Sony E Autofocus

Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Weight: 524 g
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Min. focus distance: 27 cm
Length: 96 mm

Overview

The Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM is a compact fast wide angle prime for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. Sony announced it in January 2021 as part of the G Master series. At 35 mm it suits street photography, reportage, landscapes, portraits with context and video, and on APS-C bodies it acts as a standard lens with a 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view.

Optical design

The lens has 14 elements in 10 groups. According to Sony, two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one ED element keep resolution high and suppress chromatic aberration and purple fringing. An 11 blade aperture produces a nearly circular opening, which Sony calls rare in a lens of this size. The aperture runs from F1.4 to F16. Close focus is 27 cm in autofocus (25 cm in manual focus) with a maximum magnification of 0.23x in AF.

Autofocus and handling

Two XD linear motors drive autofocus. Sony points to Linear Response manual focus, an aperture ring with switchable click stops, a customizable focus hold button and a focus mode switch. The de-clickable aperture and linear focus response are aimed at video users. There is no built-in stabilizer.

Build and size

The lens weighs 524 g, is 76 mm in diameter and 96 mm long, and takes 67 mm filters. Sony describes a dust and moisture resistant design (not guaranteed fully sealed) and a fluorine front coating that repels water and oil.

Where it fits

The earlier f/1.4 option in the system is the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA. Within the G Master line, the Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM and Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM sit on either side. Alternatives from other makers are the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art, the Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 Nokton and the Samyang / Rokinon AF 35mm F1.4 FE. A cheaper Sony option is the Sony FE 35mm F1.8.

Pros and cons

Pros

Bright F1.4 in a compact 524 g body
Two XD linear motors and Linear Response MF
Aperture ring with click on/off for video
Dust and moisture resistant design

Cons

No built-in stabilization
Premium price class for a 35 mm prime
Brighter and larger F1.2 options exist

Verdict

The FE 35mm F1.4 GM is a strong all-round prime on the data side: fast, relatively small and equipped with the controls video shooters ask for. It makes most sense for users who want a single fast 35 mm lens for travel and documentary work and are willing to pay the G Master premium.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.4
max f (max zoom): f/1.4
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 14
Groups: 10
Weight: 524 g (1.16 lb)
Filter diameter: 67 mm
min focus distance: 27 cm (10.63 in)
Length: 96 mm (3.78 in)
Diameter: 76 mm (2.99 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM fit?

The Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM is a full-frame lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame:: 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