The lens I bought in June 2014 and it came with the firmware 02 therefore. That is the hitherto most current version. My camera is also currently at 1:03. The lens made a very good first impression. The build quality is immaculate and it sits neatly on the E-Mount. The camera will detect the model immediately. Also present was the Streulichblende (ALC-SH116) neatly into place. To transport one can also upside put this aperture and so snapped this one. Installed correctly, they extended the lens by almost 2/3 of the lens length, ie a total of the lens is then 10.5cm deep. Without visor only about 6.5 (with a lid). I have constantly put a UV filter for dust protection for the front lens with me.
For image quality I have to say little. Since it has been in other reviews, especially for the silver copy (which is technically equivalent) told enough. It is very sharp ready at maximum aperture and is easily dimmed even better. The Bokeh is a dream!
What is criticized from time to time is that this lens is slower. That is for me the point where I may depart a star. However, it is sometimes really slow. Moving subjects you rarely get really sharp and even during the day. This evening there are problems with the contrast AF is clear to me. But even as the SEL35f18 is clearly faster.
In poorly lit interior shots flash me quite like indirectly. But as soon as it is too dark, the auto focus is not its focus. This of course means that the images are simply out of focus at the end. With or without auxiliary light is largely matter here.
Of course you can also focus manually, but I got all the lens not bought. In such situations, I always screw the manual Canon plan. As one turns not cramp during manual focusing, because one has the attacks at close range and infinity. With Focus Peaking and Magnifying the works just fine. Manual focusing is my experience with the modest SEL50f18. At least if you know how it goes with Altgläsern.
What I find very weak from Sony and I've been with every lens must realize: it lacks a bag. Priced at about 250-300 can in my opinion, expect at least a small bag is to the camera to protect it from dust. This one has to buy everything yourself. Sigma is already at the low fixed focal length lenses for E-mount as it goes differently. There even ordinary quiver are!
Conclusion: are wonderful photos doable with the lens, the image quality is convincing and in the bokeh can fall in love. Unfortunately, the lens is very slow now and then what prevents motives quickly capture times.
