Sony SAL50F14Z Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f1.4 Lens

The new Carl Zeiss® full-frame, large-aperture, single-focal-length SAL50F14Z lens delivers high-end image quality with renowned Carl Zeiss resolving power and contrast. It features the latest optical design with two aspherical lens elements, a high-quality metal body, quiet and smooth SSM focusing, DMF (Direct Manual Focus) function, a focus hold button and a dust- and drip-resistant design compatible with the flagship Alpha a99 DSLR. Fully deserving of the Planar name, exceptional image quality, operability and mobility combine at an extremely high level to make this genuine Carl Zeiss model an essential lens for professionals and enthusiasts.  -----   Legendary Carl Zeiss® optics A great camera starts with a great lens and Sony has collaborated with Carl Zeiss to create a series of high-quality interchangeable lenses for digital SLT and NEX cameras. Precision lenses by Carl Zeiss are prized by serious photographers and film-makers around the world and the company’s precision optical instruments have helped document some of the most iconic moments in human history and ensure for the best in image quality. SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization The SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization system built into Sony A-mount cameras provides image stabilization without affecting image quality, an advantage that supports the high depiction performance of top-class lenses. High-grade metal body The high-grade lens body is constructed of aluminum that offers both high rigidity and an attractive finish that contributes to pride of ownership. Superior Large-Aperture Performance Like other large-aperture Carl Zeiss® lens designs, this f1.4 lens is simply magnificent in its ability to capture brilliant high-resolution images in low-light conditions requiring fully open aperture. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used in Carl Zeiss® lenses to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well-defined colors. Circular Aperture With its 9-blade circular aperture, a design said to produce the most beautiful bokeh, this lens realizes beautiful defocusing unique to Sony and meets the stringent demands of advanced-class users who are serious about photographic expression. Dust and drip resistant design The lens offers dust and drip resistance that meet the standards of mid-range models like the α99 and α77. The main drive unit is sealed with rubber packing, etc., to realize ample dust and drip resistance as a system when mounted on a camera to withstand tough usage in harsh environments. Carl Zeiss® T* Coating Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss® -- and this superb lens features T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates the lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces. Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements These precision lens elements correct distortion for sharper, more visually accurate images. A new optical design for top-end image quality The luxurious new optical design features 8 elements in 5 groups, with two aspherical elements for ultimate performance despite being a standard 50mm lens. The design is extremely effective at correcting various aberrations and realizes flat reproduction characteristics (minimal field curvature) befitting the renowned "Planar" name. Moreover, the combination of a rear-focus system and aspheric surfaces achieves high contrast from infinity to close distances for clear, sharp images even when the aperture is wide open. Quiet and smooth AF operation thanks to SSM Autofocusing is smooth and quiet, courtesy of a Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM). Excellent focusing performance is complemented by features including a focus hold button, a focus ring that doesn’t rotate during AF operation, a DMF (Direct Manual Focus) function, and a rear-focus system that maintains the same lens body length during autofocusing. Carl Zeiss® Planar Lens The Carl Zeiss® Planar lens first became synonymous with high-performance lenses by realizing a large aperture, flat reproduction characteristics, and the successful removal of astigmatism. Once the T* coating was introduced to dramatically reduce internal reflection from its progressive double Gauss design (with front-back symmetry), Planar became one of the most renowned lenses in the Carl Zeiss lineup, which is synonymous with high-performance standard lenses. SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing, this unique technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.   Optics/Lens Lens Type : Normal Aperture (Max.) : f/1.4 Aperture (Min.) : f/22 Filter Diameter : 72 mm Lens Groups-Elements : 8 elements in 5 groups Minimum Focus Distance : 1.6” (.45 m) Aspheric Elements : 2 elements Distance Encoder : Yes Aperture Blade : 9 blades (circular aperture) Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) 75mm Magnification : x 0.14 Weights and Measurements Dimensions (Approx.) : 3-1/4 x 2-7/8” (81 x 71.5mm) Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb 2.3 oz (518 g)