Conclusion

Sony Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA

Having used the Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA lens for a few days, I am left with the impression that this is a lens with character. From the resolution and bokeh to the build quality and aperture ring, this lens has a certain something about it that makes it stand out from the generic 35mm lenses that roll off production lines.

Yes, it may be expensive, large and a weigh a bit, but it is the closest experience I have had to shooting with a manual DSLR that I have had with the Alpha 7R. It is amazing what something as simple as adding an aperture ring can do.

Optically it isn’t perfect, but the chromatic aberration is slight and I would actually rate the vignetting as a nice feature. In terms of resolution this lens is difficult to fault, and it is certainly one of the sharpness lenses we have tested for the Alpha 7 series, although the 90mm f/2.8 macro lens looks like it may well offer some competition on that front.

Overall, if you are look for a good general lens, particularly for landscape and travel images, I wholeheartedly recommend the Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA lens – if your bank manager and chiropractor will allow it.

Score: 4 out of 5