This Sony 135mm as known as the SAL-135F18Z lens is a both expensive and exciting lens to see. You can get this lens from Amazon
If you have seen the price, I can imagine your surprise.
This is one of the most expensive Sony lens that is ever been produced. The Carl Zeiss tag should send the expensive signal to you (remember in my last review I discussed about this?)
This lens is built like a tank and heavy as well. It is made out from metal construction.
But how does this lens perform optically?
Let’s see it on the SAL-135F18Z lens review below.
P.S: If you are planning to shoot professional portraiture, then pay close attention to the review below.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
SAL-135F18Z Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Official Name:
Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 SAL-135F18Z
Focal Length Markings:
135mm
Features:
Carl Zeiss – Carl Zeiss lens made for Sony Mount, expensive but superb optics.
Full Technical Specs (from Sony’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 8 / 11 |
| Angle of View | 43 27 |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 2′ 5″ (72cm) |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
| Weight | 3lbs. 3oz. (985g) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | 3 1/2 X 4 5/8″ (88.5 X 115mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 0.25X |
| Available at | Amazon, B&H Photo Video or Adorama |
Optical Performance
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SAL-135F18Z Sharpness
Both center and border sharpness are excellent on this lens. It is extremely sharp even at f/1.8.
This lens is probably the sharpest lens that I have ever tested.
The point of maximum sharpness is at f/2.8.
See the sharpness table test below to see the test result.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 SAL-135F18Z Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 135mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 SAL-135F18Z Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 135mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Distortion
Distortion does not exist on this lens. Straight lines will always appear as straight here.
You can see the distortion test image grid below.
SAL-13518Z Distortion
Vignetting
Vignetting is just ever so slightly apparent at f/1.8. Stop down to f/2.8 or smaller and it will be completely gone.
See my vignetting test chart below.
SAL-13518Z Vignetting
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is very well controlled on this lens. You can neglect it at any aperture.
See my complete chromatic aberration test below.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 SAL-135F18Z Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 135mm | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible | Very Low |
Build Quality
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Materials
Build quality is excellent on this lens. It is made from all metal which is a joy to use.
Focusing
Focusing ring is very smooth on this lens. It does not rotate in autofocus mode.
This lens does not change dimension during focusing which is nice (due to the Internal Focusing design).
Autofocus still uses an old mechanism. It is not as fast as the Sony SSM, but still quite decent. The accuracy is great as well.
Image Stabilization
In the Sony DSLR world, the Image Stabilization is built into the camera sensor, not on the lenses. Check your camera body to see if it has the Image Stabilization feature.
Compatibility
This lens is compatible with both cropped sensor and full frame DSLR camera.
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample images taken with this lens. Click on any thumbnail to open the image.
Get the best price online from these sites: Amazon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Okay, now it is time to conclude this Sony SAL-135F18Z review.
This is an amazing lens with extraordinary quality… that comes at an expensive price.
In terms of optical quality it is excellent. This is probably the sharpest lens that I have tested.
Optical defect is very minimum on this lens. Distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting is extremely well controlled on this lens.
Build quality is superb. This lens is all made from metal with very tight tolerance.
If you shoot professionally or want to see how a professional lens will perform, then get this lens
For the expensive price tag, both the optical performance and build quality really justify everything.
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Autofocus needs some update
Positives
- Extremely sharp on the center and borders – possibly the sharpest Sony lens that I have ever tested
- Negligible distortion
- Great vignetting control
- Excellent chromatic aberration control
- Superb build quality
Good For
- Professional portraiture
- All around professional telephoto lens
- Low light telephoto lens
Not So Good For
- Lightweight travel or leisure lens
- Beginner’s lens
What Others Are Saying…
by “Dave Mayer”
This lens focuses incredibly fast, delivers sharp shots and accurate color. For me it’s a fast telephoto, as I’m using it on an Alpha 550, so the lens translates to 203mm, because the Alpha 550…
Click here to see the full review
by “William L.”
I’m an amateur hobbyist. I’m heavy into nature and the world around me. I’ve had good lenses before but never before have I had one that would allow me to enlarge up to 200% and still remain…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the SAL-135F18Z from these sites (best price online):
Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
Do check out the related lens review post below to explore your options further.
Thanks for reading my SAL-135F18Z review, hope you’ve enjoyed it and I will catch you in the next one!
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
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