Does Sony Still Use Carl Zeiss Lenses for Digital Cameras?

As of August 2023, Sony continues to collaborate with Carl Zeiss for their digital camera lenses. This longstanding partnership has resulted in some of the highest-quality lenses available for Sony's Alpha series mirrorless cameras and compact camera lines.

The Collaboration Overview

The collaboration between Sony and Carl Zeiss is multifaceted. It often includes lenses that are branded under the Zeiss name, as well as Sony's own G Master and G lens series, which incorporate Zeiss optical technology. This partnership allows Sony to offer a range of premium lens options that leverage Zeiss's expertise in optical design, ensuring high standards of quality and performance.

The Complexities of Lenses and Optical Design

The relationship between Sony and Carl Zeiss in lens manufacturing is both fascinating and complex. Carl Zeiss makes lenses which are then fitted with various mounts to suit different camera systems. Sony, on the other hand, has a unique agreement with Zeiss. They acquired some of Zeiss's technologies but have had the lenses manufactured elsewhere.

These Sony-brand lenses are often referred to as 'Zeiss Approved' lenses. However, it's crucial to understand that these lenses are not entirely Zeiss lenses, as only a portion of the formulations used in these lenses are derived from Zeiss.

Comparing Sony and Zeiss Lenses

When comparing a real Zeiss lens to a Sony lens, there are noticeable differences. Zeiss lenses typically represent a perfect balance between resolution, contrast, bokeh, and flare resistance. However, other manufacturers such as Sigma, Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Leica, and Fuji also make great lenses that often sacrifice a bit of contrast for better flare resistance.

The resolution and center resolution of Sony lenses are very high, often at the expense of center-to-edge consistency. This design emphasis is particularly noticeable in macro lenses and those used for wildlife or sports photography, where central resolution is more critical. Conversely, for many other applications, more even center-to-edge resolution is preferred.

Commercial Decisions and Market Strategies

Sony's decision to emphasize central resolution and contrast was driven by a desire to meet the demands of their market. However, this approach may not align with the preferences of all photographers. For those who prioritize more even center-to-edge resolution, third-party lenses remain an excellent option.

Sony's strategy also involved quickly establishing themselves as a provider of high-capability professional products. This approach can be seen in their marketing focus on lenses with extreme central resolution. Sony's goal was to meet the needs of discerning photographers who required the very best optics while ensuring that more general users could also benefit from their technology.

The Bottom Line

To summarize, while Sony collaborates with Carl Zeiss, the lenses they produce do not fully embody the full Zeiss brand. Sony-branded lenses, while excellent, often emphasize central resolution and contrast, which can differ from the balanced design philosophy of other high-end lenses.

So, the answer to the initial question—does Sony still use Carl Zeiss lenses for their digital cameras—is, not exactly as such. Sony has taken the Zeiss technology and incorporated it into their own lenses, resulting in a unique blend of performance.

For more advanced photographers and videographers, exploring both Sony's offerings and third-party lenses can provide a broader range of choices and flexibility.

Conclusion:: No, not as such Zeiss does not make Sony branded lenses.