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Sony Carl ZEISS Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA E-Mount Prime Lens
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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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Price | -22% $798.00$798.00 List: $1,023.50 | -9% $548.00$548.00 List: $599.99 | $64.00$64.00 | -10% $494.00$494.00 List: $549.00 | -14% $298.00$298.00 Typical: $348.00 | $848.00$848.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 18 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 18 | — | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 20 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.7 | 4.3 | — | 4.7 | 4.7 | 3.5 |
Image stabilization | 4.3 | 4.5 | — | 3.2 | 4.7 | 4.1 |
Auto focus | — | 4.4 | — | 4.6 | 4.6 | 3.7 |
Versatility | 5.0 | — | — | 4.8 | 4.5 | — |
Sold By | ThePixelConnection | Amazon.com | FotoPal | Digital Goja | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
lens type | Fisheye | Wide Angle | — | Standard | Telephoto | Telephoto |
compatible mountings | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E |
lens design | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Zoom |
focus type | Micromotor | Auto/Manual | Manual Focus | Auto Focus | Stepper motor | Micromotor |
minimum focal length | 24 millimeters | — | 25 millimeters | — | 50 millimeters | 18 millimeters |
max focal length | 24 millimeters | — | 25 millimeters | — | 50 millimeters | 200 millimeters |
fixed focal length | 24 millimeters | 24 millimeters | 25 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 200 millimeters |
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Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA Lens
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 2.58 x 2.48 x 2.48 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 7.9 ounces |
ASIN | B005IHAI8O |
Item model number | SEL24F18Z |
Customer Reviews |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #1,155 in SLR Camera Lenses |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | August 23, 2011 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
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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
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, image quality, sharpness, and size of the camera lens. For example, they mention it produces the highest quality output, produces beautiful pictures, and has accurate color rendition. Some appreciate the great all-around focal length and ease of use. That said, opinions are mixed on value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the lens. They say it's a high-quality lens that produces the highest quality output. Customers also say the build quality is flawless. They mention that it'll produce great macro photos and that the lens produces decent bokeh.
"...I use it for up close perspective photos. It works very well for that purpose.... Late 2010 I got the 18-200. It is certainly a beautiful lens...." Read more
"...of the lens feels great and the focus ring as utterly smooth and great to use, especially compared to the 35...." 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
"...Bokeh- Wonderful colors right out of the camera- Great macro lens (this one was a bit of a shock!)Cons:-..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the lens. They mention that it carries out great color and details, produces crisp and clear photos, and has accurate color rendition. Some say that the lens is gorgeous and great for portrait pictures.
"...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
"...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
Customers are satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. They mention that it is very crisp and clean from corner to corner. They also say that the quality is top-notch and the shots wide open are sharp with pleasing bokeh.
"...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
"...the mail as we speak, but even with the a6000, I’ve gotten great, sharp photos, with little motion blur thanks to how fast this lens is...." 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
Customers find the size of the lens to be great for walking around, with a wide enough focal length to take selfies. They also appreciate the large focus ring and the big aperture, which is good for low light. Overall, customers are satisfied with the size and build quality of the product.
"...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
"...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
"...Great focal length for walking around, especially with a 24mp sensor that allows hefty cropping when necessary...." Read more
Customers find the lens easy to use. They say the autofocus is sharp, accurate, and lightning fast. They also appreciate the smooth manual focus ring and the fast aperture of f1.8. Overall, customers say the lens is a quick, light setup that can be focused comfortably.
"...the 16mm with converter are the same size, the fit is perfect and easy to manage. Fewer barriers means more photos...." Read more
"...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..." 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
"...The bokeh (background) blur is creamy smooth, and what pleasantly surprised me is this lens' ability to shoot macro. What is Macro?..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the low-light performance of the lens. They mention that it has great capabilities and better performance than other lenses in its class. The lens opens up the use for excellent low- light photography 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
"...This Sony camera and Zeiss lens combo is a quick, light setup, and that, often as not, is what gets the shot...." 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
Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the lens. They mention that it provides a special crispness and clarity to their photos. They appreciate the amazing resolution, corner to corner sharpness, and extremely high detailed images.
"...There is a special "crispness" and clarity to my photos unmatched by any of the other SEL lens; especially on large prints...." Read more
"...Superb in every aspect (build quality, picture quality, sharpness, look, feel)...." Read more
"This is my first Zeiss lens. When used on a NEX-7, the resolution is amazing and corner to corner sharpness is very very impressive even when shot..." Read more
"Pros: The resolution is noticeably better than the kit lens of my NEX 7. The difference is greatest under low light conditions...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the camera lenses. Some mention that it's worth the price, while others say it'd be better off buying a different lens.
"...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
"...It is expensive but quiet worth the money." Read more
"...It is expensive, which made the decision to buy it harder, but I have zero regrets." Read more
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I have an NEX 5 from 2010. With all the firmware upgrades, this has become a great system. As to lenses, I started with the 18-55. It's OK but often disappointing.... I got the 16mm with the wide converter. I use it for up close perspective photos. It works very well for that purpose.... Late 2010 I got the 18-200. 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. The kit lenses were terrible. I got a 24mm 1.8 Sigma lens. That really was a wonderful lens, though a brick for sure. But I find for me, that's a good focal length for what I like. So that made me want to take the $1,000 Zeiss plunge. 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. Now that I'm shooting RAW, the results seems to be great. I've just begun posting to Flickr (TNex). I'm not sophisticated enough to give a detailed review. But I know when I'm happy and when I'm not. 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. It really seems to fit the NEX very well, and the black combination looks great.... I carry a very small camera bag. 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.
For sure the Zeiss is expensive, but seems to be worth it for those who can afford it. If not, the 18-55 shot RAW would be the best bet for great photos.
Addendum: I remain very supportive of this lens, but there is a small issue that I reported to Sony and was appalled by the response. The lens hood is two parts glued together. I've read that this comes apart, and it happened to me. Rotating the hood into position breaks the glue points. Not what one would expect on a $1000 lens. I had an on-line chat with Sony. They said my only option is to return the lens for evaluation. The lens is perfect- no evaluation needed. I've spoken to Sony reps before and have the feeling that they don't know their products. Maybe I'm wrong on this, but the solution seems very simple- do a better glue job. Provide a replacement or solution for those that fail.
Addendum #2: I called Sony to speak to a real person. They agreed to send me a replacement lens hood that wouldn't come apart. When it arrived, what greeted me was a hood made from one piece of plastic. BUT, it was for the wrong lens- way didn't fit! C'mon Sony!! So I called again, and again they said another is on the way... Stay tuned.
Addendun #3: The Zeiss is now happily connected to an NEX-7. Really great results, though I think the NEX-7 makes everything look great... Still no replacement lens hood from Sony. I've super glued the one I have, but it doesn't hold.
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.
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016
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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