Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Vario-Sonnar ZA T* Carl Zeiss A-Mount Lens

2020-09-05T11:07:10

I recently purchased a preowned Sony 24-70mm f/2,8 Vario-Sonnar T* Zeiss ZA SSM A-Mount (phew) lens from Adorama and it surprised me in a few ways. Sony's 16-50mm f/2.8 lens is freakishly good, but I wanted a fast, quiet lens with more stretch at the long end. Surprise #1. As this is a full-frame lens, I was thinking I'd get the equivalent of 36-105mm on my Sony a77 II with its 1.5x crop factor. Nope. My full-frame 105mm macro lens becomes 165mm, but this lens retains the same magnification and angle of view as my other APS-C lenses do at the same indicated focal lengths. Hmmm... Surprise #2. I knew it was a sharp lens, but didn't realize how sharp it really is, until it made me reconfigure my camera to the correct AF Micro Adjustment setting. The camera unknowingly had been set to -4, and the first photos from this lens were fuzzy until I discovered the incorrect setting. Once corrected, it tops the otherwise great 16-50 lens, no slouch itself, wipes up Sony's 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3, and positively kills my Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 (well, no surprise there). Surprise #3. I'd heard it was heavy, but not hernia belt heavy. This is not an all day walk-around lens unless you have Popeye arms and a Hulk Hogan neck. That alone should take a star off, but it does everything else so well you'll just have to forgive that extra mass. Besides, people gawk at this thing like it's some alien life form. Cell phone (so-called) photographers will snicker at it, but there's no denying how good this thing is. Sony's Alpha mounts are on the endangered list, soon to be killed off by their mirrorless E-mount line, so I'm rounding up as much A-mount stuff I can while I can. This thing gets over two grand new, and is probably worth it, but at $600 used, this was a steal. Thanks, Adorama!

HOWARD N.

2015-07-21T21:00:00

Extra sharp, great detail, no distortion at any setting. I expected this to be a superb lens, but even my high expectations were exceeded. The red Flower was shot with an extension tube, hand held and the detail is outstanding. I am a nature photographer and use the a77MII. My other lenses are the Sony G 70-400 and a Minolta f\4 600 with a Sony 1.4 extender. This lens is my walk around/landscape lens. Recommend without qualification.

ROBERT W.

2014-08-06T21:00:00

I rented this lens, because a shoot came up and I needed some superior images. I wasn't sold on all the type of the Zeiss lenses. I was have severe buyers remorse for buying my A65, as the images just haven't lived up to my expectations, and was seriously considering trading it in on a Canon. I got this lens and tested it out and the image quality, just screwing around was astounding, Great contrast, superior colors, ultra clear images with incredible detail. When I put it to task during my shoot it did NOT disappoint. The lens is almost TOO perfect. Was shooting some model portraits, and the lens easily picked up their generous use of makeup. lol The lens is HEAVY!!!, I'd be willing to argue it weighs real close to the same as my Sigma 170-500mm lens. I LOVED the focus hold button. Really comes in handy. Someone also shooting the event had a 5D mark3 with l-series lenses, and the image quality with the 24-70 beat those out. Very impressive lens. I never thought I would say this about a lens that cost almost $2k, but its worth every cent!!! The ONLY time the auto focus wasn't spot on was shooting Indy Cars at top speed, through a tiny window, where in one second there was bare track, and the next 1/10th of a second the farm was filled with a car whizzing past you at 190mph or more. had to switch to manual focus then and that fixed the problem, but it did the task a few times, but it did struggle.

ED R.

2013-08-07T21:00:00

I use this lens for my walk-abouts with an a77. It's heavy but the quality of pics makes it light when u download at the end of the day. Great color that pops out at you. Just an all around super lens. The 24-70mm meets most of my needs, and I find myself using the 70mm the most. Even at F2.8 the sharpness is there. U expect quality for the price u pay and u get it.

MIKE D.

2013-02-04T19:00:00

After months of research decided to buy the lens. Never bought anything from Adorama but after a simple phone call I did not hesitate to make the purchase and I'm glad I did. The price was great, customer service was awesome and when I received the lens; I was happy about the packaging, condition and performence of the lens. Truly a great lens even though it's a little heavy but I like the rugged look of it. Overall a satisfied customer. Thanks Adorama!

DigitalRev

2012-12-12T19:00:00

The first thing that comes to mind when holding this lens is the epic quality of Carl Zeiss compared to Canon or Nikon. From the lens hood, to the focus/zoom ring action, to the super fast focus and finally cripsy/contrasty image output this lens is marvelous. I'm using this on my Sony A77 and soon A99 and it pairs wonderfully. I also have a SAL70200G for 36-300mm cropped range all @ a solid 2.8 aperture. In my opinion this lens with an A77 is hard to beat for any event coverage such as car shows, exhibits, expos, whatever the case may be this thing can handle it. Of course it can also handle portraits, fashion, landscapes and more. I would recommend this to anyone considering a 24-70 lens. If you can handle the weight/size of this beast then go for it... you will not be displeased in your purchase. I can only now wait until more CZ lenses are released including the 50/1.4. I may give up my Canon 5d mk ii / 50L combo and go full Sony... not sure yet! Only con would be that bokeh at 24-35 really isn't anything spectacular but then again 2.8 isn't going to produce that. Higher in the range you can get excellent headshots/portraits with smooth bokeh.

ZACHARY E.

2012-05-10T21:00:00

This lens is top of the line. It is sharp at f2.8 and gets tack sharp at f4. This lens is built like a tank, more solid that the Canon 24-70 L Glass. This lens is heavy. I use this lens for indoor and night photography with A900 bodies and wow. The color rendition of this lens is so beautiful. Carl Zeiss has hit a home run with this lens. If you can afford it buy it.

Ahvaio

2012-04-22T21:00:00

This an excellent investment for a Professional who makes money from their trade. There are critical things that make a pro buy this Carl Zeiss lens over a cheaper Sony/Tamron version. CZ24-70 accurately nails focus in dark environments on a850/900, can be used wide open at F2.8, delivers outstanding detail and color and gives a wider angle coverage at 24mm. All these points may not be important for an amateur but are a must for a pro, hence the price tag. The only downside is the weight and size, it requires dedication and physical strength to work with it all day, but it PAYS BACK:)!

Keeper E.

2012-01-21T19:00:00

Perfect for walking in the woods!

beacher

2012-01-01T19:00:00

Outside of the prime lens, this is hard to beat. The quality of glass does make a difference, and if you own a Sony DSLR this is a must have!

Madhatter

2011-12-20T19:00:00

AF is very quick, accurate. Sharpness and color are simply outstanding.

Schnitz

2011-11-19T19:00:00

Sony A 77 & Sony 24-70mm F 2.8 could be a greatest Camera set for any user! Specially; it will a superdouble Camera for Lowlight ; such as at Church that Flashing was not allow to use. We can deal with this issue by Sony A 77 and Sony 24-70 mm. We will get greatest Color, Sharpest photos. I owned Cannon with several Lens, but I got a hard time for low light. Sony Camera A 77 & 24-70mm Len was super helpful tool for me - Specially, I do believed who needed to deal with low light.... It seemed most expensive len in The World of Camera's Lens ( I meant 24-70mm len) , but we got what we had to pay for! Moreover, If we add a Sony External Flash with this set...We can use for all situations ( Sony External Flash designed... No needed to use with Custom Brasket - It can turn around 180 .... Canon - Nikon and Sony made from Japan, but Sony seemed very helpful tool and good price for users!

TRUNG-CHI P.

2011-09-10T21:00:00

Add this lens to your A-900 or A-850 your have a system that can't be beat. Waring- This lens is heavy. If you add it to full frame camera the weight will add up to at lease 4lbs.but the pictures that it will produce is worth it. I never own a combination of camera and lens that was better then this one.

bill

2011-04-25T21:00:00

I bought this magnificent lens for my new a850. Although heavy, when it's attached you know it means business. Fantastic in low light. Nice and sharp. Every Sony user should invest in one.

Rach

2011-01-12T19:00:00

A very good lens indeed, I would recomend it to a friend.

Mike

2010-04-11T21:00:00

Weddings/events, portraits and low light candids. Attached this lens to my 24.6 mp Alpha 900 and have achieved results other manufacturers wish they could. My soon to be ex Hasselblad system is collecting dust. If you are fortunate enough to have chosen Sony for you DSLR system, this lens is a must.

J.R F.

2010-04-10T21:00:00

It is best lens I have ever bought and it is much better than my Nikon similar lens. It matches the A850 very well should be standard Zoom for Sony FF DSLR.

SUMIN S.

2010-01-20T19:00:00

I use this with my A850 camera. Awesome, awesome lens. A bit heavy, but it has great construction and quality glass. Sometimes I hit the AF/MF jog wheel on the side, but it's a minor complaint. Slight vignetting wide open and at wide angles, but nothing horrib.e Great results with this lens throughout the full range, and I don't hesitate to use it at f/2.8 whenever I need!

JEREMY S.

2010-01-10T19:00:00

I was looking for a good, leave-on-my-camera lens that was quick and could handle low light. This lens did the trick. It performs well and produces great results, especially outdoors. It's a bit heavy, but I expected nothing less with so much glass. I highly reccomend this lens.

Michael N.

2009-09-21T21:00:00

This lens gives me the full frame qualities that I need. I do use it for landscapes predominantly but also for wildlife and other uses. I can not think of anything negative about with the possible exception it is heavy but then that's the price of really high quality glass.

Aspenbreeze

2009-01-03T19:00:00

24-70 is the perfect range for general portraiture and people photography and this lens is absolutely the sharpest 24-70 zoom on the planet. It's built like a Rolex and the Zeiss glass simply blows away the competition. It's tack sharp wide open at every focal length and without the chromatic aberrations that plagues Canon zooms. It's the perfect lens to compliment Sony's new flagship camera the a900, but a700 users will appreciate this lens as well.

Brian

2008-12-28T19:00:00

Best lens I have ever owned. Have owned Nikon 24-70 and 14-24. This lens is better than both. No distortion, accurate color, superb contrast. All in all, perfect!

fototker d.

2008-12-28T19:00:00

Finest lens I've ever owned

Phil