Sony 24mm F2 ZA SSM Carl ZEISS Distagon T Review | 54 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Sony Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM highlights its standout performance as a high-end wide-angle prime lens, noted for exceptional sharpness across most of the frame when wide open, low lateral chromatic aberration, and well-controlled vignetting. The lens, compatible with top-tier full-frame and APS-C systems, also features a silent and capable Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) autofocus system. Conversely, the analysis indicates that extreme corners exhibit noticeable softness at F2, requiring stopping down to F5.6 or F8 for critical sharpness, along with visible longitudinal chromatic aberrations and reduced consistency at close-up distances on full-frame sensors. These factors represent the primary performance limitations found in DPReview’s testing of the lens.

The Sony Zeiss 24mm f/2 Distagon ZA SSM T* is a multi-purpose, future-proof prime lens that delivers medium-format level image quality on full-frame cameras like the Alpha 900, as well as APS-C bodies like the A55 and A77. A major pro is its exceptional optical performance and neutral geometry, requiring a mere 2% barrel distortion correction in Adobe Camera Raw for perfectly straight horizons. It features a near-silent supersonic focus motor (SSM), a robust metal barrel, highly effective T* anti-flare multicoating, and an impressive close-focusing distance of 19cm with a 1:3.4 image scale, making it incredibly versatile for architectural, documentary, and close-up photography. Its high resolving power is noted to easily handle sensors exceeding 50 megapixels, allowing photographers to crop images instead of relying on a zoom lens. However, the lens comes with several physical and functional drawbacks. On the con side, it is bulky, takes large 72mm filters, weighs a hefty 555g, and has rubber rib grips that easily collect dust and dander. The front glass element is quite vulnerable to marks when stopped down, making a protective UV...

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Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM on the Sony SLT-A77 The review by Mike Kobal highlights the Sony Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM as an exceptionally strong performer when paired with the Sony SLT-A77 camera body. Operating as a 36mm equivalent focal length on the A77's APS-C sensor, the lens serves as a highly versatile choice for street photography, reportage, and everyday general use. Key pros emphasized in the field test include its superb center-frame sharpness even when shooting completely wide open at f/2, alongside beautiful, smooth background bokeh. Furthermore, its physical construction provides a highly satisfying user experience, featuring an all-metal luxury build and an incredibly silent, fast Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) autofocus system that pairs perfectly with the camera's focus peaking capabilities. However, the pairing does present minor drawbacks that users should keep in mind during practical operation. The primary optical con identified is the lens's susceptibility to flare and ghosting when pointed directly toward or near bright, harsh light sources. Mechanically, while the center image quality is admirable at f/2, there is...

The Sony Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM is praised as an outstanding wide-angle lens, delivering excellent sharpness, low distortion, and minimal chromatic aberration across full-frame and APS-C formats. Its Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) provides fast, silent, and accurate autofocus, addressing issues found in older designs. Key drawbacks identified include poor flare control when shooting into bright light sources and the lack of dust- and water-resistant weather sealing, which is common in competing high-end lenses. Despite these, the lens is lauded for its robust, high-quality construction and top-tier optical results.

The Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM review highlights a premium moderate ultra-wide-angle lens tailored specifically for full-frame Sony Alpha users. Mechanically, it boasts an outstanding, all-metal body construction with a non-rotating front element and internal focusing. Performance-wise, its "supersonic motor" (SSM) autofocusing system delivers exceptionally fast, reliable, and near-silent operation. Optically, opting for a modest f/2 max aperture rather than f/1.4 allows for a more forgiving engineering blueprint, enabling the lens to be both cheaper and far easier to design while effectively bypassing severe wide-open aberrations. However, the lens does feature a few notable compromises. Despite its elite build, the review points out a lack of weather sealing, which could disappoint photographers operating in harsh outdoor elements. It is also plagued by relatively soft extreme corners when shot wide open at its maximum f/2 aperture setting. Furthermore, users will have to navigate a noticeable level of corner light falloff (vignetting), alongside a moderate amount of standard barrel distortion that is typical for this specific focal range.

The Radojuva review characterizes the Carl Zeiss Distagon 24mm f/2 ZA T* SSM (SAL24F20Z) as a professional-grade, all-metal wide-angle lens featuring fast SSM autofocus, excellent contrast, and exceptional center sharpness at f/2. It functions effectively on full-frame cameras and as a versatile 36mm-equivalent on APS-C bodies, with the added benefits of a close minimum focusing distance and smooth bokeh. Conversely, the lens exhibits significant vignetting at maximum aperture, requiring stopping down to f/4 for even exposure, along with noticeable barrel distortion and edge softness. Additional drawbacks noted include a lack of modern weather sealing, high-maintenance rubber rings that attract dust, and a high, premium price point.

The Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM (SAL-24F20Z) is a full-format lens evaluated here on an APS-C format DSLR, providing a 36mm equivalent moderate wide-angle field of view ideal for street photography. Structurally, the lens boasts outstanding build quality featuring a full metal body, a smooth fluted focus ring, and an unchanging physical length during focusing. Its internal design incorporates 9 elements in 7 groups—including two aspherical and two ED elements—along with 9 rounded aperture blades. Additionally, its Supersonic Motor (SSM) ensures fast, virtually silent autofocus with Direct Manual Focusing support, and the lens remains compatible with the Sony NEX system via an adapter. Several notable trade-offs accompany this design. While the maximum aperture of f/2 is far simpler to design than f/1.4 alternatives—allowing the lens to be cheaper and less prone to heavy aberrations at maximum aperture—it does not qualify as an ultra-large aperture lens. On the downside, Sony provides no weather sealing for the body, and the included petal-shaped lens hood is made of plastic rather than metal. Furthermore, using the lens on adapted NEX systems compromises...

In his user review on Dyxum.com, MediaArchivist provides a highly positive breakdown of the Sony Carl Zeiss 24mm F2 ZA SSM Distagon T* A-mount lens, giving it a flawless 5/5 score across sharpness, color, build, distortion, and flare control. The reviewer notes that the lens is "built like a tank" and features a fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus system, alongside beautiful bokeh. Serving as a "perfect" walkaround option on APS-C sensors like the Sony a77, it acts as an excellent "rock and roll" lens for shooting fast-moving bands on dark stages due to its large aperture and incredible low-light performance. Over time, testing the lens on full-frame bodies like the a99, a99ii, and the high-resolution 61MP a7Rv (via the LA-EA5 adapter) revealed even greater corner-to-corner sharpness and spectacular compatibility with advanced modern eye and subject tracking systems. Despite the high praise, the review highlights a couple of minor drawbacks. The primary drawback mentioned is that the lens is very expensive. Optically, the sole technical quirk noted is that the focal plane is slightly wavy when shooting completely wide open at...