
Aspherical lens elements
Aspherical lens design dramatically reduces spherical aberration while also reducing lens size and weight. Spherical aberration is a slight misalignment of the light rays projected on the image plane. This is caused by differences in refraction at different points on conventional spherical lenses which degrade image quality in large-aperture lenses. Specially shaped "aspherical" elements near the diaphragm restore alignment of light rays at the image plane, maintaining high sharpness and contrast even at maximum aperture and can also be used at other points in the optical path to reduce distortion. Well-designed aspherical elements can reduce the total number of elements required in the lens, thus reducing overall size and weight. Advanced Aspherical (AA) elements are an evolved variant, featuring an extremely high thickness ratio between the center and periphery. AA elements are exceedingly difficult to produce, relying on the most advanced molding technology to consistently and precisely achieve the required shape and surface accuracy, resulting in significantly improved image accuracy and quality.Carl Zeiss T* (T-star) coating
Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss® - and this superb lens features the Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces. The T* coating contributes to outstanding image quality, with high contrast and uniformly excellent resolution right out to the image edges. Not simply applied to any lens - the T* symbol only appears on multi-element lenses in which the required performance has been achieved throughout the entire optical path, therefore guaranteeing the highest quality.Circular Aperture
When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This 'bokeh' effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result.Internal focusing
Only the middle groups of the optical system move to achieve focus, so the overall length of the lens does not change. Other important benefits include fast autofocusing and a short minimum focusing distance. Also, the filter thread at the front of the lens does not rotate, which is convenient if you're using a polarizing filter.We offer in-store pickup as well as shipping
🚀 Most in-stock orders are fulfilled within 1 business day of receiving the order.
📦 Special Orders typically arrive at Looking Glass within 2-14 business days. If a delay is expected, we will notify you.
🚚 Unless otherwise specified, we use USPS Ground shipping service with tracking.
📷 Orders < $150, Ground Shipping is $8.95; Orders > $149, Ground Shipping is FREE.
🇺🇸 We only ship within the Continental USA; We do not ship to freight forwarders.
Free Shipping Over $150 & Easy Returns
We’ll get your gear to you quickly (when shipping makes sense), with clear delivery expectations and straightforward returns if it’s not the right fit. No runaround—just real help if you need it.
0% Financing Options
Want to spread out the cost? We offer financing options (including 0% offers when available) and flexible payment plans at checkout—so you can get the right gear now without the stress.
Gear Outfitting for Confidence
Need deeper help choosing the right camera, lens, or kit for your lifestyle and the photos you plan to make? Book a one-on-one session with a Photo Coach and leave with a clear plan—plus guidance you can come back.
Free 1:1 Photo Coach Sessions with Purchase of Camera or Lens
Help precisely when you need it. Key questions arise AFTER you’ve had a chance to use your new gear. Setup help? Can’t quite get the aesthetic you aspire to? We’re here for it. You’re not buying from a warehouse—you’re buying from a team that actually knows the gear and wants you to love using it.
Description
Description

Aspherical lens elements
Aspherical lens design dramatically reduces spherical aberration while also reducing lens size and weight. Spherical aberration is a slight misalignment of the light rays projected on the image plane. This is caused by differences in refraction at different points on conventional spherical lenses which degrade image quality in large-aperture lenses. Specially shaped "aspherical" elements near the diaphragm restore alignment of light rays at the image plane, maintaining high sharpness and contrast even at maximum aperture and can also be used at other points in the optical path to reduce distortion. Well-designed aspherical elements can reduce the total number of elements required in the lens, thus reducing overall size and weight. Advanced Aspherical (AA) elements are an evolved variant, featuring an extremely high thickness ratio between the center and periphery. AA elements are exceedingly difficult to produce, relying on the most advanced molding technology to consistently and precisely achieve the required shape and surface accuracy, resulting in significantly improved image accuracy and quality.Carl Zeiss T* (T-star) coating
Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss® - and this superb lens features the Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces. The T* coating contributes to outstanding image quality, with high contrast and uniformly excellent resolution right out to the image edges. Not simply applied to any lens - the T* symbol only appears on multi-element lenses in which the required performance has been achieved throughout the entire optical path, therefore guaranteeing the highest quality.Circular Aperture
When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This 'bokeh' effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result.Internal focusing
Only the middle groups of the optical system move to achieve focus, so the overall length of the lens does not change. Other important benefits include fast autofocusing and a short minimum focusing distance. Also, the filter thread at the front of the lens does not rotate, which is convenient if you're using a polarizing filter.
Shipping
Shipping
We offer in-store pickup as well as shipping
🚀 Most in-stock orders are fulfilled within 1 business day of receiving the order.
📦 Special Orders typically arrive at Looking Glass within 2-14 business days. If a delay is expected, we will notify you.
🚚 Unless otherwise specified, we use USPS Ground shipping service with tracking.
📷 Orders < $150, Ground Shipping is $8.95; Orders > $149, Ground Shipping is FREE.
🇺🇸 We only ship within the Continental USA; We do not ship to freight forwarders.
Looking Glass Advantage
Looking Glass Advantage
Free Shipping Over $150 & Easy Returns
We’ll get your gear to you quickly (when shipping makes sense), with clear delivery expectations and straightforward returns if it’s not the right fit. No runaround—just real help if you need it.
0% Financing Options
Want to spread out the cost? We offer financing options (including 0% offers when available) and flexible payment plans at checkout—so you can get the right gear now without the stress.
Gear Outfitting for Confidence
Need deeper help choosing the right camera, lens, or kit for your lifestyle and the photos you plan to make? Book a one-on-one session with a Photo Coach and leave with a clear plan—plus guidance you can come back.
Free 1:1 Photo Coach Sessions with Purchase of Camera or Lens
Help precisely when you need it. Key questions arise AFTER you’ve had a chance to use your new gear. Setup help? Can’t quite get the aesthetic you aspire to? We’re here for it. You’re not buying from a warehouse—you’re buying from a team that actually knows the gear and wants you to love using it.



