Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA § 03 Head to head
Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA vs Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO
Sony 55mm f/1.8 is 104 g lighter. Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 focuses 7 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA is a 55mm f/1.8 prime, and the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO is a 55mm f/1.8 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 2 advantages each.
Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA 
Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO 01
Key differences
Why is the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA better than the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO?
- 104 g lighter (281 g vs 385 g)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 58 mm)
Why is the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO better than the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA?
- Focuses 7 cm closer (0.43 m vs 0.5 m)
- Newer design (2026 vs 2013)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA has the edge: it is 104 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA | Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55mm | 55mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 281 g (9.91 oz) ◆ | 385 g |
| Dimensions | 64.4 x 70.5 mm | 78 x 69 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.5 m (19.69 inches) | 0.43 m (16.93 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 7 elements / 5 groups | 13 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 58 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E, Nikon Z |
| Released | 2013 | 2026 |
| Price | — | $370 list price |
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Size
- A · Sony
- B · Viltrox
- 70.5 × 64.4 mm
- 69 × 78 mm
The Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA is 2 mm longer and 104 g lighter than the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO.
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Sample frames
Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA or the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO?
- The Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA weighs 281 g, 104 g less than the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO (385 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA or the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO?
- The Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO focuses down to 0.43 m, against 0.5 m for the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA.
- Do the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA and the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA or the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55 mm f/1.8 ZA has the edge: it is 104 g lighter to carry.
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