Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E vs Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA
Both are Sony E mount primes for standard prime and everyday — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E | Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 23mm | 55mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | APS-C | full-frame |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Which should you buy?
- the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E opens wider (f/1.4) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E (23mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA (55mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
- the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
- the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is first-party (Sony) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Check the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E price on Amazon →
Check the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA price on Amazon →
FAQ
What's the difference between the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E and the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA?
The Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is 23mm f/1.4 prime, APS-C; the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is 55mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Sony E mount.
Which is better in low light, the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E or the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA?
The Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E — its f/1.4 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/1.8 of the other.
Do the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E and Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Sony E mount lenses, so they fit Sony a7/a9/a1 (full-frame) and a6000-series (APS-C). Note the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
More Sony E comparisons: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary vs Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G · Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM · Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA · Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM vs 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 · all Sony E lenses · all comparisons

