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Sony has finally released a 35mm f/1.8 lens

David Lee
11.7.2019
Translation: Eva Francis

Sony’s new 35mm lens fills a gap. This isn’t the first 35mm lens, but probably the one that generates the most interest.

Sony is expanding its range of lenses with a 35mm lens with an aperture of f/1.8. So far, this lens has been missing in the selection of Sony's previous 35mm lenses:

Sony FE 35mm f/1,4 ZA Zeiss Distagon T (Sony E, full size)
Lenses
CHF1163.–

Sony FE 35mm f/1,4 ZA Zeiss Distagon T

Sony E, full size

Sony FE 35mm f/2,8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T Full Frame E-Mount (Sony E, full size)
Lenses
CHF503.–

Sony FE 35mm f/2,8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T Full Frame E-Mount

Sony E, full size

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS (Sony E, APS-C / DX)
Lenses
CHF329.–

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS

Sony E, APS-C / DX

Sony FE 35mm f/1,4 ZA Zeiss Distagon T (Sony E, full size)
CHF1163.–

Sony FE 35mm f/1,4 ZA Zeiss Distagon T

Sony FE 35mm f/2,8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T Full Frame E-Mount (Sony E, full size)
CHF503.–

Sony FE 35mm f/2,8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T Full Frame E-Mount

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS (Sony E, APS-C / DX)
CHF329.–

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS

These three all have their disadvantages: the f/1.4 lens is large and expensive, the other one is small and costs less, but isn’t very bright and the E 35mm can only be used with APS-C cameras.

Good compromise

Compared to the model with a smaller aperture, the new lens is significantly less costly, lighter (280 grams compared to 630 grams) and more compact (66 × 73 mm vs. 79 × 112 mm). In addition, it has a better close focusing distance of only 22 cm. In this respect, it is also clearly superior to the f/2.8 model.

Sony - (Sony E, APS-C / DX, full size)
Lenses

Sony -

Sony E, APS-C / DX, full size

According to Sony, the new lens has a quiet and precise autofocus that is also suitable for taking videos. It also boasts a dust- and moisture-resistant build. A nine-bladed diaphragm provides smooth bokeh, but probably makes the lens unsuitable for star effects.

Update: the lens is expected to be available at the end of August. It can be pre-ordered now.

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My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.


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