Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) vs Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) vs Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA
When comparing Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA and Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F), which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) features a Nikon F Mount while the Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA features a Sony E — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.4 compared to the 1.8 aperture of Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F)
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA or Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
4. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) or Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) and Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA:
| Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (Nikon F) | Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Zeiss | Zeiss |
| Weight | Missing | 281 g |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 85 mm | 55 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Missing | 50 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.4 | Missing |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | Missing | 49 mm |
| Aperture Blades | Missing | 9 |