Zeiss Loxia 85mm F2.4

Sony E

Review

The Zeiss Loxia 85mm F2.4 is a prime lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, offering a compact and high-quality option for portrait and general photography. This lens embodies the classic Zeiss craftsmanship, providing exceptional image quality and a smooth focusing experience, making it a favorite among serious photographers.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Loxia 85mm is its robust build quality. The all-metal construction not only gives the lens a premium feel but also enhances its durability, making it suitable for use in various conditions. The lens barrel features an elegant design with a finely textured focusing ring that provides a pleasing tactile experience while focusing. Its compact size and lightweight nature allow for easy handling, making it an excellent choice for street and travel photography.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Loxia 85mm F2.4 does not disappoint. With its well-corrected elements, this lens produces incredibly sharp images even at wide apertures. The bokeh is beautifully rendered, creating a pleasingly soft background that isolates subjects effectively. The color rendition is another strong point; images exhibit rich colors and excellent contrast that characterize the Zeiss aesthetic.

However, the lens does exhibit some vignetting when used wide open, which may need to be corrected in post-processing for certain applications. Additionally, while this may not be an issue for all users, it’s worth noting that the lens is not weather-sealed, which could be a concern for photographers who often shoot in challenging environmental conditions.

Usability

Loxia lenses are designed for manual focus, which some may find off-putting compared to autofocus systems. For many photographers, though, the manual focus allows for more precise control, especially in portraiture where focus accuracy is paramount. The smooth rotation of the focusing ring facilitates this precision, although it may take some users a little while to adapt if they are accustomed to autofocus lenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and design
• Sharp images with great color rendition
• Beautifully rendered bokeh for portraiture
• Compact and lightweight for a prime lens

Cons

• Some vignetting at wide open
• Not weather-sealed
• Manual focus may not suit everyone

Verdict

The Zeiss Loxia 85mm F2.4 is an outstanding option for photographers who prioritize image quality and craftsmanship. Its combination of sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and build quality make it a worthy investment, particularly for portrait photographers. While it may not be ideal for those who prefer autofocus or frequently shoot in harsh conditions, the overall performance and aesthetic appeal of the Loxia lens make it a strong contender in the Sony E-mount lineup.