Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
What Buyers Say
Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount
The Sony/Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 FE lens is praised for its exceptional optical quality, delivering tack-sharp images with smooth bokeh and minimal chromatic aberration. Users love it for wedding and portrait photography, but note it is very large and heavy for a mirrorless lens, making it less ideal for casual walk-around use. The build quality is rock-solid, and the aperture ring with de-click option is a nice bonus, though the price is high and the lens is specialized.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness wide open
- Smooth and pleasing bokeh
- Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion
- Rock-solid build quality
- Aperture ring with de-click option
Cons
- Very large and heavy for mirrorless
- Expensive price point
- Not ideal for casual walk-around use
- Focus-by-wire system
- Heavy for long carry
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G is widely praised for its exceptional build quality, sharpness, and color rendition, making it a top choice for DX-format enthusiasts. Users highlight its fast and quiet autofocus, constant f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance, and overall image quality that rivals or exceeds other lenses. However, some note its heavy weight, bulky size, stiff zoom ring, and tendency to flare, along with a high price point. Despite these drawbacks, most agree it is a professional-grade lens that delivers outstanding results.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Sharp images wide open
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Excellent color rendition
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Stiff zoom ring
- Prone to flare
- Expensive for DX lens
- Blocks built-in flash
Scores
Specifications
| Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 10 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.52 kg | 0.07 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | SSM | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 35 mm★ | 55 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x★ | 0.20x |
Pros & Cons
Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount
- Strong bokeh (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong bokeh (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.