A mount: Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f2.8 SSM ZA (SAL-2470Z)

[Marc Pecquet]

I take it A mounts can be discussed here.

I've ben using - and love - a 1993 Minolta 24-70 G series lens extensively on my A99 for two years (and previously on the A900) and it is now starting to falter... The aperture is getting "sticky" and it isn't consistent anymore. So I am contemplating the purchase of a new replacement Zeiss 24-70 f2.8 SSM. This lens has been out since 2008 and of course, I am eager to get it as soon as possible - BUT, with winter light and winter daylight saving time back in effect, I can wait until late winter as I usually hibernate at this time of year and don't really shoot until mid February in southern France (I love the photogenic Nice carnaval)...

So, MY QUESTIONS: does anyone know of a better A mount 24-70 zoom lens AND are there any rumours regarding the replacement of this aging lens ?

[Si1966]

Hi,

 

I like how you used the word ageing, made me smile.  I have owned this lens for over two years now and it has never let me down.  The quality of the images is just breathtaking and it easily out performed my Sony 50mm F1.4 which I sold as a result.  The lens is heavy but will be well balanced on your A99 which I use mine on, it use to be an A850.  If I was looking for a 24-70mm F2.8 lens now I would give Sigma's DG HSM a serious look  or Tamron's offering as they are cheaper and Sigma have really been pushing the boat out of late in terms of image quality if the reviews are anything to go by.  However, I am a huge fan of Zeiss glass having purchased Sony's 16-35mm F2.8 ZA before the 24-70mm, and although they are more expensive I think they are worth it.  The other thing to consider is that the Sony's are not weather sealed at present but I believe it is coming but again I have used both of my ZA lenses in bad weather and in dusty conditions without any issues.

 

It is not up to date but here is my Flickr album for Sony's 24-70mm F2.8 ZA.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Kind regards

 

Si

[Marc Pecquet]

Thanks. I must admit I love the Sigma 35 f1.4 DG which I got when it was introduced. But given that the 24-70 will probably become my most used lens, I hesitate between Sigma or Zeiss... Hesitations...

[Marc Pecquet]

It will be the Zeiss...

[pepe]

the ZA 24-70 is a great lens. Razor sharp even wide open, great contrast and colours. A good all-rounder lens. The only thing that bothers me is the bokeh sometimes, as it gets a bit harsh in certain situations. As it was my first lens with the A mount initially I didnt find it bad..but after getting the cz 85/1.4, man, thats whole other bokeh universe Basically most of the primes will do much better in this regard...pitty, could have been the perfect lens. Anyway I dont think theres a 24-70 zoom alternative in the a mount which would perform better in this regard.

As for the rumors: nope, I didnt notice any rumors about its replacement.

[DavidCartagena]

I take it A mounts can be discussed here.

I've ben using - and love - a 1993 Minolta 24-70 G series lens extensively on my A99 for two years (and previously on the A900) and it is now starting to falter... The aperture is getting "sticky" and it isn't consistent anymore. So I am contemplating the purchase of a new replacement Zeiss 24-70 f2.8 SSM. This lens has been out since 2008 and of course, I am eager to get it as soon as possible - BUT, with winter light and winter daylight saving time back in effect, I can wait until late winter as I usually hibernate at this time of year and don't really shoot until mid February in southern France (I love the photogenic Nice carnaval)...

So, MY QUESTIONS: does anyone know of a better A mount 24-70 zoom lens AND are there any rumours regarding the replacement of this aging lens ?

My experiences with the Zeiss 24-70 together with my a900 is mixed so I sold mine again.

 

It started when I recieved the lens. The thing wouldn't focus so it went directly back to repair to have an exchange of the SSM motor.

 

But thats not the only thing. From 50-70 mm it simply is not sharp enough in the corners even at f/8. That makes it a no go for landscape. At wider apertures and at 24mm it's really sharp even across the frame at f/2.8.

 

I compared it with my old trusted Minolta 24-105 f/3.5-4.5 and from f/8 and up the Minolta easily beats the ZA 24-70 f/2.8 at focal lengths beyond 50 mm. And since a landscape shot often is shot with an aperture from f/8 and up to f/13 or f/16 in my opinion it was easy for me to sell the Zeiss.

 

So for me it was a mixed bag of both good and not so good things and learned me that if I wanted the best I had to go into prime land. So if I were you I would buy a Sigma 50 mm and Samyang 24 f/1.4 / 35 f/1.4 mm.

 

See here: http://kurtmunger.com/tamron_sony_28_75mmid141.html

 

I have never regret that I sold the Zeiss.

 

Greetings from David

[Si1966]

My experiences with the Zeiss 24-70 together with my a900 is mixed so I sold mine again.

 

It started when I recieved the lens. The thing wouldn't focus so it went directly back to repair to have an exchange of the SSM motor.

 

But thats not the only thing. From 50-70 mm it simply is not sharp enough in the corners even at f/8. That makes it a no go for landscape. At wider apertures and at 24mm it's really sharp even across the frame at f/2.8.

 

I compared it with my old trusted Minolta 24-105 f/3.5-4.5 and from f/8 and up the Minolta easily beats the ZA 24-70 f/2.8 at focal lengths beyond 50 mm. And since a landscape shot often is shot with an aperture from f/8 and up to f/13 or f/16 in my opinion it was easy for me to sell the Zeiss.

 

So for me it was a mixed bag of both good and not so good things and learned me that if I wanted the best I had to go into prime land. So if I were you I would buy a Sigma 50 mm and Samyang 24 f/1.4 / 35 f/1.4 mm.

 

See here: http://kurtmunger.com/tamron_sony_28_75mmid141.html

 

I have never regret that I sold the Zeiss.

 

Greetings from David

Nice to see the reference to Kurt a big Sony fan NOT.  I guess someone bought your 24-70mm ZA and ended up a very happy bunny!  I am surprised you can own a Sony camera given the quality of the lenses available?

 

Si

[DavidCartagena]

 

 

Nice to see the reference to Kurt a big Sony fan NOT. I guess someone bought your 24-70mm ZA and ended up a very happy bunny! I am surprised you can own a Sony camera given the quality of the lenses available?

 

Si

Why are you surprised that I can own Sony given the quality of the lenses? There are many fine a-mount lenses and some less fine too. And why are you mentioning that Kurt is not a fan of Sony? Actually I think his tests is ok. Stefan at www.artaphot.ch also tested the Zeiss against the Minolta 24-105 and found the same as I did. But what does it all have to do with my experience with the Zeiss ZA 24-70 f/2.8.

 

Maybe you are right that the guy who bought my 24-70 ended as a happy bunny. At least I did since I only lost a small amount on the sale. Actually I am sitting on my bunny tail right now ;-)

 

Seriously. Based on what I shoot and how the lens performed I can not recommend the 24-70.

 

Btw. I own a couple of Sony lenses that perform just fine and has shot with the a-mount system since 1992 ;-)

 

 

Greetings from David

[Si1966]

Why are you surprised that I can own Sony given the quality of the lenses? There are many fine a-mount lenses and some less fine too. And why are you mentioning that Kurt is not a fan of Sony? Actually I think his tests is ok. Stefan at www.artaphot.ch also tested the Zeiss against the Minolta 24-105 and found the same as I did. But what does it all have to do with my experience with the Zeiss ZA 24-70 f/2.8.

 

Maybe you are right that the guy who bought my 24-70 ended as a happy bunny. At least I did since I only lost a small amount on the sale. Actually I am sitting on my bunny tail right now ;-)

 

Seriously. Based on what I shoot and how the lens performed I can not recommend the 24-70.

 

Btw. I own a couple of Sony lenses that perform just fine and has shot with the a-mount system since 1992 ;-)

 

 

Greetings from David

Hi,

 

Kurt has only changed his tune towards Sony recently before he did not rate them at all.  i would like to know how your photography did not fit the 24-70mm F2.8.

 

Si

[DavidCartagena]

Hi,

 

Kurt has only changed his tune towards Sony recently before he did not rate them at all. i would like to know how your photography did not fit the 24-70mm F2.8.

 

Si

Hi.

 

I think you misunderstand something. Kurt Munger has reviewed Sony cameras and lenses since 2006. As far as I know he didn't rate them but he has always showed fine image examples and explained his findings very well.

 

Regarding why the Zeiss 24-70 didn't fit my needs I explained earlier that it was not sharp across the frame from 50mm and up to 70mm even at f/8 or f/13. IMHO it's not suited for landscape shooting.

 

My old Minolta 24-105 did and still does a better job at 50-70 and at f/8.

 

Greetings from David

[Cheatah]

Cars should be inspected once in a while, so I would suggest the same for a lens, especially with any of the mechanical complicated AF zoom lenses!

[Mrcoho1]

I have been a Pro Photographer for 20 years and have used about every camera and lens combo. The studios provide the cameras and etc.on many shoots. I have never seen sharpness and color and all around image production, using a zoom lens, better than the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar f2.8, 24-70 ZA T on a Sony A99. Excluding Medium Format. That is why I bought the A99 with Zeiss 24-70 2.8 lens for my own equipment. For Christmas, Santa brought me a Sony A7II and a LE-A4 adapter. I have just started using this Zeiss lens with the new camera. Unbelievable results.