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Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,720Lens mount:Sony AMaximum focal length:135 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):1.8Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:18 °

Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 54% of camera-lenses
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

35%

8.9

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.0

Build & Handling

20%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 57% of camera-lenses
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

70%

9.5

User ratings

30%

5.9

Number of reviews

Based on 95 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 53% of camera-lenses
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

35%

8.9

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.0

Build & Handling

20%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.3
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

70%

9.5

User ratings

30%

5.9

Number of reviews

Based on 95 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Popularity:
Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T has a popularity score of 5.9 points, which is lower than 66.9% of camera lenses.
5.9
Value for money
Value for money
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

60%

6.8

Overall score

40%

1.4

Price

5.2
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Sony A
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
77 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
135 mm
Maximum focal length
135 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
18 °
Minimum angle of view
18 °
Show more
Focus motor
screw-drive
Minimum focus distance
0.72 m
Minimum focus distance
0.72 m
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.72 m, which is farther than 78.4% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.25xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.25x
â–² Better than 70% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.25x, which is higher than 70% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Relies on in-body stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
1,165 g
Weight
1,165 g
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 1,165 g, which is heavier than 86.5% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens length
114.5 mm
Lens length
114.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 114.5 mm long, which is longer than 69.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
88.5 mm
Lens diameter
88.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 88.5 mm, which is wider than 82% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 1 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.8
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.8 vs 2.8
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.06 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.25 x
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.25 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.8
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.8 vs 2.8
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.06 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.25 x
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.25 x vs 0.192 x
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 655 g heavier
    Weight
    1,165 g
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1165 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    1,165 g vs 510 g
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 11.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    88.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (88.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    88.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2006
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2006 vs 2016
  • 0.42 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.72 m
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.72 m vs 0.3 m
  • 22.25 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    114.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (114.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    114.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 33.5% worse value for money
    Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.16 vs 6.9).
    5.16 vs 6.89
  • 3.25x more expensive
    Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,720 vs £530).
    £1,720 vs £530
  • 23.3% less popular
    Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T is less popular than the average camera lens (5.91 vs 7.3).
    5.91 vs 7.29
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 0.42 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.72 m
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.72 m vs 0.3 m
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 655 g heavier
    Weight
    1,165 g
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1165 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    1,165 g vs 510 g
  • 11.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    88.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (88.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    88.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2006
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2006 vs 2016
  • 22.25 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    114.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (114.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    114.5 mm vs 92.25 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

I
imaging-resource.com
23/02/2009
Summary of the review
Sony 135mm f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* SAL-135F18Z Review
N
neilvn.com
05/09/2015
Summary of the review
review: Sony Zeiss Sonnar TGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.* 135mm f/1.8 ZA lens
S
sonyalphalab.com
16/11/2014
Summary of the review
My Sony 135mm f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Lens Review – Real World Perspective
P
photozone.de
Undated (Full Frame Test)
Summary of the review
Zeiss Sonnar TGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.* 135mm f/1.8 ZA (Sony SAL-135F18Z)
P
photozone.de
Undated (APS-C Test)
Summary of the review
Zeiss Sonnar TGo to product viewer dialog for this item.* 135mm f/1.8 ZA (Sony SAL-135F18Z) Review
P
photoreview.com.au
20/04/2012
Summary of the review
Sony SAL135F18Z 135mm F1.8 Sonnar T* Lens - Photo Review
C
connect-living.de
14/02/2013
Summary of the review
Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA review on the Sony Alpha 99
(Translated)Show original
P
photozone.de
15/05/2008
Summary of the review
Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA (Sony SAL-135F18Z) Review
(Translated)Show original
N
nadir.it
01/03/2011
Summary of the review
Review of the Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/1.8 for Sony Alpha
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 95 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T

  • Exceptional center sharpness and high contrast even when shooting wide open at f/1.8
  • Produces incredibly smooth, 'butter-like' bokeh with excellent background separation
  • Premium, robust build quality featuring a solid metal barrel and smooth focusing ring
  • Excellent close-focusing capabilities (72cm) for a telephoto lens, allowing for detailed tight portraits
  • Effective control of chromatic aberration and distortion, resulting in clean, professional images

What we don't like about Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T

  • Significantly heavy and bulky, which can be fatiguing for long handheld sessions
  • Uses an older screw-driven autofocus motor that is audible and slower than modern SSM or GM motors
  • The 135mm focal length is restrictive in tight indoor spaces compared to 85mm alternatives
  • Lack of native weather sealing and some reports of the front filter ring loosening over time

Verdict

The Sony 135mm f/1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* (SAL135F18Z) is a high-performance A-mount telephoto prime lens featuring an advanced optical design of 11 elements in 8 groups, including two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and a 9-blade circular aperture for exceptional bokeh. Renowned for its extreme sharpness even wide open, the lens utilizes a Carl Zeiss T* coating to minimise flare while offering a close minimum focus distance of 0.72m with a 0.25x magnification ratio. Main pros include its stellar resolution, robust metal build quality, and a convenient focus hold button for portraiture. However, notable cons include its significant weight of approximately 995g, the lack of weather sealing, and an older screw-driven autofocus system that can be audible and slower than modern linear motors.

Compare Sony 135mm F1 8 ZA Carl ZEISS Sonar T with other products in the Camera lenses category

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