Sony 35mm f/1.8 FE lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

Here it is, the lens so many people have been waiting for, although most of us were hoping it might cost less than £600...! Let's hope it's good.

Find it here (Amazon affiliate link - I earn a commission on purchases. Be sure to buy the right lens for your system):

All pictures taken by me on Sony a7R II and Sony a5100 cameras.

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Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

[youuuuuuuuuuutube]

2:02 there's weather sealing at the rear, but inside the barrel. Look at the schematics for more detail.

[benjiwill]

I bought this lens a couple months ago, and while yes it’s definitely a little more pricey than I think it should be I’ve REALLY enjoyed the size/weight of it and in real world situations have had no noticeable issues on jobs with quality of sharpness/contrast.

I also find I take my camera out a LOT more because of the size as opposed to doing video rigs with my considerably bigger and chunky lenses/accessories.

It’s my first 35mm prime and been really enjoying the walk around versatility.

If size is a factor, and if you can find it on sale or in a deal over the holiday season I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it 😃

[RiccardoGabarriniKazeatari]

I liked the "Hi, it's me". Being used to "howdy everyone", it made me chuckle

[webdaddy]

Really appreciate that you test on both APSC and FF for E mount lenses.

[hedydd]

I've had this lens for a couple of months and use it far more than I thought I would. It does actually have a sealing ring at the mounting in the form of a discreet O ring if you look really carefully. It stands slightly proud of the metal mount face. You are not the only person to miss this.
Its size and low weight are its best features and these are the reasons I bought this lens rather than one of the several other options. It also has a Fn button and autofocus on/off switch of course.
As of yet my style of shooting has not shown up any draw-dropping artifacts but one day, or evening, it probably will be an issue. Until then and not being a pixel-peeper, I'm quite happy with this lens. Its price however, is probably around £200 more than it deserves to be. Maybe.

[ZBalosch]

My 35mm f1.8 doesn't have these problems and I love this lens so much

[tonywillis]

I'll add my thumbs-up to that too! Not only is he knowledgeable but he's just so pleasant to listen to.

[andyb]

Personally I went for this lens for my A6700 because of the weather sealing. I spent a lot of time comparing lenses, the sony 1.8 oss, the sigma 1.4 and some of the budget brands. The sigma is probably the sharpest, but I am happy to lose a little to gain the protection from dust and rain.

[Chuchuphinh]

This lens is not perfect, but I'd chosen it instead of 35GM, because it lighter, smaller, no focus breathing, smaller minimum focus distance, after 3 years, this litter guy is one of my best choices

[PingwinKwadrokwant]

You are making the best lens reviews Christopher. I really love your videos :)

[chriskanstrup]

Hi, appreciate your video. Question for you. I am new to photography and I was told the Sony f1.8 35mm lens worked with the sony a6000 and so I bought the lens. However, everything I see talks about the lens compatibility with a full frame body. My sony a6000 body is 3/4 frame and not full frame. Is this lens compatible with the 3/4 frame? Also on your review the lens you show has an autofocus button. Confused I bought the same lens and in the same box with the same model number as you showed but my lens does not have an autofocus?

[albedopoint]

Wow, what a mixed bag!

I have to say that testing this myself in a camera store a couple of months back I really disliked the bokeh... and that was the main thing that drove me into the arms of Canon with their RF35 macro.

Disappointing to see these negative aspects on what is an over expensive lens (considering what it is).

Thank you for your review Christopher. It's worrying that the big YouTubers who enjoy Sony's largess at their launch events weren't inclined to share the negative points you've uncovered.

[paduchiu]

After watching all your 35mm lens reviews, I decided to buy the Sigma 35mm f1.4. Thank you!

[裴浩宏]

Hi, compare to batis 40? Which one is better?

[LeoInterHyenaem]

A slight PINCUSHION distortion in a 35mm lens? That's impressive! Kudos to Sony on that! Just wish the lens was a couple of €100s cheaper: I'm not used to spending almost the same amount on wide-angle or even mid- focal length lenses as on fast telephoto lenses. But the lack of barrel distortion, I must say, is commendable!

[f.]

Interesting review. Mine has a mounting gasket and does not suffer from the comma issues or the image softness for that matter. Was your test sample supplied by Sony? I personally was blown away with how good this lens is for the money.

[JonniArmani]

Christopher did you ever do a review of the Zeiss 2.8 35mm ?

[JasonB]

Obviously I'm doing something wrong because my stock Sony ZV-1 (with proper settings) takes better images than my new Sony a7ii with FE 35 mm f 1.8 lens. Is there a tutorial how to set it up correctly? Portraits and street photos wise?

[bkey_media]

I need some advice.
I am currently using the Samyang 35 1.4 (on an a7ii) and the autofocus is very unreliable, and I would like to get another lens. Does the sony 35 1.8 have a more reliable autofocus? (I mainly shoot cars)

[nelson]

hi, so samyang is better picture quality i guess but is it faster af and what about focus breathing. i mean those points should be mentioned as well.. but tnx u made some good points