Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA Lens Review

The Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is a premium prime lens designed for Sony's E-mount APS-C cameras, delivering a 36mm full-frame equivalent focal length that sits squarely in the everyday-carry range for street, travel, and environmental portraiture. Built in collaboration with Zeiss, it features the legendary T* anti-reflective coating, an ED element, and two aspherical elements to control chromatic aberration and distortion. The linear autofocus motor promises smooth, quiet focusing, and the internal focus design keeps the lens compact during operation.

At $898, this lens commands a significant premium over Sony's own E 35mm f/1.8 OSS (which offers a similar field of view on APS-C) and competes with higher-end glass aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize optical quality and build. The fast f/1.8 aperture and close 6.3-inch minimum focus distance add versatility for selective focus and detail work. It lacks optical stabilization, so shooters on bodies without in-body stabilization will need steady hands or higher ISOs in low light.