INTRODUCTION 

Supplementing the existing Zeiss Loxia lineup, ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 is a compact wide-angle lens specially designed to work with digital full-frame cameras from the Sony Alpha series (E mount). With high resolution across the entire image, low distortion and a state-of-the-art optical design, the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 guarantees perfect imaging results every time.

I picked up another latest pre-production of e-mount Zeiss for my leisure trip, the Zeiss Loxia 2.4/25 “fully manual wide-angle” lens. I have to say that for the first time using Loxia lens, this one is completely different beast as compared with Zeiss Batis 2/25 especially in terms of weight. Focusing on the e-mount cameras is really amazing. The manual focus engages the "zoom focus assist" feature of the camera making sharp focus a snap. There is no play in the focus ring, and it is tight enough to hold it at place. The focus barrel is buttery smooth and has nice ribbing for easy grip whether bare handed or gloved. The aperture ring is solid and clicks nice into place with a range of f/2.4 - 22. The ring can also be "de-clicked" for silent use with video.

ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/2.8, 1/100sec., ISO 800

THE CHALENGING ONES WHEN IT’S RAINING IN BALI

As with most countries in South East Asia which are still enjoying the wet season, this year starts with rainy season in Bali too. While others may enjoy this rain, it might be troublesome for some and for photographers, the rainy season is the perfect time to experiment and have some fun with their camera outdoors. Usually you see a lot of pictures showing the "burning sky” and “crystal beaches" on the islands but in the midst of this beautiful rainy season, I have captured these photographs hoping they will fill you with inspiration. I did not have much time waiting for the weather to be better when it became clear that there will be no great sunshine before my travel ends. I therefore decided to go North to find a new challenge for me and the gear. The Batis 1.8/85, 2.8/135 and Loxia 2.4/25 were with me for 4 days.

My Self

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/5, 2 sec., ISO 320

There are exciting beaches, hills and waterfalls located in Singaraja. Capturing waterfalls needs effort and struggle. To reach the location you must climb up/down hundreds of steps with about 80% degree slope and river crossing. The ground is very wet and slippery and also needs to always be on alert to water column phenomenon. It is advisable to wear short pants and comfortable slippers/sandals to this waterfall since you must travel through rivers. However, the journey is well paid off when you reach the waterfall.. the sound of the the water that fall from 80 meters vertical height, the lush trees, the scenic and peaceful location will make anyone amaze and fall in love instantly.

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/14, 0.8 sec., ISO 100 

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/14, 0.8 sec., ISO 100

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/11, 0.5sec., ISO 200

NATURAL OF NORTH BALI

It was wet with cold/humid temperature each day in Bali. Some days were gloomy and overcast with thick cloud. This can be very challenging and for that, I am very happy that I can rely on reliable gears. That said, in this post I want to showcase you photographs which show not only intriguing beauty but elegance and uniqueness, and they are all captured during wet days. Take a hot coffee, and enjoy the frozen moment.

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/16, 8sec., ISO 100 (smooth reflection apps)

The natural scenery of Mount Batur, seen from the Pinggan village is the most photogenic sunrise and sunset, and even make Tamblingan Lake is a lake located on the northern slope of Mount Dimples, Munduk Village area, District Banjar, Buleleng, Bali. This lake is one of the three twin lakes that formed in a large caldera. At the East is Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. Flanked by the surrounding forests and their location in the highlands make the lake environment cool and temperate. Awesome night photography. Not too lucky with the weather of which I had to make the best out of it.

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/9, 30sec., ISO 100

Tamblingan Lake is a lake located on the northern slope of Mount Dimples, Munduk Village area, District Banjar, Buleleng, Bali. This lake is one of three twin lakes that formed in a large caldera. The east row are Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. Flanked by the surrounding forest and because it is located in the highlands makes it cool temperate lake environment.

Flood after heavy rain

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/14, 1/125sec., ISO 100

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/16, 1/160sec., ISO 100

STREET

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/2.4, 1/200sec., ISO 100 

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/2.4, 1/100sec., ISO 1600 

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/2.4, 1/200sec., ISO 100 

Sony a7RII + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25 @f/2.4, 1/100sec., ISO 1600

The Loxia 2.4/25 is AWESOME! -- Sharpness, micro-contrast, colors rendering, starburst and build quality are outstanding. The combination out of a Sony A7 series body and a ZEISS Batis or Loxia lens is perfect for photographer’s needs. If you are going to ask this much money for a manual focus-only prime (fixed focal length) lens, it better be good like street, lifestyle and nature photograph.