Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA ( Sony SAL-135F18Z) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Sony Alpha/NEX (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Images

Here're some sample images taken with the Alpha 700 and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 4.1.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/2.2 @ 1/640s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/1600s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/1600s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/640s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/1250s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/400s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/2000s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/500s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/640s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/400s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/640s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/1600s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/800s
Size 4272x2848
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/4.0 @ 1/400s
Size 2848x4272
Make SONY
Model DSLR-A700
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/800s
Size 4272x2848

Verdict

The Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA is an exceptional lens - technically it's even slightly superior to the already great ZA Planar T* 85mm f/1.4. The resolution as well as the level of contrast is nothing short of outstanding and that's straight from f/1.8. The quality of the bokeh (out-of-focus blur) is next to perfect for a conventional lens. Unfortunately longitudinal CAs, sometimes also called "Bokeh CAs", can be relatively pronounced at large aperture settings - a typical problem in this lens league but a bit unfortunate nonetheless. Distortions, vignetting and lateral CAs are non-issues in field conditions. Thanks to an all-metal body the lens feels very solid. If you're nit-picky you may criticize the lack of sealing and a little play in the focus ring when changing the focus direction. The AF speed is still fine despite the rather dated screw-driven AF approach. The entry hurdle for the Zeiss T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA is quite high at around 1300EUR/US$ but if you want the very best this is the one. Highly recommended!

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
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