I recently purchased this lens after watching your review. I’m thankful I found your channel and have now watched many of your lens reviews. It’s the best channel for lens reviews in my opinion!
Awesome little lens. I have the Sony 50mm 1.4 Zeiss Planar and find that the clickless aperture although useful for video (for precise adjustments) is not smooth when increasing or decreasing (you can see slightly abrupt exposure changes even when turning the ring smoothly and slowly). Other than that, it’s the best lens I have (and I have the 70-200 2.8 GM 😝).
Dean Lewis I own both the Sony/Zeiss 50/1.4 Planar and the Zeiss 50/2.0 Loxia as well. The 50/1.4 is the better lens in absolute image terms in my experience. Something to keep in mind is the 50/2.0 Loxia is a Planar lens design just like the Sony/Zeiss 50/1.4, so it has a similar rendering and bokeh. Except the 50/1.4 when stopped down to f2.0 is just blisteringly sharp and has very minimal CA. When you compare the 50/1.4 stopped down f2.0 to the 50/2.0 wide open, there is no contest. However I kept my Loxia because the 50/1.4 starts to suffer from diffraction after about f8.0 and for landscapes the Loxia is much easier to bring. Stopped down to f11.0 the Loxia is almost comparable to the 50/1.4 in terms of sharpness and even frame. Just my 2¢
Great content buddy, enjoy your work. I recently got me a good used copy to go along with my A7IV. I had the RX1R2 before and although great I prefer the 50. The combo on the A7m4 just balances very well!
Hello Dustin! I have a personal question to you since you tested both lenses - I am between the Sigma 45mm DG DN and this Loxia 50mm - and I must say for the fun factor I am leaning towards the Sigma 45mm DG DN (close focus). The Samyang is plastic and basically the next option if one needs autofocus. However, the AF on Sigma 45mm seems better to me. If I am wrong here please correct me - the Sigma DG DN seems more fun to me when you are a Vintage shooter and if you need video AF the Sigma seems to be better. - Then I found out that the sigma is also lighter and more compact than the Loxia - to me, it seems like the Sigma DG DN is a superior build in terms of compactness. What are your thoughts on these lenses? Which one would you choose when you want to go wild? :) - the purpose for me would be a light setup - versatile lens for stills and video. Basically, something you always have on your travels... weather sealing is a must - I want to use it in all weather conditions. Do you think the Loxia is worth giving up the AF? For me, MF is no problem but AF is a nice feature for sports. But again I think the field of view on the Sigma is more interesting.
The Sigma has a nicer build than the Samyang, but I personally prefer the optics of the Samyang. Your mileage may vary. The Loxia produces the nicest colors and is the best of the three at smaller apertures.
Hi Dustin, excellent and the most informative review on the Loxia 50mm by far on youtube. If you could only grab one lens for travel and general photography, would you get this lens or the CV65 and why?
It's not the sharpest 50mm option out there, but it continues to have beautiful rendering. So yes, so long as overall image quality is more a priority for you than just pure sharpness.
Hi Dustin, thanks for making such a good review for this truly awesome piece of glass! I always feel like a ninja with my Loxia! Although I think the EosR is even better than Sony for Manual Focus! The Sony has the advantage with image stabilization which is good when you zoom in but the focus peaking is very coarse/thick and getting perfect focus is rather unprecise. Also it isn’t that visible if you scenario is darker, so I always had to turn off „exposure simulation“ for shooting dark interiors and night. The EosR has a much finer frequency focus peaking and a better viewfinder. When I focus on my dog I can see the individual hairs in the viewfinder and know exactly were the sharpest spot is. Also it works very well in the dark without turning the exposure sim off. But it is often to fine to notice if you go into disco light areas. But if you set it on image style to black and white and turn on Focus Peaking it works extremely well. Then you have the dual pixel assisted manual focus, which is also very handy! It can detect faces with manual focus and you know exactly in which direction you need to turn. Also it you can see more of the image because it isn’t yellow or red from the peaking and with the touch controls you can align the box easily were you want! Unfortunately it doesn’t track normal things as far as I know, only faces. The right Touch Bar button is peaking on off toggle, the left TouchBar is the DPMF Assist toggle and AFOn Button is a one click magnify. With Sony when you adjust peaking they always lead you into a menu which isn’t good if you quickly want to toggle peaking on and off. Also magnifying needs two clicks. I know because I don’t own a single af lens anymore and I shoot with MF in every situation including playing dogs🙂 Sorry for this huge post, but maybe you‘ll find a small nugget in there:-) Best Christian
Thanks again for a great review! I love this lens along with my Loxia 35mm.f.2 when I spend a little more time thinking over my photography, for the two lenses are clear winners om my old Sony A7II together with my also manual lens Tokina FiRIN 20mm.f.2 .....
Thanks Dustin for your reviews. I was looking for a manual 50mm for my Sony A7R and now I’m torn between this Loxia, the Milvus 50mm f2 and the Makro Planar ZE. Which one would you consider the sharper? or there is just a minimal diference? Thanks in advance.
The Loxia is probably the least sharp wide open, though still good. The Milvus and Makro Planar are the same optically, but I like the handling of the Milvus much better. The latter two obviously add higher magnification, though will have to be used via adapter. I would probably lean towards the Loxia because it is the best fit for your camera.
Nice review and summary Dustin. I realise it’s got a little different field of view and not a macro, but how would you compare the Loxia 50mm with the Voigtlander 65mm APO macro lens? Thanks
@@DustinAbbottTWI Out of curiosity what makes the APO f2 much better than the f1.2? I was just thinking the high maximum aperture would be fun to try in a small compact form, but if the APO is better I would lean towards it
HI sir. Please advice, im looking for manual lens for wedding videography. Im using Zeiss 55 1.8 now, and the manual ring is very very far away to deal with. Im considering this lens or the Voigtlander 50 f2 Lanthar or 65 f2 Lanthar. Or do you have any other advice? Thank you sir.
I actually really like the 65mm F2 as a wedding lens because the image quality is pristine and it gives you the macro flexibility for shooting detail shots of shoes, decorations, rings, etc...
Dustin, now after a year of this review that the Voigtlander apo lanther 50/f2 is out, is there a chance you will review that and compare it to this Loxia?
Probably not a comparison, and, unfortunately, I don't have easy access to Voigtlander lenses. I have to import them at personal expense, which makes the process complicated...and there's also the fact that they are a more niche brand and fewer people tune it to watch. That's a bad combination from a business perspective.
hello, between zeiss loxia f2 and sony zeiss fe 55 f.1.8 what do you recommend for sharpness and image quality? you keep in mind that I am not worried about the manual focus of the zeiss loxia, I have a sony a7rii.
Good review, given the high price and that it's a 50f2 (so not a complex lens compared to many) I think it would be fair to expect near perfection. How does it compare to the much much cheaper Canon 1.8 smt which is excellent for the price point. 😎😎😎
In terms of color and microcontrast, there's no comparison. In terms of raw resolution, the Canon is as good by F2.8 and beyond. Who is actually cross-shopping those two lenses, though?
@@DustinAbbottTWI - thank you for your reply, my query was regarding just how much better the Zeiss is compared to a well received budget lens. Thank you for your review. 😎😎😎
I have been dicking around with the old Contax G mount 2/45mm Planar and it is remarkably similar to the Loxia 50mm in both performance and character (apart from the traditional 6-bladed aperture). You can get one for about $250 in like new condition. It is also beautifully made and you can use it with an adapter on the FE mount. www.zeiss.com/content/dam/consumer-products/downloads/historical-products/photography/contax-g/en/datasheet-zeiss-planar-245-en.pdf
I do, so why do you keep posting it? I don't do these reviews just for your viewing pleasure :) A lot of people do enjoy manual focus lenses, myself included.
@@howardkahn717 you seriously sit there name calling anyone who disagrees with you? As i said Dustin, I'm genuinely sorry you have to deal with these types ;(
I have this 50 and it's stunning, always am in awe every time I use it
It's a sweet lens.
Best Loxia reviews on RUclips, hands down. Thanks Dustin!
thanks!
I recently purchased this lens after watching your review. I’m thankful I found your channel and have now watched many of your lens reviews. It’s the best channel for lens reviews in my opinion!
Great to hear! That's the kind of feedback I want to hear.
Dustin, best lens reviews by far for Sony users. I shoot more with Loxias now than with GMs, in fact I'm selling my 85GM as I really don't need f1.4.
The Loxia lenses have a unique charm to them.
Awesome little lens. I have the Sony 50mm 1.4 Zeiss Planar and find that the clickless aperture although useful for video (for precise adjustments) is not smooth when increasing or decreasing (you can see slightly abrupt exposure changes even when turning the ring smoothly and slowly).
Other than that, it’s the best lens I have (and I have the 70-200 2.8 GM 😝).
I too have the 1.4/50 Planar lens, and it is exceptional.
Hi. For stills only, which is better? Loxia 50 or sony 50 1.4? I know one has af but for image quality? Thanks
Dean Lewis I own both the Sony/Zeiss 50/1.4 Planar and the Zeiss 50/2.0 Loxia as well. The 50/1.4 is the better lens in absolute image terms in my experience. Something to keep in mind is the 50/2.0 Loxia is a Planar lens design just like the Sony/Zeiss 50/1.4, so it has a similar rendering and bokeh. Except the 50/1.4 when stopped down to f2.0 is just blisteringly sharp and has very minimal CA. When you compare the 50/1.4 stopped down f2.0 to the 50/2.0 wide open, there is no contest. However I kept my Loxia because the 50/1.4 starts to suffer from diffraction after about f8.0 and for landscapes the Loxia is much easier to bring. Stopped down to f11.0 the Loxia is almost comparable to the 50/1.4 in terms of sharpness and even frame. Just my 2¢
Great content buddy, enjoy your work. I recently got me a good used copy to go along with my A7IV. I had the RX1R2 before and although great I prefer the 50. The combo on the A7m4 just balances very well!
These are sweet little lenses, for sure.
Hello Dustin! I have a personal question to you since you tested both lenses - I am between the Sigma 45mm DG DN and this Loxia 50mm - and I must say for the fun factor I am leaning towards the Sigma 45mm DG DN (close focus). The Samyang is plastic and basically the next option if one needs autofocus. However, the AF on Sigma 45mm seems better to me. If I am wrong here please correct me - the Sigma DG DN seems more fun to me when you are a Vintage shooter and if you need video AF the Sigma seems to be better. - Then I found out that the sigma is also lighter and more compact than the Loxia - to me, it seems like the Sigma DG DN is a superior build in terms of compactness. What are your thoughts on these lenses? Which one would you choose when you want to go wild? :) - the purpose for me would be a light setup - versatile lens for stills and video. Basically, something you always have on your travels... weather sealing is a must - I want to use it in all weather conditions. Do you think the Loxia is worth giving up the AF? For me, MF is no problem but AF is a nice feature for sports. But again I think the field of view on the Sigma is more interesting.
The Sigma has a nicer build than the Samyang, but I personally prefer the optics of the Samyang. Your mileage may vary. The Loxia produces the nicest colors and is the best of the three at smaller apertures.
Hi Dustin, excellent and the most informative review on the Loxia 50mm by far on youtube. If you could only grab one lens for travel and general photography, would you get this lens or the CV65 and why?
I might go for the Voigtlander myself because of that added versatility from the macro(ish) capabilities.
Great review ! Do you think this lens could manage the Sony Alpha 7 R5 sensor...?
It's not the sharpest 50mm option out there, but it continues to have beautiful rendering. So yes, so long as overall image quality is more a priority for you than just pure sharpness.
Hi Dustin, thanks for making such a good review for this truly awesome piece of glass! I always feel like a ninja with my Loxia!
Although I think the EosR is even better than Sony for Manual Focus!
The Sony has the advantage with image stabilization which is good when you zoom in but the focus peaking is very coarse/thick and getting perfect focus is rather unprecise. Also it isn’t that visible if you scenario is darker, so I always had to turn off „exposure simulation“ for shooting dark interiors and night.
The EosR has a much finer frequency focus peaking and a better viewfinder. When I focus on my dog I can see the individual hairs in the viewfinder and know exactly were the sharpest spot is. Also it works very well in the dark without turning the exposure sim off. But it is often to fine to notice if you go into disco light areas. But if you set it on image style to black and white and turn on Focus Peaking it works extremely well.
Then you have the dual pixel assisted manual focus, which is also very handy! It can detect faces with manual focus and you know exactly in which direction you need to turn. Also it you can see more of the image because it isn’t yellow or red from the peaking and with the touch controls you can align the box easily were you want! Unfortunately it doesn’t track normal things as far as I know, only faces.
The right Touch Bar button is peaking on off toggle, the left TouchBar is the DPMF Assist toggle and AFOn Button is a one click magnify. With Sony when you adjust peaking they always lead you into a menu which isn’t good if you quickly want to toggle peaking on and off. Also magnifying needs two clicks.
I know because I don’t own a single af lens anymore and I shoot with MF in every situation including playing dogs🙂
Sorry for this huge post, but maybe you‘ll find a small nugget in there:-)
Best
Christian
Thanks Dustin, another great review! How do you think it compares to Voigtlander 50mm/f2 APO Lanthar?
The Voigt is sharper and has higher contrast at large apertures, but the Loxia has nicer bokeh.
Thanks again for a great review!
I love this lens along with my Loxia 35mm.f.2 when I spend a little more time thinking over my photography, for the two lenses are clear winners om my old Sony A7II together with my also manual lens Tokina FiRIN 20mm.f.2 .....
They are a lot of fun.
Yes it is always fun all the way through one's photography shoot :)
Will you be reviewing the 85mm next Sir?.....
Yes, I'm reviewing both the 85mm and 25mm Loxias as well.
Dustin Abbott Fantastic!
Thanks Dustin for your reviews. I was looking for a manual 50mm for my Sony A7R and now I’m torn between this Loxia, the Milvus 50mm f2 and the Makro Planar ZE. Which one would you consider the sharper? or there is just a minimal diference? Thanks in advance.
The Loxia is probably the least sharp wide open, though still good. The Milvus and Makro Planar are the same optically, but I like the handling of the Milvus much better. The latter two obviously add higher magnification, though will have to be used via adapter. I would probably lean towards the Loxia because it is the best fit for your camera.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you so much
Nice review and summary Dustin. I realise it’s got a little different field of view and not a macro, but how would you compare the Loxia 50mm with the Voigtlander 65mm APO macro lens? Thanks
The Voigt is more highly corrected (near perfect resolution and contrast), but the Loxia has better bokeh.
Dustin Abbott that’s helpful thanks Dustin
How do you feel about the Loxia 50 F2 vs the Voigtlander 50mm f1.2? Having a tough time with this one
I actually haven't tested the Voigtlander 50mm F1.2, so I'm not sure on that. I will say that the Voigtlander APO 50mm F2 is probably the best choice.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Out of curiosity what makes the APO f2 much better than the f1.2? I was just thinking the high maximum aperture would be fun to try in a small compact form, but if the APO is better I would lean towards it
HI sir. Please advice, im looking for manual lens for wedding videography. Im using Zeiss 55 1.8 now, and the manual ring is very very far away to deal with. Im considering this lens or the Voigtlander 50 f2 Lanthar or 65 f2 Lanthar. Or do you have any other advice? Thank you sir.
I actually really like the 65mm F2 as a wedding lens because the image quality is pristine and it gives you the macro flexibility for shooting detail shots of shoes, decorations, rings, etc...
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for the reply. I'm looking to it then.
Dustin, now after a year of this review that the Voigtlander apo lanther 50/f2 is out, is there a chance you will review that and compare it to this Loxia?
Probably not a comparison, and, unfortunately, I don't have easy access to Voigtlander lenses. I have to import them at personal expense, which makes the process complicated...and there's also the fact that they are a more niche brand and fewer people tune it to watch. That's a bad combination from a business perspective.
@@DustinAbbottTWI :( I understand. That makes sense
Hi Dustin, how is the focus breathing on this? I would like to use it for video.
Very little breathing, actually. You should be able to see that in some of the video footage included.
hello, between zeiss loxia f2 and sony zeiss fe 55 f.1.8 what do you recommend for sharpness and image quality? you keep in mind that I am not worried about the manual focus of the zeiss loxia, I have a sony a7rii.
The 55mm is as sharp (or even sharper) at wide apertures, but the Loxia definitely has nicer rendering and richer color
Good review, given the high price and that it's a 50f2 (so not a complex lens compared to many) I think it would be fair to expect near perfection. How does it compare to the much much cheaper Canon 1.8 smt which is excellent for the price point. 😎😎😎
In terms of color and microcontrast, there's no comparison. In terms of raw resolution, the Canon is as good by F2.8 and beyond. Who is actually cross-shopping those two lenses, though?
@@DustinAbbottTWI - thank you for your reply, my query was regarding just how much better the Zeiss is compared to a well received budget lens. Thank you for your review. 😎😎😎
Thx again!
You're welcome.
How does the sony zeiss 55 1.8 compare image quality?
The 55mm is a little sharper, but has poorer color, bokeh, and overall rendering.
Do the Sony 35mm f2.8!
Not on my immediate list, I'm afraid.
Thank you Mr Abbott
You're welcome
I have been dicking around with the old Contax G mount 2/45mm Planar and it is remarkably similar to the Loxia 50mm in both performance and character (apart from the traditional 6-bladed aperture). You can get one for about $250 in like new condition. It is also beautifully made and you can use it with an adapter on the FE mount. www.zeiss.com/content/dam/consumer-products/downloads/historical-products/photography/contax-g/en/datasheet-zeiss-planar-245-en.pdf
Interesting.
Excellent review Dustin, however, you know my opinion of manual focus lenses because of my eyes....
I do, so why do you keep posting it? I don't do these reviews just for your viewing pleasure :) A lot of people do enjoy manual focus lenses, myself included.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I don"t know anyone who enjoys manual lenses.......
@@howardkahn717 - well you do now, add me to the list. Thx Dustin and sorry you have to deal with this!
@@howardkahn717 you seriously sit there name calling anyone who disagrees with you? As i said Dustin, I'm genuinely sorry you have to deal with these types ;(