So far in my shooting, this lens has felt like an extension of my shooting, acting as an effective tool to carry out the data acquisition demanded of it. I've found it to be sharp with excellent micro-contrast, especially for the number of corrective elements in the build. Focus via DDSSM is superbly quick and accurate, and Sony has tuned the focus-by-wire in a Batis-esque manner, with focus shift determined not just by change in ring position, but also rotation speed and acceleration. It's quiet enough that I need to put my ear to it to be sure I've heard it, though I can feel the momentum change in-hand. The balance of the lens with my a7R II falls comfortably between the two rings throughout the zoom range. Colour rendition is neutral and pops, and the aperture remains circular and smooth throughout. Out-of-plane CA is well-controlled (almost purely radial for easy correction in post), and modest field distortion is present but not unappealing. For criticism, I've four small points (from worst to least): 1) there's a small firmware issue present with the most recent build, wherein with Pre-AF enabled, the lens makes periodic hunting shifts in focus, even if the composition hasn't changed (once per 3s). This is solved by turning Pre-AF off 2) the mounting index leaves about 0.5mm of rotational freedom when locked into place. While not actually a problem photographically, it can give off a slight squeaking sound if torqued, and demonstrates a less-than-desirable attention to detail in QC 3) the focus ring floats on the end of the main barrel, and can bottom out on its bearing if moderate off-axis forces are applied, giving it a rough, gritty feel if not handled somewhat gently. It's entirely functional, and I don't doubt it'll be rugged in the field, but it mightn't maintain its smooth profile in the long run 4) the lens hood has a lock and release, but no slot for filter rotation? Odd priorities, as this'd make a lovely nature/landscape semi-macro lens

So far in my shooting, this lens has felt like an extension of my shooting, acting as an effective tool to carry out the data acquisition demanded of it. I've found it to be sharp with excellent micro-contrast, especially for the number of corrective elements in the build. Focus via DDSSM is superbly quick and accurate, and Sony has tuned the focus-by-wire in a Batis-esque manner, with focus shift determined not just by change in ring position, but also rotation speed and acceleration. It's quiet enough that I need to put my ear to it to be sure I've heard it, though I can feel the momentum change in-hand. The balance of the lens with my a7R II falls comfortably between the two rings throughout the zoom range. Colour rendition is neutral and pops, and the aperture remains circular and smooth throughout. Out-of-plane CA is well-controlled (almost purely radial for easy correction in post), and modest field distortion is present but not unappealing. For criticism, I've four small points (from worst to least): 1) there's a small firmware issue present with the most recent build, wherein with Pre-AF enabled, the lens makes periodic hunting shifts in focus, even if the composition hasn't changed (once per 3s). This is solved by turning Pre-AF off 2) the mounting index leaves about 0.5mm of rotational freedom when locked into place. While not actually a problem photographically, it can give off a slight squeaking sound if torqued, and demonstrates a less-than-desirable attention to detail in QC 3) the focus ring floats on the end of the main barrel, and can bottom out on its bearing if moderate off-axis forces are applied, giving it a rough, gritty feel if not handled somewhat gently. It's entirely functional, and I don't doubt it'll be rugged in the field, but it mightn't maintain its smooth profile in the long run 4) the lens hood has a lock and release, but no slot for filter rotation? Odd priorities, as this'd make a lovely nature/landscape semi-macro lens

A must have for the a6300 mirror less Sony body. Quick focus, sharp and clear photos.

I'm a professional photographer who has worked in the industry for over 40 years. I used this lens for a magazine story last week and got exceptional results. I do a lot of foreign work in extreme conditions and I've found the lens to be considerably more robust than previous Sony /Zeiss offerings. Specifically the design which is more like my Canon Glass which has rubberized focusing and zoom rings which are more robust. My Sony /Zeiss thin metal threads started showing wear and tear very quickly unlike this new design. The sharpness of the image and color rendition were of course superb. Regarding cost and weight which some people have or will complain about I don't see either as an issue. I get paid to do photography and the first thing I do is put some of that money back into gear this will pay for itself quickly. I'm used to larger lenses which are even heavier than this and I found no problem using this in the field for an entire day.

I'm a professional photographer who has worked in the industry for over 40 years. I used this lens for a magazine story last week and got exceptional results. I do a lot of foreign work in extreme conditions and I've found the lens to be considerably more robust than previous Sony /Zeiss offerings. Specifically the design which is more like my Canon Glass which has rubberized focusing and zoom rings which are more robust. My Sony /Zeiss thin metal threads started showing wear and tear very quickly unlike this new design. The sharpness of the image and color rendition were of course superb. Regarding cost and weight which some people have or will complain about I don't see either as an issue. I get paid to do photography and the first thing I do is put some of that money back into gear this will pay for itself quickly. I'm used to larger lenses which are even heavier than this and I found no problem using this in the field for an entire day.

I just got it and made a few test and the bokeh at f/2.8 is outstanding. The lens is very sharp all the way even at f/2.8. Is an expensive lens but is worth every penny.

I just got it and made a few test and the bokeh at f/2.8 is outstanding. The lens is very sharp all the way even at f/2.8. Is an expensive lens but is worth every penny.

This lens is excellent, sharp, smooth in auto focus, and manual focus. The perfect focal lens for everyday use - you will be very pleasantly surprised with this lens, get it....

This lens is excellent, sharp, smooth in auto focus, and manual focus. The perfect focal lens for everyday use - you will be very pleasantly surprised with this lens, get it....

High quality, dependable, and VERSATILE lens. Covers the important focal lengths and keeps me from having to switch lenses constantly.