Hin's Photo Corner: Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

I have been fascinated with this manual focus lens because I lack a 24mm that is small and compact. This one is inexpensive, I paid $120 new from a US seller with only one copy. It only works in aps-c. I am surprised that this Chinese lens comes with a nice hard box and a matching lens hood. Here are few initial shots in the arrival

Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC01603
by Hin Man, on Flickr

Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC01602
by Hin Man, on Flickr

Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC01605
by Hin Man, on Flickr

The lens opening is well rounded and with step-less and click-less aperture ring. Focusing is smooth but it is a bit difficult to focus with precision. I think I will take my time to adjust to its focusing. And I plan to use 'Sugru' to add a focusing tab that is similar to Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4.
Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC02081
by Hin Man, on Flickr
shot wide open with A6000

Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC02084
by Hin Man, on Flickr
again, wide open with A6000

Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC02065
by Hin Man, on Flickr
around f/4.0 with A6000, trying close up

Zonlai 25mm f/1.8 in Sony E-mount

20160618-DSC02068
by Hin Man, on Flickr
around f/4.0 with A6000, trying close up

I only have 1-day with 1 hour of shooting, will run its course and report more.

My initial impressions

Center sharpness is pretty good
Size is small and compact, even smaller than my Voiglander 40mm f/1.4
In E-mount, no adapter -- I love lens without adapter
Build is surprisingly decent with metal build for the price
Focusing ring is slippery and I find it great to get quick focusing but difficult to get precise focusing
Great click-less and step-less aperture ring which is located in the front.
Color can be a bit muted but with great character
Vignette on corners seem a concern for me at wide open aperture
Bokeh seems nice and unique. It reminds me of C-mount type of lens like the Fujian 35mm f/1.7