. Most of them are sponsored by Nikon or Canon.
I used to live in the Canon bubble, and I actually believed everything I read to until I had a chance to use a A900, and 135mm Zeiss in 2009 in Germany.
I recommend http://www.Dxyum.com user reviews. Most of the readers are professional photographers with years/decades of experience. Check it out below.
http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Sony-Carl-Zeiss-Sonnar-T*-135mm-F1.8-ZA_lens300.html
During the time when I was using only Canon, I still thought that the ZA 135 is a good enough reason to go for A-mount. I’ve even tried the ZA 135 on a 5D Mk II (don’t ask how lol) and thought of adapting it. IMO the ZA 135 and the Sony Minolta 500/8 AF are special lenses.
The ZF/ZE 135/2 APO is still better corrected.
We want this also in E-mount, and more compact as well *COUGH*
You can have it…using the LA-EA adapters hahaha.
And its working great with the adapter.
This is the best 135 AF lens available, and on the A7R it rocks.
The SLT mirror is not ideal. Sooner or later this hack job will need to go.
Sometimes the “not so ideal” technology ends up being the “way forward”. SLT technology produces “a master of nothing jack of all trades” camera.
Its a complex technology that happens to produce stunning results, its not meant for everyone.
Sony’s latest answer to APS-C DSLR outclasses all of its $1199.99 APS-C competitors as a result of this “not so ideal” technology. Its dedicated 79 point phase detection system is breathtaking,
Have you’ve used one yet?
Sony’s “not so ideal” answer to the full-frame DSLR the A99II will likely do the same, with an even more advanced sensor, and dedicated auto focus system.
“Have you used one yet?”
Have you heard of physics yet? 🙂
It’s not about the “way forward”. The fixed mirror came about in 1965:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_Pellix
Relatively soon after, it was dropped and Sony brought it back for use with video because it was an easy fix to AF in video problem. Think about the sorts of situations where people AF in video. As for stills… does the SLT technology help someone who’s good with a camera take better photos? No. It might help noobs who can’t afford a proper Canon or a Nikon spray and pray, at most.
The proper solution to phase detect without a mirror is Canon’s dual pixel AF tech. Whether it’s a proper alternative to flipping mirror+secondary PDAF sensor is yet to be seen as the technology is still improving. It certainly does have the potential because approximately 80% of the imaging sensor is used and it’s very different from the existing sprinkle a few hundred pixels everywhere on-sensor PDAF that others have. It’s also the best option for people who are concerned about image quality because the SLT mirror… well we all know about the emperor’s new clothes 😉
So, you haven’t.
Just answer the question next time. No one is really interested in wasting valuable time reading nonsense.
SLT has already proven itself, and the A77II currently outclasses everything Canon has ever produced
He’s obviously a Canon troll. I wouldn’t waste your time on this joker.
He’s probably never owned a SLT camera. Obviously another Canon gear head, and not a photographer.
Being both creative, and having real skill using a camera makes you a excellent photographer not the technology.
Again this is physics. Light isn’t going to bend differently because there’s a II in front of the model name LOL Having a slanted mirror reduces image quality.
As for what I have used… easy to answer:
http://www.flickr.com/people/genotypewriter
I never tried these active Sony adapters, do they give you only one center spot or more focus points?
Why does Sony not fill up the many holes in the lens lineup of the A-mount? Their only effort seems in updating the few lenses that are already there.
Some lenses certainly need modernising (35/1.4) but I’d like to see some of the minolta classics revisited too (beercan would be a good starting point). I do agree about the gaps – there’s no apsc friendly macro offering (the Tamron 60mm and Sigma 70mm have cornered the market there). Likewise there’s nothing longer than 100mm for ff macro.
Sigma 150/2.8 and 180/2.8 Macros are really good too.
How about a fast 35mm Zeiss instead? It’s unbelievable that there isn’t one for A-mount.
Oh, and a 21mm or 24mm FE please. Priorities, priorities.
Know what I would rather have……tethering. Release a sdk sony so pro’s can use these cameras. Until I can tether, all the great lenses in the world don’t matter. And, no I don’t want it on sony software. C1 and LR please.
http://pasmworkshop.com/2012/10/how-to-tether-capture-sony-a99-with-lightroom-4-on-mac/
I can promise you guys, this is not near as good and fast as a native LR or c1 tether. If you shoot moving people this is really important. They really need to open things up(memory stick, beta max) and be more open to pro solutions. These can work but using sonys free software is much slower to import into LR or c1 than if you use their tethering solution.
http://www.dslrsoftware.com/tethered_shot.php
The Sony camera control software works fine for tethering and it’s free.
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=sony+a99+tether
For current owners such as myself- not really reason to upgrade. Price will jump well over 2k….
Probably, but I’m going to sell my original on ebay, and use the money to replace my original model.
I was really hoping for a 35mm this year.
Your talking about potentially blowing 800-1k for the exchange. For SSM? I’ve debated this for while knowing it was coming. No optical changes or weather sealing means no way.
sounds great for me since I was planning on getting the 135 again since I sold it and regret doing so. I can get the older one even cheaper.
I think that will depend on what they ask for the new 135mm. The 70-200 SSMII did nothing to used values on existing 70-200.
Its probably his or her’s most used lens. The ability to use this lens silently (because of the SSM) in churches during ceremonies where the screw driven AF may distract clients is a big plus.
It doesn’t sound too loud compared to the sound of the shutter itself of my a850. Yeah, of course, compared to SSM lenses is “loud” but only to the photographer, not to the public.
Yeah your 100% right, the A850 does sound like a guillotine
Me too – Zeiss 35mm f1.4
If it’s a Zeiss design its going to cost more than the 135mm.
Sony’s G-Series, isn’t a bad design (for the 80’s), they just put the wrong glass elements in it. Had they used modern low dispersion glass elements like SLD, ELD, and FLD, it’d probably be the best of the lot.
If updated with modern low dispersion glass, the G-Series would likely be a stellar performer.
The G branded lenses are the most expensive of the a-mount.
You can’t just go swapping materials willy-nilly, each and every material has a different Nd value, just as they have different Vd values. If you change the glasses inside, even without changing their shapes, the focal length will change, among other things.
They’ve had plenty of time to get right. The design has been around since the stone age. It really needs a serious update.
27 years to be exact
The Problem is, Sigma was First, and Sony cant beat the Sigma 35mm f/1.4
They will get, at maximum, same optical quality for the double price.
Also it _have_ to be more expensive than the current shitty 35mm as its new and it would be a hit into the face of every current 35mm owner from Sony.
BRDUMB grow-up, If you got something say have the nuts to use you real name.
He’s (BRDUMB) obviously a gutless coward
If I was an owner of the current 135mm, I’d probably have the same response, unless I seriously wanted the difference in AF, but I doubt most users of the 135mm will see that as a massive boost
Sony FORCED into action by rumored Sigma Art 135 coming soon… Like the forgotten new ZA50/1.4 release just before better Siggy 50 Art came out.
It’s a preemptive move to serve themselves, not their customers. Too late Sony.
And YEARS later still NO native off camera flash cable for new hot shoe joke, and no third party players… NONE.
I’ll take Sony seriously when Sony takes their customers seriously.
The 50mm Zeiss has a better colour rendition, and is weather-sealed, so its the better choice outside of the lab.
I owned the 50mm f/1,4, used it my a99, and sold it, although an amazing lens, it didn’t live up to the 85mm, and although never owned the 135mm, I know it is more superior than the 85mm, but I wasn’t terribly happy with the 50mm, I also own the A7, and have to say the 50mm FE blows the Alpha version to bits! Maybe not as fast, but picture rendition is simply stunning!!
It doesnt have better Color rendition, the opposide. The Colors are mostly destroyed by the horrible puprple fringe wide open and it have much less contrast.
The Sigma EX 50mm f/1.4 already had better color rendition than the Zeiss, so i doubt this will change with the new Art.
Zeiss gave up on producing good lenses, they instead decided to stick on their “Brand” and price lenses for Brand, not for quality.
Finally !!!
I agree the 135mm Zeiss is why many Alpha users converted in the first place. Its long overdue for a tune-up. I’m assuming its going to receive some sort of weather sealing.
I WANT E MOUNT LENSES!
Sony is crazy to make an new 135mm while people wait new rumors and info about 16-35 FE and other primes.
Does Sony forgot A7 users?
Are you being facetious?
A7s isn’t even shipping yet.
Some ppl have attention span problems…
This thread is about a new A-Mount lens, can you reserve your stupid FE mount questions/gripes for the hundreds of F/FE mount threads. Thanks.
Not sure if you’re being sarcastic… But just in case, in the last few months, E-mount users could rejoice in happiness with the announcement of a6000, a7, a7R, a7S, SEL2470Z, SEL55F18Z, SEL35F28Z, SEL70200G and rumors about SEL1635Z and confirmed development of a large zoom lens for Fullframe E-mount.
Meanwhile Sony only announced the a77ii and SAL70200G2 for A-mount.
Where the SAL70200G2 is identical in its optical performance to the G1, just 1000 € more expensive and more expensive than any other 70-200 f/2.8 while all other are better.
So A-Mount really needs some attantion.
Rezero
I am not sarcastic but the A Mount has a lens for everything.
The FE mounts haven’t this, and it is useless to produce 3 cameras (1 is also apsc so is useless) without a complete lens set.
They must MAKE LENSES to complete FE and they don’t need stay to make camera and now a 135II only for give you SSM.
I need a 135mm, a 85mm and an 24mm and i can’t use the A mount version because they are more fat then A7 body.
It is useless give confirmed 1635 and a large zoom because :
1 You don’t know when they go out
2 You don’t know when they can make other lenses while you wait this
3 You can’t work without some lenses and go to buy vintage and A mount lens
4 They promises up to 10 into 2014 lenses but they must give us them o some image. It is useless if Sony gives rumor into May event and sell them into 2015!
So , Excuse me for OT, but i wait every day a news about this E system because i must decide if next lens will be FE or will be another brand.
Ok…first, they aren’t required to have a complete system in less than 1 year. ALL Manufacturers don’t make a full system in less than 1 year.
2nd remember, Sony is pushing 2 mounts at the same time (I’m not going to take into account PL lenses because they released 6 lenses at the same time a while ago amd it seems they are not going to release anything else for some years). It will take some time to release more lenses. If you know, by the end of 2014, 10 lenses will be available for FE Mount, then why be so desperate for answers? They’re working faster than they did with APS-C E-mount. Be glad they’re faster this time.
3rd, Sony isn’t crazy to release an update to the 135mm… That’s a lens being used by professionals and serious enthusiasts… If they release an update with SSM (and weathersealing hopefully) that shows they’re committed to their products… Isn’t that nice?
4th, how can you say Sony forgot about their customers when it has only been months since they released their a7-series? Are you okay?
5th, Sony don’t release info before the right time, you know why? To prevent competition to get info to countermeasure their products and try to give the wow factor to their customers. When I was at the local launch event of a7-series cameras, the presentation they used still had the red confidential stamp in one corner…that shows commitment to keep things secret even at the last moment.
All I have to say is…be patient. I will leave a little assignment to you. NEX-3/5 were released in 2010. I want you to count how many months it passed until E-mount users got a 50mm f/1.8, a 24mm f/1.8, a 35mm f/1.8 and a good UWA Zoom and Standard Zoom. When you’re finished, I hope you feel better for having 5 decent lenses for your cameras.
You speak good but you forget a think.
Sony need give news and lens fastest possibile because it is The unique brand with a ML FF.
CANOn and Nixon ha e again Old sistem without lens.
Another thing, i rimember thai nex users has mirrorless lens in few years (last i think is The 24mm) but they haven t an 85mm or 135mm.
I know that 135mm is a PRO USERS’lens but I know that the actually 135mm is good for every ceremony and most of wedding/pro situation.
I wait again don’t worry but I wish to have a full set for 2015-2016.
I take shots for cerimonies and weddings, but I want avoid to spent money for A MOUNTs lenses to use into a light mirror less FF(a7).
Vintage lenses are good but MF isn’t easy to use with tele lens.
At moment I use my old sigma 2.8 70-200 because the new 70-200 is an f4 and a primes can be 100 times better for dof and weight .
Why I don’t use an A99?
I hate SLT SYSTEM because mirror take some stops and
The short flange distance stops being a factor with telephoto lens, and an FE-mount 135/2 would be the same size as this one, so this is really for both A and FE mounts users who need a fast medium tele.
Enough with the E-Mount already. Past year has been all about E-Mount, time to bring out the A-Mount stuff!
Made a mistake, let me fix that for you.
“Sony is crazy….(period).”
There, fixed.
admin, is it weather sealed as well?
Probably. All new A-Mount lenses are weather-sealed.
If they release this lens with SSM and equal incredible IQ like the old one, I’d buy it right away.
If they would consider the 85/1.4 as well it would be heaven. 🙂
Maybe we’ll finally get a dxomark score for this thing second time around. But of course, it won’t be tested on the A7R- so there goes the highest marks. However, at least some of the urban legend can be put to rest. It is extremely good, but it’s time we get to know just how good it really is.
Oh yeah! I loved the 85mm version, but did the stupidest thing and sold it, and have been longong for the 135 as a replacement to the 80-200 APO G, but the current one is too slow, now bring out an SSM version and now we’re talking 😀
Yes, it is slow. I hate the screw drive noise as well, but the performance makes up for it. The other thing no one really mentions is the focusing ring! It has a bit of play when you move it from one direction to the other. It’s a common noted thing owners mention. It’s not a big deal but you just get caught off guard by it. I seriously hope admin. is wrong and they tweek the glass a bit. If so I’ll buy it.
Why new A-mount lens? Is A-mount dead, or not? Will the A58/A57 successor, or not?
The A-Mount was never meant to be a cheap camera system, so Sony has finally eliminated the embarrassing low-end.
No one is going to miss the A37/A57/A58 – Good riddance.
Sony A-Mount cameras are being marketed for those with deep pocket semi-pros, and professionals, not the low end of the market.
Those of us who can afford 1 or 2K bodies, and lenses.
I sure hope not. If Sony leaves out the low-end A-mount cameras, then the A-mount will die due to lack of new users being onboarded.
The possible/unannounced A66 should be the entry level A-Mount. The A65 was a resounding success, and deserves a repeat.
A camera system cannot survive without low end. It’s the low end cameras which get people ‘hooked up’ on the system.
Besides, Sony has the best low-end DSLRs in the market. Sony has EVF, so APS-C viewfinder is as big and bright as FF viewfinder. Why waste this advantage?
In conclusion, of course there will be a a57/a58 successor.
I doubt it. The A65 outsold it four or five to one, so it makes more sense for Sony to release a A66.
It did not, where did you got this information?
You know, there is always a better lens. Better 135mm, 50mm, yada yada. I’m always trying to get the best. What is that? I’m not sure but one thing I’ve learned is it’s not all about sharpness. That’s why I enjoy Zeiss glass- color rendition and smooth bokeh. But I do wonder- would I be happier with an A7R and a summicron 50mm F2? Can’t shake that thought.
You can’t attribute smooth bokeh to Zeiss lenses… some have smooth bokeh and some don’t… just like with other manufacturers. Colour rendition is a subjective thing too and typically varies from lens to lens (within the same manufacturer).
And as for a 50 Summicron on an a7r… you’d be better off with the FE 55/1.8 instead because of corner issues.
sony bringing back to life to good oldies!!!
i will get one if true, i was planing to buy it since last year, but sigma ART 35 and 50 came first.
can you bring back to life the 500 reflex too, im late in the party (only 3 years old A mount user) so i can not buy it new anywhere, and i never buy used or refurbished.
also im waiting for tamron new 28-300, but hate that they charge us the IS tax, can you make us one, nobody expect zeiss or G quality in that all-aound zoom, but make one please
i know… these are not PROFESIONAL LENSES, well … IM NOT A PROFESIONAL
probably im the only one in the world that buy an a99 as a hobbie camera, it was so cheap and same size and weigth than an APSC that i buy it in a rush, now that A mount is going only-pro, i feel left behind, in most stores where i live you can see all the push to E mount, last year stores were selling a37 and a58 to new buyers, now they only push a3500, in most stores you cant find A mounts, the a99 are now in discount (i get a better price 😉 because its last camera in store and wont be suplieded anymore, stores dont know if they will stock a77II or just sell it at advance payment, last year E mount was a tiny stand, now they reverse, last year A shelve is for E, and the tiny shelve is just for A lenses, they did not even show A bodies anymore, i understand sony focusing only in profesionals with A mount, but i think most PROFESIONALS first camera was an entry model, killing the entry point is just stalling the growth of A mount or close the doors to all profesional starters who can not afford an a77II/a99 and all photo school students will buy a cheaper option, hopefully for sony that would be E mount instead going canon/nikon.
There is zero reason not to buy the 500mm F8 old. it’s a tank and practically indestructible. I’ve been buying Minolta lenses also for the past 3 years- zero problems. Zero! No reason to want a new lens when you can get the old at a marvelous cost. It’s a good lens by the way, it lacks contrast and you have to be ok with the donut bokeh. It drove me nuts and I bought a Tokina 300mm 304 ATX F4 with a tele. However, the 500 was dang sharp- no complaints there. Definetly worth 5 bills.
Well the 500mm f/8 is really really bad.
Rather think about the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 which is, for its performance, really cheap.
Hope the next Full-Frame Alpha release (a99II or whatever they call it) is worthy of strapping this bad boy to…
A New 135mm? Why? There is an absolutely shitty and unusable 35mm f/1.4 and what does Sony do? Replace the working 135mm -.-
Hope Sigma will do something smiliar, they are really owning Sony right now by far.
In the past Zeiss was known for best Boke, Color Rendition and so on, but all current reviews show that Zeiss is clearly behind Sigma right now.
Also it turns the opposite, Zeiss drops Boke and Contrast Quality to reach better sharpness (see Zeiss Otus, its Boke is pain in the ass with its cat eyes) where Sigma have much better Contrast, Boke, Color Rendition, Flare Control and Distortion, just slightly tiny bit less sharpness and for 1/4 price with HSM Focus.
I also know the Analog Zeiss 35mm and the Sigma is much better than this.
Sigma also is planning to release a 24mm and a 85mm which follow the same forumla as the 35mm and 50mm, so they will also own the Zeiss for sure.
Im tired of paying tons of € for lenses which slightly change where competitor produce completely new lenses for the half price with better performance.
Some people say A-Mount is dead, well, except sharpness, the E-Mount lenses are a piece of crap Made in Thailand which cant replace the A-Mount lenses any near future.
And Sigma is obviously tired of delivering lenses for Sony (120-300mm most likely never hit the stores for Sony and 18-35mm f/1.8 tooked a year and is price 200 € over the Canikon Mount).
Maybe its time to rething the choice of a camera system. In the past i always looked for the camera and then for the lenses, but Sony really doesnt invest anything into lenses and when they do, the result is only avarage for the highest price of any competition.
The 500mm is really not that good and is priced for 12’500 €
300mm is an ten year old minolta sold over the price of any competition (7700 €)
70-200 f/2.8 is also an old minolta which is really not that good sold for 3000 € (absolutely insane)
35mm f/.4 is an 27 year old minolta sold for ~1300 € (thats a joke)
All the Zeiss lenses are sold way over their quality. the 50mm is also about ~1300 € where the ne 50mm from Sigma have an MRSP of 999 € and is _way_ better than the Sony in absolutely every aspect.
Even the old Sigma EX 50mm was only very slightly worse than the Zeiss (only in sharpness, had less fringing and about same boke quality) and is less than the half of the Zeiss.
As said, im tired of paying tons of € for average lenses, other camera systems deliver better lenses for better prices and lenses are more important as the camera.
I think no because Olympus made very compact 135mm in the old OM System.
I can understand only a little more big for AF/OSS,
In what world is Zeiss behind????? Sigma may be owning the cheap end of optical glass- but they aren’t producing the same quality. It’s not all about absolute sharpness. Sigma uses more elements and more groups- why? Because the glass is not as precise on Zeiss uses. It also introduces compromises in terms of color rendition, quality of out of focus areas, etc.
In terms of that 35mm 1.4- your right that. Thank hunk of hot garbage needs to be replaced. But seriously, Zeiss is still champ for those who know what to look for.