My review of the Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* lens was published today over at Tools & Toys.

I’ll be the first to admit that, just by looking at the specs, this 55mm f/1.8 lens sounds a bit pedestrian. However, as you can probably guess just by looking at its $1,000 price tag, this is not your typical nifty-fifty. If you’re considering this lens but are concerned that its performance may not live up to its cost, fear not: this is an incredible piece of glass, easily the best I’ve ever used. It has quickly become my favorite, too.

I don’t know what it is about it. It may be its blistering sharpness, or maybe the contrasty look that just screams of Zeiss quality. It may well be its gorgeous bokeh, or the fact that even though it is a Full Frame lens, it still fits in the palm of my hand.

Either one of these things alone would be enough to justify the purchase of a lens. But when you see them together, well, that’s when you know you’re onto something special.

Incidentally, this is the longest review I’ve ever written for Tools & Toys — or anywhere else, really. There was just so much to say about the lens that I ended up going well past my usual length.

If you want to learn more about this fantastic optical instrument, head on over to Tools & Toys for the full review.