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Sony Carl ZEISS Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA E-Mount Prime Lens

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 114 ratings

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SEL24F18Z

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Sony
Focal Length Description f-1.8
Lens Type Fisheye
Compatible Mountings Sony E
Camera Lens Description 24 month

About this item

  • Employs the legendary "Sonnar" optical design for standout image dimensionality and presence
  • Seven aperture blades form a near circle, which results in a pleasing defocused effect on the background of your image when the aperture is set wide open
  • Allows for 1/4 macro shooting with accurate focus as close as 6.2 inches (16cm)
  • Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows for direct manual focusing after autofocus lock-on without having to switch modes
  • Lens operation is fast but at the same time smooth and quiet, minimizing noise and image jitter when shooting movies
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Sony Carl ZEISS Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA E-Mount Prime Lens
Sony Carl ZEISS Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA E-Mount Prime Lens
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Price$798.00-9% $548.00
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$534.00$64.00$348.00-17% $399.00
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Customer Ratings
Picture quality
4.7
4.3
4.8
4.1
4.8
Image stabilization
4.3
4.5
3.2
4.3
3.5
Value for money
3.9
4.8
3.8
4.7
Auto focus
4.4
4.7
4.7
Sold By
ThePixelConnection
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lens type
Fisheye
Wide Angle
Standard
Wide Angle
Full Frame
compatible mountings
Sony E
Sony E
Sony E
Sony E
Sony E
Sony E
lens design
Prime
Prime
Prime
Prime
Prime
Prime
focus type
Auto Focus
Auto/Manual
Auto Focus
Manual Focus
Stepper motor
Auto Focus
minimum focal length
24 millimeters
25 millimeters
20 millimeters
max focal length
24 millimeters
25 millimeters
20 millimeters
fixed focal length
24 millimeters
24 millimeters
50 millimeters
25 millimeters
20 millimeters
56 millimeters

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  • Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA E-mount Prime Lens
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    Sony Carl ZEISS Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA E-Mount Prime Lens


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    Product guides and documents

    Product Description

    Product Description

    This is the first Carl Zeiss lens to be released in the Sony E-mount lineup, employing the legendary “Sonnar” optical design for standout image dimensionality and presence. A spherical lenses located on either side of the aperture effectively compensate for distortion, while an ED element suppresses chromatic aberration. The overall result is excellent corner-to-corner sharpness even with the aperture wide open, for impressive overall resolution. This high-performance Carl Zeiss wide-angle prime lens delivers superior corner-to-corner sharpness even at the maximum F1.8 aperture. It also focuses as close as 16cm providing an unusual combination of close focus and wide-angle perspective. The 24mm focal length is an excellent choice for general shooting. When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This ‘bokeh’ effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result. As focal lengths get longer, lenses built with conventional optical glass have difficulties with chromatic aberration, and as a result images suffer from lower contrast, lower color quality, and lower resolution. ED glass dramatically reduces chromatic aberration at telephoto ranges, and provides superior contrast across the entire image, even at large aperture settings. Super ED glass provides enhanced compensation for chromatic aberration. Aspherical lens design dramatically reduces spherical aberration while also reducing lens size and weight. Spherical aberration is a slight misalignment of the light rays projected on the image plane. This is caused by differences in refraction at different points on conventional spherical lenses which degrade image quality in large-aperture lenses. Specially shaped “aspherical” elements near the diaphragm restore alignment of light rays at the image plane, maintaining high sharpness and contrast even at maximum aperture and can also be used at other points in the optical path to reduce distortion. Well-designed aspherical elements can reduce the total number of elements required in the lens, thus reducing overall size and weight. Advanced Aspherical (AA) elements are an evolved variant, featuring an extremely high thickness ratio between the center and periphery. AA elements are exceedingly difficult to produce, relying on the most advanced molding technology to consistently and precisely achieve the required shape and surface accuracy, resulting in significantly improved image accuracy and quality. Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss - and this superb lens features the Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces. The T* coating contributes to outstanding image quality, with high contrast and uniformly excellent resolution right out to the image edges. Not simply applied to any lens - the T* symbol only appears on multi-element lenses in which the required performance has been achieved throughout the entire optical path, therefore guaranteeing the highest quality. Only the middle groups of the optical system move to achieve focus, so the overall length of the lens does not change. Other important benefits include fast autofocusing and a short minimum focusing distance. Also, the filter thread at the front of the lens does not rotate, which is convenient if you’re using a polarizing filter. 2011 Sony Electronics All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographic and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony and Optical SteadyShot are trademarks of Sony. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

    From the Manufacturer

    Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA Wide-Angle Prime Lens

    This high-performance Carl Zeiss wide-angle prime lens delivers superior corner-to-corner sharpness even at the maximum F1.8 aperture. It also focuses as close as 16cm providing an unusual combination of close focus and wide-angle perspective. The 24mm focal length is an excellent choice for general shooting.

    Technology

    Circular Aperture

    When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This ‘bokeh’ effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result.

    ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass

    As focal lengths get longer, lenses built with conventional optical glass have difficulties with chromatic aberration, and as a result images suffer from lower contrast, lower color quality, and lower resolution. ED glass dramatically reduces chromatic aberration at telephoto ranges, and provides superior contrast across the entire image, even at large aperture settings. Super ED glass provides enhanced compensation for chromatic aberration.

    Aspherical lens elements

    Aspherical lens design dramatically reduces spherical aberration while also reducing lens size and weight. Spherical aberration is a slight misalignment of the light rays projected on the image plane. This is caused by differences in refraction at different points on conventional spherical lenses which degrade image quality in large-aperture lenses. Specially shaped “aspherical” elements near the diaphragm restore alignment of light rays at the image plane, maintaining high sharpness and contrast even at maximum aperture and can also be used at other points in the optical path to reduce distortion. Well-designed aspherical elements can reduce the total number of elements required in the lens, thus reducing overall size and weight. Advanced Aspherical (AA) elements are an evolved variant, featuring an extremely high thickness ratio between the center and periphery. AA elements are exceedingly difficult to produce, relying on the most advanced molding technology to consistently and precisely achieve the required shape and surface accuracy, resulting in significantly improved image accuracy and quality.

    Carl Zeiss T* (T-star) coating

    Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss - and this superb lens features the Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces. The T* coating contributes to outstanding image quality, with high contrast and uniformly excellent resolution right out to the image edges. Not simply applied to any lens - the T* symbol only appears on multi-element lenses in which the required performance has been achieved throughout the entire optical path, therefore guaranteeing the highest quality.

    Additional Features

    Internal focusing

    Only the middle groups of the optical system move to achieve focus, so the overall length of the lens does not change. Other important benefits include fast autofocusing and a short minimum focusing distance. Also, the filter thread at the front of the lens does not rotate, which is convenient if you’re using a polarizing filter.

    2011 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographic and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony and Optical SteadyShot are trademarks of Sony. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

    Customer reviews

    3.8 out of 5 stars
    3.8 out of 5
    114 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, image quality, sharpness, color, and size of the camera lens. For example, they mention that the build quality is flawless, the images it produces are tack sharp, and the contrast is unbelievable. That said, some are also impressed with the size, saying that it's the perfect focal length for all around photography, and that the focus ring has a good range.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    33 customers mention33 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lens. They mention that the build quality is flawless, and the lens is a high-quality piece of glass. Some say that the lens feels solid and balanced on the NEX-6. Overall, customers are happy with the performance and quality of this lens.

    "...So far I'm very happy. And the physical part is good as well. It's just slightly larger and heavier than the 18-55...." Read more

    "...The lens offers great image quality, terrific build quality, great focal length, and great close focusing...." Read more

    "...Bokeh- Wonderful colors right out of the camera- Great macro lens (this one was a bit of a shock!)Cons:-..." Read more

    "...focal length is perfect for the work I do and the lens produces the highest quality output of any e-mount lens for this camera, using a number of..." Read more

    24 customers mention21 positive3 negative

    Customers like the image quality of the lens. They say that the images it produces are tack sharp, with amazing resolution and corner to corner sharpness. Customers also say that it has a mouth-wateringly shallow depth of field, with decent bokeh fore and aft.

    "...I've been out with it once and it really seems to be delivering. Photos really pop: very sharp and strong color. Bokeh is so creamy wide open...." Read more

    "...I have the 35f1.8 and it is plenty sharp with great image quality and spending money on it got me far better results than the kit lens but I knew I..." Read more

    "...Pictures taken were very sharp, and when compared with those taken of the same subject in the same condition with the kit lens, the Zeiss is far,..." Read more

    "...This has given me a mouth-wateringly shallow depth of field, with decent bokeh fore and aft(more on that later), and great low-light capabilities...." Read more

    23 customers mention23 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. They mention that it produces beautiful pictures with a smooth bokeh. The lens has great sharpness and contrast at f/4-f/8, and the quality is top-notch. Customers also appreciate the sharp images when the lens is wide open.

    "...Photos really pop: very sharp and strong color. Bokeh is so creamy wide open. Now that I'm shooting RAW, the results seems to be great...." Read more

    "...I have the 35f1.8 and it is plenty sharp with great image quality and spending money on it got me far better results than the kit lens but I knew I..." Read more

    "...And I'm loving this lens again! Love the colors, the sharpness and contrast, and as much as anything the close focus...." Read more

    "...The jewelry was very, very sharp! You could not get the same sharpness with the Canon 24-70mm or Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L lenses...." Read more

    20 customers mention20 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the color of the lens. They mention that it is a great lens for macro and flower photography, with beautiful and vivid colors. The contrast is unbelievable, and the lens is able to produce strong colors.

    "...It is certainly a beautiful lens. But it's like carrying a brick. It's a barrier to taking photos.... Before the NEX, I had a full size DSLR...." Read more

    "...Not only that but the shallow depth of field produced makes a very nice bokeh...." Read more

    "...And I'm loving this lens again! Love the colors, the sharpness and contrast, and as much as anything the close focus...." Read more

    "...Sharpness- Autofocus capabilities- Bokeh- Wonderful colors right out of the camera-..." Read more

    18 customers mention18 positive0 negative

    Customers like the size of the camera lens. They mention it is the perfect focal length for all around photography, and the focus ring is also quite large. They say the lens is wide enough to take selfie videos and has a nice big aperture, making it good for low light. The focus RING has s good range, making sure that you can get absolutely perfect focus. The minimum aperture but a decent zoom range, and a fast and smooth bokeh make for great pictures. Customers are impressed with the shallow depth of field and the ability to shoot wide angle macro in extreme low light, saying it's something they've never been able to do.

    "...Since the Zeiss and the 16mm with converter are the same size, the fit is perfect and easy to manage. Fewer barriers means more photos...." Read more

    "...more than any improvements in image quality above the 35 was the wider focal length and the ability to find focus a mere 6 inches from the lens...." Read more

    "...Great focal length for walking around, especially with a 24mp sensor that allows hefty cropping when necessary...." Read more

    "...The 24mm focal length is perfect for this purpose, and is wide enough to take selfie videos for adventure videography, while also taking great..." Read more

    11 customers mention11 positive0 negative

    Customers like the speed of the lens. They mention that the auto-focus is silent when taking video, and the fast aperture of f1.8 makes it easy to get absolutely perfect focus. They also appreciate the sharp, accurate, and lightning-fast photos.

    "...know that the construction of the lens feels great and the focus ring as utterly smooth and great to use, especially compared to the 35...." Read more

    "...Focusing in low-light was quite speedy, and so I am looking forward to using this lens with the NEX-7 on my upcoming honeymoon...." Read more

    "...Despite this, the auto-focus is silent when taking video -- as long as you let it focus by itself, without half-pressing the shutter...." Read more

    "...The good:+I am absolutely loving the fast aperture of f1.8, and am finding it a massive upgrade over the kit lens that maxed out at f3.5...." Read more

    10 customers mention10 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the performance of the camera lenses. They mention that it has a great low light performance and is a quick, light setup.

    "...like the 35mm, the f1.8 on this lens opens up the use for excellent low light photography...." Read more

    "...would enable great bokeh (background blur), as well as better low-light performance...." Read more

    "...has the advantage over the RX100 M3 of having better bokeh and low-light performance...." Read more

    "...This Sony camera and Zeiss lens combo is a quick, light setup, and that, often as not, is what gets the shot...." Read more

    20 customers mention9 positive11 negative

    Customers are mixed about the value of the camera lenses. Some mention that it's worth every penny, while others say that it is expensive.

    "...The Zeiss coatings and optics are well worth the money...." Read more

    "...For sure the Zeiss is expensive, but seems to be worth it for those who can afford it...." Read more

    "...and now having used the product, it definitely was for me, worth every penny." Read more

    "...It is expensive, which made the decision to buy it harder, but I have zero regrets." Read more

    Great Lens but Price and other Options Should be Considered
    4 Stars
    Great Lens but Price and other Options Should be Considered
    This is a tricky review to do but here we go.I'm using this on an A6300 and came from using the NEX5T with the 35f1.8, 18105f4, as well as the 16-50 kit lens. I learned quite a bit on the NEX5T and am still learning on my A6300 and while I'm not quite a beginner I am far from an experienced photographer.I debated over getting this lens or the 1670 Zeiss. I like having all around lenses to reduce the amount of lens changes I have to do which is what I like about the 18105. The only issue there is the lens is fairly large but I'd say very sharp for my needs. Researching the 1670 garnered a lot of mixed reviews that focused on the lottery factor for getting a good version of this lens regarding the decentered nature of many peoples copies. I know a lot of people like the 1670 but considering the price point(which currently is the same as the 24f1.8 at ~$900) as well as the fact that I have the 18105, I decided I wanted to go with the 24 Zeiss.While improved image quality was a factor for buying the 24 Zeiss, I also understand the nature of diminishing returns when it comes to buying a high priced lens like this. I have the 35f1.8 and it is plenty sharp with great image quality and spending money on it got me far better results than the kit lens but I knew I wouldn't see that same leap of improvement going to the 24 from the 35 if much at all. I'd say the image quality overall is actually noticeably better than the 35 but most people won't need it. I don't want to go through the spectrum of reviewing wide open, stopped down, and corner and center sharpness. If you're looking for that there are plenty of resources available for that review, this review is for the middle ground people but just know that you can expect great image quality at generally all apertures as well as corner and center sharpness.So why this lens? What I really liked about it more than any improvements in image quality above the 35 was the wider focal length and the ability to find focus a mere 6 inches from the lens. Combine these two features with improved image quality and do I find $500 of value in this lens over the 35? I honestly don't know yet. I know that I really like the wider focal length because it means I'm not squeezing against a wall or in a corner to get everything I want in frame when shooting indoors, especially considering I can focus far closer than I could with the 35. I know that those attributes also make it a great walk around lens as well. I know that the construction of the lens feels great and the focus ring as utterly smooth and great to use, especially compared to the 35. Also, like the 35mm, the f1.8 on this lens opens up the use for excellent low light photography. There is no need to use a flash to get good pictures in a dimly lit restaurant or some of the poorer lighting conditions that you would normally have indoors, especially if you're using the A6000 and up which have great performance at ISO 6400. Not only that but the shallow depth of field produced makes a very nice bokeh. The bokeh balls aren't perfectly round but the blur is smooth and definitely some of the better I have seen in a lens at around this price range.If you're on the fence between this lens and the 35 there are a couple of things you need to consider. Price and use. Currently the 24 is running for about $900USD while the 35 is going for about $400USD. While the 35 is a major improvement over the kit lens you will not see that type of improvement going to this lens. If you're going straight from a kit lens to the 24, you will see major improvement in image quality and will definitely appreciate the f1.8 and close focus abilities. Moving past the price and ratio of improved image quality to value, the most major difference for a lot of people will be the fact that the 24 does not have any type of image stabilization in lens. If you're shooting with A6300 or lower, this means no image stabilization. It is not a huge deal if you're only shooting stills and since it is f1.8 you can usually up your shutter speed to reduce any movement from lack of image stabilization if needed. If you're planning to shoot video, the difference between this lens and the 35 can be night and day and I would suggest the 35 if video is going to be a priority with this lens.Considering video was not a major priority for me with this lens, the lack of image stabilization doesn't really bother me too much although you do notice not having it coming from a lens that did. If Sony released a 24mm lens with their OSS for ~$500, I probably wouldn't have bothered with this lens. My images would have been more than sharp enough, my focal length would be great, and I'd have the added benefit of OSS for less shaky shots and video.I'm happy with my purchase. The lens offers great image quality, terrific build quality, great focal length, and great close focusing. If the price was around $600 I would happily and easily recommend it. Despite my 4*(which is only 4* because the price) review because it is a great lens, I only recommend it if the price isn't an issue and you understand what you're getting here. There are options from Sigma that will get your focal length at a much much lower cost and the 35 is a great lens for the price with the added OSS. Also, the 18105 is a fantastic lens with far more versatility from wider focal length to telephoto zoom with constant f4 at around $600 with OSS at the sacrifice of close focus and f1.8.If you've read all of that and still want this lens, then by all means it is a great lens. However, if you're really on the fence and the price is bothering you, there are other options that are more versatile and even better in other ways. I'll update my review should I come across any issues or positive things to add. I'll add pictures of the lens on the camera if people want but I don't see much reason in attaching pictures taken with the lens on Amazon considering the loss of quality and size.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2012
    Style: SEL24F18ZVerified Purchase
    19 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016
    Style: SEL24F18ZVerified Purchase
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Lens but Price and other Options Should be Considered
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016
    This is a tricky review to do but here we go.

    I'm using this on an A6300 and came from using the NEX5T with the 35f1.8, 18105f4, as well as the 16-50 kit lens. I learned quite a bit on the NEX5T and am still learning on my A6300 and while I'm not quite a beginner I am far from an experienced photographer.

    I debated over getting this lens or the 1670 Zeiss. I like having all around lenses to reduce the amount of lens changes I have to do which is what I like about the 18105. The only issue there is the lens is fairly large but I'd say very sharp for my needs. Researching the 1670 garnered a lot of mixed reviews that focused on the lottery factor for getting a good version of this lens regarding the decentered nature of many peoples copies. I know a lot of people like the 1670 but considering the price point(which currently is the same as the 24f1.8 at ~$900) as well as the fact that I have the 18105, I decided I wanted to go with the 24 Zeiss.

    While improved image quality was a factor for buying the 24 Zeiss, I also understand the nature of diminishing returns when it comes to buying a high priced lens like this. I have the 35f1.8 and it is plenty sharp with great image quality and spending money on it got me far better results than the kit lens but I knew I wouldn't see that same leap of improvement going to the 24 from the 35 if much at all. I'd say the image quality overall is actually noticeably better than the 35 but most people won't need it. I don't want to go through the spectrum of reviewing wide open, stopped down, and corner and center sharpness. If you're looking for that there are plenty of resources available for that review, this review is for the middle ground people but just know that you can expect great image quality at generally all apertures as well as corner and center sharpness.

    So why this lens? What I really liked about it more than any improvements in image quality above the 35 was the wider focal length and the ability to find focus a mere 6 inches from the lens. Combine these two features with improved image quality and do I find $500 of value in this lens over the 35? I honestly don't know yet. I know that I really like the wider focal length because it means I'm not squeezing against a wall or in a corner to get everything I want in frame when shooting indoors, especially considering I can focus far closer than I could with the 35. I know that those attributes also make it a great walk around lens as well. I know that the construction of the lens feels great and the focus ring as utterly smooth and great to use, especially compared to the 35. Also, like the 35mm, the f1.8 on this lens opens up the use for excellent low light photography. There is no need to use a flash to get good pictures in a dimly lit restaurant or some of the poorer lighting conditions that you would normally have indoors, especially if you're using the A6000 and up which have great performance at ISO 6400. Not only that but the shallow depth of field produced makes a very nice bokeh. The bokeh balls aren't perfectly round but the blur is smooth and definitely some of the better I have seen in a lens at around this price range.

    If you're on the fence between this lens and the 35 there are a couple of things you need to consider. Price and use. Currently the 24 is running for about $900USD while the 35 is going for about $400USD. While the 35 is a major improvement over the kit lens you will not see that type of improvement going to this lens. If you're going straight from a kit lens to the 24, you will see major improvement in image quality and will definitely appreciate the f1.8 and close focus abilities. Moving past the price and ratio of improved image quality to value, the most major difference for a lot of people will be the fact that the 24 does not have any type of image stabilization in lens. If you're shooting with A6300 or lower, this means no image stabilization. It is not a huge deal if you're only shooting stills and since it is f1.8 you can usually up your shutter speed to reduce any movement from lack of image stabilization if needed. If you're planning to shoot video, the difference between this lens and the 35 can be night and day and I would suggest the 35 if video is going to be a priority with this lens.

    Considering video was not a major priority for me with this lens, the lack of image stabilization doesn't really bother me too much although you do notice not having it coming from a lens that did. If Sony released a 24mm lens with their OSS for ~$500, I probably wouldn't have bothered with this lens. My images would have been more than sharp enough, my focal length would be great, and I'd have the added benefit of OSS for less shaky shots and video.

    I'm happy with my purchase. The lens offers great image quality, terrific build quality, great focal length, and great close focusing. If the price was around $600 I would happily and easily recommend it. Despite my 4*(which is only 4* because the price) review because it is a great lens, I only recommend it if the price isn't an issue and you understand what you're getting here. There are options from Sigma that will get your focal length at a much much lower cost and the 35 is a great lens for the price with the added OSS. Also, the 18105 is a fantastic lens with far more versatility from wider focal length to telephoto zoom with constant f4 at around $600 with OSS at the sacrifice of close focus and f1.8.

    If you've read all of that and still want this lens, then by all means it is a great lens. However, if you're really on the fence and the price is bothering you, there are other options that are more versatile and even better in other ways. I'll update my review should I come across any issues or positive things to add. I'll add pictures of the lens on the camera if people want but I don't see much reason in attaching pictures taken with the lens on Amazon considering the loss of quality and size.
    Images in this review
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    118 people found this helpful
    Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Skankhunt42
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens paired with an a6500
    Reviewed in Canada on July 14, 2018
    Style: SEL24F18ZVerified Purchase