The size comparison between the new 50mm FE and the 55mm FE

Dpreview compared the new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA vs the 55mm F1.8 ZA. When it comes to sharpness they write:

“The new 50/1.4 does not retain this sharpness across the field as well as the 55/1.8, which offers better field uniformity at all apertures. By F2, though, the new 50/1.4 ZA matches the 55/1.8 in central sharpness, and surpasses it at all smaller apertures. Considering the high bar set by the 55/1.8 ZA, this is very impressive.”

This goes against Lensrentals tests finding where the new 50mm FE center sharpness was higher than the 55mm FE. That’s why Dpreview writes:

“We can’t rule out the possibility that our copy of the 50/1.4 slightly under-performed relative to the average, perhaps due to decentering”

So basically we can’t be sure about Dpreview scores yet :) The final conclusion is:

It’s clear that Sony is trying to cement itself as a real option for pros, and the new FE 50mm ZA helps further that goal. We have no reservations recommending this lens. That said, if you can spend the extra time processing out the axial CA in post, don’t mind onion-ring bokeh in out-of-focus highlights, aren’t bothered by coma, and don’t need the extra isolation or light-gathering capability of F1.4, the 55/1.8 is a compelling alternative that is lighter and cheaper, while offering smooth background bokeh and impressive, if not necessarily much greater, sharpness wide open. It also focuses significantly faster than the 50/1.4.* But for subject isolation that puts medium format to shame, while retaining respectable sharpness and contrast even far off-center wide open (and particularly by F2), the FE 50mm 1.4 ZA is the lens to own.

Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE Planar preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera. Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.

The really superb Zeiss Batis 18mm FE lens got reviewed by Mark Galer (video above) and Mirrorlessons (video below). Can’t wait to see what’s coming next in the Batis range…a tele lens? ;)

Batis 18mm lens at [shopcountry 47045].

Zeiss 50mm FE (left) vs Zeiss Otus 55mm (right). Image via Lensrentals.

Lensrentals (Click here) tested the new Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE lens. And they compared it with the best lens of the world, the 55mm Zeiss Otus. The results is absolutely impressive:

“The Sony is phenomenally good in the center; just absolutely superb. The Sony, though, is clearly better than the Otus in the center, and just as good as the Otus away from the center as well. There is a little sag of the Sony’s MTF halfway to the center but then improvement out to the edges.”

So far the new Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE lens didn’t get a lot of “Love”comments from SAR readers. The price may have created some emotional “barrier”. But now that you get that kind of feedback from Lensrentals things will change. A Zeiss Otus alike quality for almost a third of the lens and with autofocus? Now it starts to sound like a bargain :)  Lensrentals writes:

“it’s worth the money; it’s really superb. The center sharpness in particular is unheard of in a 50mm lens.”

Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE Planar preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera. Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.

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All new Sony FE lenses and wireless products are now listed on one single page at BHphoto (Click here).

USA:
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Sony VMC-MM1 Multi Terminal Cable at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Europe:
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens at Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens at Calumet.de. Amazon Germany. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at PhotoPorst. Jessops.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at PhotoPorst. Jessops.

DSLR Video shooter tested the A6300 video performance. They come to the conclusion that this is one of the best cameras for the budget. Check out the video review!

A6300 store links: [shopcountry 47396].

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found via iso1200.

ThatCameraGuy reviewed the new Meike A6300 battery grip and Remote Control.

The grip is now in Stock at Amazon.com and Amazon UK.

Ted Forbes has a suggestion for Sony. Due the Kumamoto disaster Sony had to stop releasing new cameras. So he suggests Sony to use the time to fix the current cameras. Watch the video!

70-200mm GM vs 70-200mm Tamron vs Nikon 70-200mm (via Camerasize).

Of all newly announced Sony lenses the 70-200mm GM is taking the lead at Amazon’s new lens release ranking sales (Click here). Not really a suprise as this is a very good lens for a not so crazy Sony price :)

And let’s take another roundup look to new 70-200mm GM tests. Most of the reviewer also do agree that the real drawback is the autofocus system of the current A7 cameras. It’s good but not good enough for top PRO sport and wildlife photography. I do hope the next generation A7 (and the rumored A9) cameras will bring some major improvement o that front.

Quesabesde writes: “La calidad es magnífica, pero algunos profesionales necesitan más que eso.” which means that image quality is magnificent but the PRO’s do need a more advanced autofocus system

Photoscala says Sony has done a very good job with the autofocus system but it still doesn’t match the Nikon performance. They also say the Bokeh of the lens is truly outstanding because it doesn’t come at the cost of sharpness. They write the lens is clearly made to support future higher resolution sensor cameras.

Alin Popescu tested the lens with the 2.0X converter and ther eis good news to report:

“Focusing wise everything is spot on with the 2x adapter mounted on lens/camera. Tracking was perfect even with the fast-runing boars.”

Focus Numerique is impressed by the optical stabilization system. More image samples can be found at SystemKameraForum.

New FE lens and wireless radio flash preorder list

USA:
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Sony VMC-MM1 Multi Terminal Cable at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Europe:
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens at Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. CalumetUK. Jessops. WexUK.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens at Calumet.de. Amazon Germany. Cyberport.de. CalumetUK. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at PhotoPorst. Jessops.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at PhotoPorst. Jessops.