Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Vario-Sonnar ZA T* Carl Zeiss A-Mount Lens - Bundle - with 77mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit, Lens Cap Leash, Professional Lens Cleaning Kit

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.

2019-07-04T20:00:00

I bought this lens on line. Delivery took a little longer than I had hoped but since I got the lens and fitted it to my camera I have been totally satisfied with it. The optical quality is excellent.

Coastie

Originally posted at

2016-09-26T20:00:00

Unbelievably sharp. Very fast focus. Works brilliantly with the A77 and A77ii

thepars85

Originally posted at

2016-02-25T19:00:00

Extremely well made this 24-70 f2.8 Zeiss is my first "professional" lens that isn't a Nikon or Canon. It compares very well in terms of build and image quality and in use even feels a little better made. It's early days yet as I've only had it for a month so I can't say if image quality is on an even par with those two main competitors but initial impressions are very good - it focuses quickly (on my a99) and images look very sharp. With Sony's built in sensor shift image stabilisation (which also works fantastically) I have a more compact lens than the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 VR, and Canon have nothing to match it. I am very glad I purchased this lens and can highly recommend it. Value for money? Since the mark 2 version came out this original version is available at a price too good to miss but in general I find Sony's professional lens are more expensive than either Nikon or Canon so I feel Sony should reevaluate their pricing to be more competitive, and thereby encourage more buyers.

Insigniatek

Originally posted at

2015-09-10T20:00:00

Had this lens for some time now and it was an excellent purchase, I have yet to find a better built lens for this price

brilock

Originally posted at

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.

2015-02-26T19:00:00

Having had this lens for getting on a a couple of years now and owning the entire Zeiss line up i can honestly state that this lens lives on my camera! For a zoom lens, sharpness is truly amazing as is the colour and tonal range. Shooting a lot live bands in terrible lo-light conditions, one cannot fail to be impressed by the light gathering capabilities of it's wide aperture and the SSM makes short work of keeping up with fast action too!!! Build quality is nothing short of what you would expect from the legendary Zeiss specifications, although weather sealing would be a welcomed addition to any future updates - That said, i've used this lens in many torrential downpours at music festivals, and to the lens's credit it has held up to everything thrown at from rain, mud and beer!!!.... Not once has any of this created a problem. This lens should be in every Sony shooters kit bag, despite its high price tag... But as the saying goes - "You get what you pay for"

ManicManc P.

Originally posted at

2015-01-16T19:00:00

This lens has played a huge part in my photography and has spent time on both an A850, A77 and A99. It has never let me down in terms of sharpness, AF, or colour tones. It is a solid lens that is very robust. Si

SLawrencePhoto

Originally posted at

2014-10-09T20:00:00

Only had lens about 4 weeks, but first impressions are very positive. Image quality and colour excellent, and on Sony A99 the AFD focussing option is very impressive.

Nick B.

Originally posted at

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.

2014-06-01T20:00:00

Quiet simply the best zoom lens I've ever had, @ .35mm it's as good as most primes at f4 and above, wide open it's still very good. @ 50mm it's not as good as my favourite Minolta f1.7.

PongoAlphs

Originally posted at

2014-05-23T20:00:00

A lens that you can shoot around but kind of heavy.

SONYholic

Originally posted at

2013-10-08T20:00:00

This was my first Carl zeiss lens and it is worth every penny I paid for. It delivery very sharp images from wide angle 24 to 70mm. Its super sonic wave motor is something else. Fast and quite. Highly recommended.

Andradei

Originally posted at

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.

2013-07-22T20:00:00

Great lens, works really well with Sony A99 and the Nex7. Lafur Photography

LAfur

Originally posted at

2013-06-11T20:00:00

Yes, it's big and heavy. Yes, it's expensive. But you don't get first quality glass without making a sacrifice. I've used Zeiss lenses for over 40 years and this one hold up well against any of them. This is my normal working lens. It's as good as any top lens from any manufacturer.

RedJack

Originally posted at

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

2012-12-20T19:00:00

Just fantastic, this lens is extremely impressive. When used with an a65, a77 this lens is king. If you are a pro looking for a good mid zoom lens this is it. I wouldn't recommend it for portrait shots but it is pretty versatile. This is a great choice for a rental lens because it is a little expensive for most of us to buy. renting it is probably a good choice if you know what period of time you might use the lens for. The images I uploaded might help you to see the clearity of this lens. One image is the complete image taken at night at 400 iso with a sony a65, with a long exposure. And the other image is a 1:1 of that shot. So this helps you see the actual quality retained by the lens.

Mac44

Originally posted at

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.

2012-06-12T20:00:00

This is the finest AF zoom lens that I've ever owned. It's heavy, but I use it as my primary lens due to the versatility and quality. I would purchase it again without hesitation. You won't be sorry if you buy this, except if you're climbing Mount Everest and need to carry as light a pack as possible! This lens is heavy!

KNewman

Originally posted at

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

2012-04-29T20:00:00

Wow! I don't regret purchasing this "beast" at all. Worth the money!!!

Wahoops

Originally posted at

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.

2012-02-13T19:00:00

I have used this lens for over five months and it rarely leaves my camera. This is a great lens to walk around and take your picture perfect photo. Although this is a zoom lens, the quality of photos is breath taking. The only down side to this lens is the weight; however, the weight is worth the pictures that it takes. The lens is great at taken pictures at night and indoors. I have many friends and family members that choose the pictures I take with this lens to print. I know this lens is expensive, but the old saying is very true, you get what you pay for and this is worth it.

Sabs

Originally posted at

2012-01-25T19:00:00

I bought this lens as an upgrade from the SAL-1680Z, which I gave to my wife. Compared to the 16-80, this lens is slightly sharper, with slightly better color, slightly better flare control, no vignetting, and no distortion (although it's not as wide as the other Zeiss' 16mm). The SSM focus is faster and quieter, and the build quality is better overall. How do I know this? Because sand got kicked into the 16-80 and it pretty much ruined it (Sony wanted $550 to repair it, our local guy is doing it for $170). Meanwhile, the 24-70 just got back from a very sandy trip to the desert, as seen in my attached pictures, and still works great. Sand was everywhere; on the lens, in the camera bag, in the air -- the camera and lens even took a tumble off the tripod and survived just fine. That tells me the tolerances are tighter. As far as image quality goes, the difference between the two lenses is only marginal. I do like the faster 2.8, which came in very handy in a no-flash situation at a dark concert. Another significant advantage for the 24-70 is the rich bokeh, which rivals any prime lens. However, for landscapes and in bright settings, the cheaper lens will perform almost as well. The downsides to this lens are of course its very high cost, its weight (a sacrifice for quality) and its sheer size. I don't look forward to hauling this baby on my next trek in the mountains. The 16-80 is a great travel lens because it's relatively lightweight and small, with a great range. The 24-70 is less versatile, heavier and much larger. Yes, you will get the best pictures possible on a Sony camera with this lens, and that's why I bought it, but for the money, the 16-80 is just as good, if not better (just buy the insurance).

ElGueroMasLoco

Originally posted at

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