Sony E Autofocus

Vistilen AF 35mm F1.8 Pro

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: 400 g
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 35 cm
Length: 93 mm

Overview

The Vistilen AF 35mm F1.8 Pro is a full-frame autofocus prime for Sony E mount from the brand's Pro series. Vistilen's specification sheet lists the mounts E, Z and L for this lens, but the shop currently sells only the Sony E version. At 35mm it is a general-purpose lens for street, reportage and landscape work, and on APS-C bodies it corresponds to about 52.5mm according to Vistilen.

Optical design

According to Vistilen, the lens has 12 elements in 10 groups, including 2 high-refractive-index elements, 2 ED low-dispersion elements and 1 aspherical element, plus a multi-layer nano coating that is meant to reduce ghosting and flare. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes to F16. The minimum focus distance is 0.35 m, which is short for a 35mm full-frame lens. The diagonal angle of view is 64.8 degrees on full frame.

Autofocus and handling

A stepping motor that Vistilen calls a precision silent drive system focuses the lens, and an AF/MF switch selects the mode. The lens has a physical aperture ring that is meant to help with video work. Vistilen states that the design supports 8K sensors and that autofocus is fast, but gives no figures for either.

Build and size

The filter thread is 58 mm. The lens is 74 mm in diameter and 93 mm long and weighs 400 g according to the combined E/Z/L specification sheet. The aperture ring and the focus mode switch make the barrel more fully equipped than the simpler AF 35mm F2.

Where it fits

Native Sony options at this focal length include the Sony FE 35mm F1.8, the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM and the Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN Contemporary. The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE and the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8 are further autofocus lenses with the same aperture. In the Vistilen range the 35mm Pro is the faster and better equipped 35mm lens next to the AF 35mm F2 for Canon RF.

Pros and cons

Pros

F1.8 with a close minimum focus distance of 0.35 m
Aperture ring and AF/MF switch
2 ED and 2 high-refractive-index elements plus 1 aspherical element
9 aperture blades

Cons

No image stabilization in the lens
At 400 g not among the lightest 35mm primes
Only the E-mount version is sold in the shop
No weather sealing mentioned

Verdict

The AF 35mm F1.8 Pro is a well-equipped standard wide-angle prime for Sony E users with a short minimum focus distance and a physical aperture ring. Its weight and missing stabilization keep it in the middle of a crowded segment.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.8
max f (max zoom): f/1.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 12
Groups: 10
Weight: 400 g (0.88 lb)
Filter diameter: 58 mm
min focus distance: 35 cm (13.78 in)
Length: 93 mm (3.66 in)
Diameter: 74 mm (2.91 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Vistilen AF 35mm F1.8 Pro fit?

The Vistilen AF 35mm F1.8 Pro 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