SG-image MF 35mm F0.95

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/0.95
Weight: 393 g
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Min. focus distance: 35 cm
Length: 62 mm

Overview

The SG-image MF 35mm F0.95 is a manual focus APS-C prime built around an extremely wide aperture. SG-image offers it for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF-M, Canon RF and Leica L. On APS-C the 35mm focal length corresponds to roughly 50mm on full frame. The manufacturer targets low-light work, portraits and artistic shots where a paper-thin depth of field and a distinctive look matter more than neutral rendering.

Optical design

According to SG-image the construction is 12 elements in 9 groups with a 44 degree angle of view. The diaphragm has 12 blades and runs from F0.95 to F16 on a clicked aperture ring. The minimum focus distance is 0.35 m with a maximum magnification of 1:7.7. The manufacturer says the lens has its own optical character, for example a gentle glow or softness wide open and distinctive flare. That is the maker's description and not a measured result, and the spec sheet names no special glass types.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual only. SG-image calls the manual design a core part of the lens's charm and says it takes practice but gives precise control. Because the depth of field at F0.95 is extremely thin, focus peaking or magnified live view will be needed in practice. The aperture ring has click stops.

Build and size

The barrel is metal. The lens measures 58 mm in diameter and 62 mm in length, weighs about 393 g and takes 52 mm filters. That is far heavier than SG-image's F1.2 and F1.8 manual primes, which weigh 200 g and 186 g, and the spec sheet gives these numbers for all seven mounts.

Where it fits

This is the fastest lens in SG-image's APS-C manual line. Other very fast options in the database include the Venus Laowa Argus 33mm F0.95 CF APO (Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Sony E) and the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95, while the SG-image MF 35mm F1.2 trades a third of a stop for a much lighter body.

Pros and cons

Pros

Maximum aperture of F0.95
12-blade diaphragm
Metal barrel with a clicked aperture ring
Minimum focus distance of 0.35 m
Offered for seven mounts

Cons

Manual focus only
About 393 g and 62 mm long, much larger than the other manual SG-image primes
Focusing at F0.95 is demanding
The maker itself describes glow and flare wide open, so it is not a neutral lens
No weather sealing mentioned

Verdict

The SG-image MF 35mm F0.95 gives APS-C shooters an ultra-fast normal lens with a pronounced character. It is for people who want that look and accept manual focus and some weight. If you mostly want a bright, light lens, the F1.2 sibling is the more practical choice.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/0.95
max f (max zoom): f/0.95
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 12
Groups: 9
Weight: 393 g (0.87 lb)
Filter diameter: 52 mm
min focus distance: 35 cm (13.78 in)
Length: 62 mm (2.44 in)
Diameter: 58 mm (2.28 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the SG-image MF 35mm F0.95 fit?

The SG-image MF 35mm F0.95 is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3