The 35mm focal length is a popular one, and owners of Sony full-frame camera systems have no shortage of options when shopping for a lens. There are numerous first- and third-party 35mm primes available, but the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 ($749.99) may do the best job of balancing size, optical performance, and f-stop. It costs more than some budget alternatives, like Tamron's promising 35mm F2.8 ($349), but backs it up with solid construction and optics that capture more light. Not Quite Pancake The FE 35mm is a small prime, but not quite a pancake lens. It measures 2.9 by 2.6 inches (HD) and weighs 9.9 ounces, so it won't add that much bulk to your camera. There are other small 35mm lenses available for the Sony system, like the older FE 35mm F2.8 ZA—one of first lenses released with the system in 2013—and the brand new Tamron 35mm F2.8, which we've only just received for evaluation. But an f/1.8 lens captures more than twice the light of an f/2.8 when shot at its maximum aperture. It'...
The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 is proof that you don't need an exotic f/1.4 lens to get crisp shots with blurred backgrounds.
Good wide-open resolution; Excellent when stopped down; Light, compact build; Dust and splash protection
Pricey