Instead of purchasing anything for boxing day (due to sales being abysmal, the Black Friday deals were significantly better), I had saved up some money to purchase a new lens. Although I already had the Sony 24-70 F/4 Zeiss, I simply wasn't a huge fan of the weight or how sluggish the lens felt. Having picked the cheaper alternative to the 24-70 F/2.8 G-Master, I felt like I wasn't able to capture the shots I wanted in low light situations and moving objects. I always had the idea of picking up a prime lens for the A7RII for the sake of a little bit of lightness, especially when travelling, but wasn't too impressed by the price. A 55 F/1.8 Zeiss was $1,150 from most retailers. I could get a 50mm F/1.8 NIKKOR Lens for $250.
Of course, having inserted myself into the Sony ecosystem, I already knew that everything came with a price premium, especially if you're going to go with first-party lenses and accessories. However, while making some small talk with my Pharmacy Manager, who is also an avid photographer, I learned that his brother in law was selling off his A7RII with a few lenses. Namely, a 16-35 F/4, 55 F/1.8, and a 70-300 F/4. Now if I had the money, I would have probably purchased all 3 as a package deal, but alas, I didn't really need all the lenses, and so after a few texts back and forth, I found myself the new owner of a 55mm F/1.8 Zeiss E-mount lens.
Why so dirty?
Now, I haven't really tested the lens outside of in my room due to the insanely cold week we've just been through, but first impressions are solid. It's a largely metal construction, with a metal body and metal mount as well. The focus ring feels smooth and the notches on the ring feel nice. Overall, it feels remarkably similar to my 24-70 F/4, which is also a Zeiss lens.
One thing that surprised me was the diameter of the lens. The filter thread size is a small 49mm compared the the 67mm of the 24-70, but it benefits with a smaller overall package and lighter weight, two big advantages to using primes in the first place.
Overall length is still greater than most prime lenses that I've used, though.
A great lens in a small package
The other great advantage to prime lenses is the speed. At F/1.8, it excels in managing both low light situations and shallow depth of field. Although not the smoothest bokeh (I believe the 24-70 G-Master and the 85 F/1.8 are monsters in that regard), it certainly hold its own, especially when comparing it to my 24-70 Zeiss.
Some light bokeh using the 55mm F/1.8 with the 24-70 Zeiss in frame.
Another box to the collection! The lens is amazingly sharp even wide open, and given how dark my room is, the lens was still able to shoot quickly.
I'm probably going to run this lens most of the time with the occasional 24-70 usage depending on what I'm shooting. I'm already super happy with my current setup so I'm doubtful I'll be getting any new lenses in the future, but maybe one day, I'll grab a wide angle (16-35?), the 24-70 G-Master, and the 70-200 F/2.8 for the monster collection.
I hope to be shooting some new content soon, with the temperature improving. Cold weather is a massive deterrent to shooting. When it's -30°C before windchill, going outside with a camera is the last thing you'll want to do.
Cheers,
Gary