Do I Regret Selling my Sony 35mm 1.4 GM?

[@caquoxxouqac]

I currently own the sony a7cii with the 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8. Generally, both lenses are pretty light and produce good images. However, recently I caught me thinking about buying another "serious good quality" lens. A 1.4 prime lens because the chromatic abberation was annoying, or maybe even a versatile zoom lens because I hate changing lenses all the time. But yesterday I just edited a family photo and sent them to my whole family, which loved them. Perfectly sharp photos, nobody complained about chromatic abberation or other lens imperfections because nobody is pixel peeping!! It's only us photographers looking for the details 95% of the other people don't care about. What matters more is photo composition, lighting, editing, capturing emotions. The only reason of GAS are the companies trying to sell us more gear and solving problems we don't really have. I don't want to accuse these companies or any camera youtubers or influencers, but the truth is that we all do care too much about camera gear. Instead we should just go out and have fun shooting📸 Another great video Dylan🙌🏼

[@1969MadMatt]

I usually use two bodies when I am on a „serious“ photo adventure. While that may look like overkill for an amateur, I am combining lenses is a useful way which means I don‘t have to change lenses under stress or adverse conditions. I like to combine the 24-50 G or with Sigma 90 mm f/2.8, the 35 G with the Sigma 65 mm f/2. The 40 f/2.5 G is reserved for my trips with one body and minimal gear. This setup covers all my needs and offers redundancy. I never take all lenses with me though, so I don‘t ever have to carry too much. Best regards thanks for your efforts Matt

[@MrSmith-dt7bs]

A7C ii owner here…did the same thing as you. Had the 35 GM first then bought the 35 1.8 and the size won out and sold the GM. Miss the GM but not the size. Small kit is where it’s at with the A7C’s.

[@Kevodabomb_Media]

The intro.. so relatable 😂 I just sold my 35mm 1.8 to experiment with the ttartisan 75mm f2 and Viltrox 28 (and have a little money left over) and now I’m looking at 35mm again… it never ends. Ultimately my biggest GAS prevention system is my Tamron 20-40. When I use it, I almost never feel like I need more. Sometimes I want more zoom, but with 24-70, 28-70, etc I wish for wider much more often.

[@Scoober222]

My advice as someone much older than you. Don't sell lenses, sell bodies. I learned this the hard way many times. Lenses are forever. Bodies are replaceable. The 35 GM is one of the best lenses of all time and even if it overlaps with your 1.8, there is always a place for lenses. It's hard when you need the $ to afford a new lens, but you just have to save longer. Just my opinion :)

[@DylanBlackburn]

Well said. I regret selling many of my lenses I've owned over the years.

[@predzelj8858]

Yeah I like that opinion

[@pkennethv]

I'll have to respectfully disagree here, especially regarding lenses being forever. It's been almost 2 years now since I replaced my Nikon 35mm 1.4G with the Sony 35mm 1.4GM (I use the Megadap ETZ adapter to use the GM with my Nikon Z9) and am so happy I made that decision. I found the lack of sharpness and chromatic aberration with the Nikon lens to be so bad, I was going out of my way to not use the lens, even though I love the 35mm focal length (I know I love the focal length because I would use my Leica 35mm lenses on my Leica bodies quite often). so now I've gone from actively avoiding using 35mm on my Nikon where possible, to having it (the 35mm GM) often be the default lens on my Nikon when going out without a particular shooting subject/theme in mind. I also feel similarly in regards to replacing my Nikon 85mm 1.4G with the Zeiss Batis 85mm (again, using the FTZ adapter). People say chromatic aberration is an easy, quick fix in Lightroom and while it's true with "better lenses" where fringing isn't so severe, I found the fringing on the Nikon 85mm 1.4G so severe (I like shooting backlit portraits) that removing the fringing in post would actually result in a gray outline on my subject's skin where there was supposed to be skin color. So I effectively would have to choose between purple/green fringing or "gray fringing"

[@Kiywii]

@@pkennethv I think you’re missing the point. Good, modern glass can stand the test of time. You weren’t even using lenses made for the new native mount for Nikon.

[@pkennethv]

@ Your comment contradicts itself because when I bought the 35mm 1.4G and 85mm 1.4G in 2013, they were literally the highest end native lenses available for my Nikon camera (D800E). So by definition, I had purchased “good, modern glass” (as you word it). You claim that “good, modern glass should withstand the test of time” yet simultaneously are talking down the fact that I’m still using those lenses with the Z9, seemingly implying that I have not made a great decision in doing so. If I have indeed not made a good decision in doing so, then how have those “good, modern” lenses withstood the test of time when they haven’t even made it 10 years after I had purchased them new?

[@marvinwallace8342]

No lies were told in this video. This was me last year🙈

[@ben_chao]

I like what you did with the intro, nice video!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Thanks! Switching it up in 2025 :)

[@Glenn_K]

I bought the 35 GM because I wanted a single all-around prime lens that I could use for travel. I compared it to the 35 1.8 and got sucked in to the GM’s outstanding IQ. However I soon realized that it’s a bit larger and heavier than I wanted for travel. So I bought the 40 2.5. It’s a great lens for travel since it’s so small and light even if its IQ is inferior to the 35 GM. I use the 35 GM as often as I can. I kept think about selling it but have decided that it’s too good to sell. I’m keeping both lenses despite their similar focal lengths. I’ll just use them in different settings. I have also been thinking about replacing my 55 1.8 with the 50 1.4 GM but I will probably stick with the 55. Thanks for the video, it makes me realize that I’m not the only person who has struggled with these kinds of choices.

[@Chromatomic]

I don’t even have a Sony camera at the moment and still regret selling my 55 1.8 😂

[@xnightdwellerx8168]

The "Based on a true story" intro was great! I've fallen into GAS syndrome not long ago and I hated it, it defiantly takes your attention away from actually taking photos or at least it did for me. I love the 35mm 1.8, it's basically glued to my camera.

[@strikeIII]

I started carrying the 24-50 f2.8 paired with the 35 f1.4 GM and it's a great combo!

[@SilatShooter]

IN the same boat, stayed with the 35mm f1.8 because I felt the 35GM was just too big and heavy as an everyday carry. With software, easy to correct optical flaws now a days.

[@dopevernacular2925]

This too real! I’m at the “should I sell my 35 GM?” Part of the journey. I love the images, but I can’t get used to the weight. It doesn’t help that most reviewers insist the GM is small 😂

[@dopevernacular2925]

I’m perfectly fine with the size of my 24-70GM2 and oddly, it feels more manageable than the 35mm GM

[@bysophiaclaire]

This was brilliantly done!

[@petripuurunen]

My street/light travelkit consists of A7CR, 35/1.4 and 24-50/2.8G. If needed, 85/1.8 joins the pack.

[@DylanBlackburn]

So you’re saying I should buy those lenses

[@petripuurunen]

@@DylanBlackburn Possibly :) 40/2.5 is also very nice but ... its only 2.5 and you cant play with shallow dof with it like 1.4 lenses. 24-50 replaced my 24-105 after analyzing what focal lenght i use (exposure plot).

[@jonnybondphoto]

GAS is real and needs to be guarded against. Not to complicate your decision more, but I found the Small Rig grip great for the smaller form factor lenses. However, when I throw on the Sony grip which comes with the A7Cr, it solves a lot of the balance issues when using the newer Sony GM lenses. Using that grip with the larger form factor lenses feels…. Well good! Just a thought if you ever decided to go back to the GM lenses. PS. I do love traveling with the A7Cr with the smaller form factor lenses…. Just say’n😅

[@slows728]

I thought about selling my 35mm gm when I got the 28-45mm, but the lens is so small and good, no way I could sell it. However I sold my 24mm GM with no regret.

[@vladimirganzar6844]

I recently switched from Fujifilm to the Sony A7C II, thinking I could use the 35mm f/1.8 for everything. I absolutely loved that lens, but I just couldn’t stand the terrible chromatic aberration. If stopping down the aperture had solved the issue, I would never have looked for another lens. Unfortunately, it was even worse when stopped down than when wide open. Ironically, I ended up with the 35mm f/1.4 GM and the 24-50mm f/2.8. I love both lenses, but I hate how heavy they are!

[@t87h21]

I just had to laugh. We all suffer from this shopping addiction and it doesn't change anything. My path so far: - bought Sony a7 IV - bought Sony 35 mm 1.8 - bought Sony 85 mm 1.8 - sold Sony 35 mm 1.8 - bought Sony 35 mm. 1.4 - bought Sony 50 mm 1.4 - bought Sony 24 mm 1.4 - bought Leica Q3 28mm. (thinking about selling the 24 mm 1.4, which I would regret)

[@KairulTalfa]

bro you have a nice set up i just starting out in photography and just want to buy my first gear whats your reason to get 3 prime lens rather than just have one all rounder like the new 28-70 2.0 instead ?

[@t87h21]

@@KairulTalfa a fixed focal length is sharper and has a much brighter light. Until now! The 28-70 2.0 Gm sets new standards, an incredibly good lens. However, I am not a zoom photographer, a zoom would not be an option for my creativity, and fixed focal lengths are lighter and more compact when traveling. On my last trip I only had the Q3 with me, I left the rest at home. The limitation of having to get by with less is a great experience.

[@slows728]

I sold my 24mm GM, no regret, my 35mm GM and 28-45mm are just so good

[@duvalpenny100]

I also had both the 35GM and 35 f1.8 I kept the 35GM, sold the 1.8, and bought the 40G. There are still times I miss the 1.8 though. I think it's a good idea to only buy a lens after 2 or 3 months of contemplating it. The GAS urge typically goes away after a while.

[@bobsykes]

Oh, my…. This is like watching myself in the mirror! I ended up with a different solution. I kept my 35mm GM, and I bought a used Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens, the much tinier than the f/1.8 almost pancake 35mm. It was (relatively) very cheap used, has the classic Zeiss look, and you can fit the A7CR in a winter coat packet with that lens on it. I’m happy with this combo, although GAS is still stirring, partly thanks to your review of that 24-50mm f/2.8 zoom. lol

[@JaapKroon]

It's funny how our perspective on large and heavy lenses has changed in just a few years.

[@LF1985]

I don't mind the 35GM size, it's not that massive lens, however I've had the 35 1.2DN and it's a different story. However I hope Sony will update their 1.8 lenses, the 20 1.8G is my reference standard. Also let's hope an RX1mk3 with same speed 35mm lens (f1.8 or F2), but with lot smaller lens extension from body.

[@soholingo]

@@LF1985 Agreed! Sony needs to redo all its f1.8 glass to the 20G form factor. 35/50/85

[@bhtv-1]

Me personally, I like the 35GM more. Its not rational I dont think, but the sharpness of that lens along with the more wide open aperture produces sharp images in focus, and creamy bokeh when things are out of focus, and its a look that I haven't really found on any other lens that I've owned. I have the 35 1.8 as well, but I ended up selling it for the GM. Both are fantastic lenses, but that extra clarity and faster aperture made it worth it imho. For me, I have 3 lenses. A 24-70 f2.8, a 20mm f1.8, and the 35mm f1.4. This is all the focal lengths I'll ever need, and honestly I think I could sell the zoom and get away with the 35mm and the 20mm. GAS is real though. In everything these days. I'm not sure what it is but for some reason im super prone to it, and I have to catch myself sometimes and realize that theres nothing wrong with what I have, and just because there is something better out there, that doesnt mean what I have isn't good. I could be super meta and talk about the consumerist nature of society today, and how our capitalist market alongside advertisements being around literally every corner, both IRL and in the online world has made super consumers out of the most recent generations on the planet, but really I'm just an idiot and sometimes make horrible decisions, thinking the gear is the issue when I produce an image that looks bad or something that I'm not 100% happy with.

[@chennyye28]

a Lumix shooter, consider about 35/1.8, but decided to stick with my 28-70/2.8 in 35mm for a while first ---- as a 50mm lover.

[@pnwtim503]

How do you like the 35 1.8 vs the 40 2.5?

[@madelinehayley5791]

Great video :)

[@DylanBlackburn]

Thankssss

[@ooharloo]

I picked up the 35gm twice and sold it twice.... Something about perfection scares me lol. I've been so happy with the 35 1.8.

[@g_lantos]

I owned the 35 GM since it came out, then a year later sold it, got the 35 f1.8 and the 55 f1.8... Instantly regret it, thankfully within 2 months I returned those two lenses and got the 35 GM again... I will never sell it, it is the perfect walk around lens, and on an A7IV body the other to lenses felt too tiny and not balanced. I think the camera body and lens has to be similar weight plus/minus 100g difference. If you like primes I would highly recommend having the Sony G 20 f1.8, GM 35 f1.4 and the FE 85 f1.8 lenses... perfect trio from super wide to medium to telephoto.

[@AllCarsUnited]

The 35gm is the Sony lens I refuse to sell. I have lots of lenses for Sony and Lumix but there is something about the 35gm that is so special, specially for the paid gigs . For walk around with the a7cr I use either the affordable 28 2.0 or zeiss 35 2.8. Don't sell lenses unless you're seriously considering leaving the system.

[@Vincentecreativeservices]

I don't miss my 35mm GM honestly. I do however miss my 14mm 1.8 GM. I plan on buying another and using it with a Nikon Z9 for film and photo.

[@russellparrish4529]

Not going to help here, but Leica Summilux M lenses with the autofocus adapter. VERY compact and large 1.4 apertures.

[@stefanusadrian8398]

Well, happenned with me. My GM lenses now are those GM I sold years ago and thought I better go with its smaller aperture counterpart. While those lens worked just fine but my GAS kept kicking me. And last year, I started sell those lenses and got GM lineup back. Surething that GAS is terrifying…

[@pacomaco1692]

I also decided to go with the 1.8 instead of 1.4 just because i am on full frame and 95% percent of the time i dont shop with the open aperture

[@RandumbTech]

Sold my 35 1.4 because it was just too big for my taste. Don’t miss it at all. I’ve found the 24-50 fills that need.

[@LF1985]

24-50 is almost the same size as 35GM.

[@socratesvela8285]

I have severe gas right now. I want the 85mmf1.4, I have a 70200gm, so I really don't need the 85mm, but I feel there are some shots I will never get cuz I don't have the sigma 85f1.4. I also have the Zeiss 55, but it is not an 85mm, but kinda can do the w same as the 85 in crop mode, but I would love to get the sigma 85f1.4.

[@loganbishop4968]

Wish this video came out last week. I have a a7c II with 24-50, 40mm f2.5 and 85mm f1.8. happy as heck with it. Can you please explain to me why i have a Nikon ZF, voigtlander 40mm f1.2 and 75mm f1.5 on its way 😂😢

[@AntoineBorzeix]

I uuuuuuuunderstand you, i m like you, i had the Zeiss ZA 35mm f2.8 -> sold for -> Zeiss Distangon 35mm f1.4 -> sold for -> 35mm f1.8 & 35mm GM -> Zeiss Distangon 35mm f1.4 -> 35mm f1.8 & 35mm GM & Zeiss ZA 35mm f2.8 .... GAS make me crazy ^^^^^ But have to much eavy lenses on wedding made me back and shoulder injuries .... and the clients don't see the difference between F2.8 and f1.4 believe me after 10 years of weeding photography and videography

[@xnautro]

35mm 1.8

[@dimaphotographer90]

That's why I have them both, 1.8 & 1.4. :))

[@Vantrakter]

Nice video. I've the 35/1,8 too and I quite like it, for a thirtyfive. I don't think I'd gain any in terms of sharpness or af if I switched to the GM..I have been taking more "environmental portraits" than before though (used to shoot near infinity or mfd) and the 35/1,8 does not have the nicest bokeh wide open and that's where the GM would make a difference, or so I tell myself sometimes. Then again if it's bokeh for different types of portrait shots I want then 50mm is prolly better. (In any case if your threshold for weight and camera+lens balance is passed then optical qualities do not matter much). If you see no weakness in any parameter you care about when using the 35/1,8 then it's best to fight GAS.

[@zenonbillings9008]

It's so tough ..... so many great cameras, so many great lenses . I need to stop watching the latest and greatest the manufacturers are producing ...... they aren't going to make me a better foto artist. zen billings

[@janiscollette1737]

So relate.....I'm there now. :)

[@blackjohnny0]

What about Samyang 35/1.8? I have 1.4 (first version) and it is ok. :)

[@rellify3]

had the same experience with the same lens. spending hours reading reviews and reddit threads, getting hyped for "the perfect 35mm lens". as soon as I put it on my camera I knew I made a mistake. a big, heavy, expensive lens that takes perfect pictures... but that I was never going to take out over my smaller lenses (that were already providing perfect pictures lmao...). I mean when's the last time you hopped on socials, saw a photo that you loved, and then started to scrutinize the corners... who cares.

[@TheShawnPrice1]

It’s my favorite lens ever and refuse to ever sell it

[@ytSouljah]

35mm f 1.4 is the only GM i have for my A7IV

[@joelconolly5574]

Short answer: yes. Long answer: Yes but no.

[@imranalijafar]

have you tried 24-105 f4 on a7c body as a travel lens? Also what about the new 3rd part 35mm f1.4 ? i forgot if it is by suri or meiki

[@lamiafarjana1990]

Dylan, could you kindly offer me a quick suggestion. I am able to rent a7c with 35gm just for 2 days as i wanna get a trial experience with it. I never used sony system since last owned RX100 so i dont exactly know about mirrorless. I will be in Singapore for 2 days so trying to click some photos (will use JPEG + compressed raw) on Program auto mode (as full auto may not be good enough) I understand some basics, but not everything. Could you suggest me should i use P.auto or any of the priority modes? Or anything you wanna suggest me that i can utilize as much as i can during this short time?

[@dutenn]

I got similar problems

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Devils advocate here. Figure-ground separation is way better at 35 1.4 vs. 35 1.8, and of course there is also a low light advantage. Plus the fidelity and clarity of the image on most G Masters makes a noticeable difference in IQ. I’ve owned both, sold the 1.8. Having said that, it’s in my “would buy again” category if I really needed the weight/size savings.

[@Stealthphotography]

You won't be making this video if you honestly didn't regret selling your GM. GAS is real.😂

[@TuckerPearce]

So much GAS

[@MeAMuse]

Dude. You need to stop focusing on gear. This whole video showed very little in terms of images. I know that 35mm F1.8 is a very special lens (the close focusing is amazing). It’s not the gear that gets you the photo… it’s you! I can take better photos than most people I see on KZbin with a the Sony Superzoom (probably their worst lens). The truth is that if a photo is good. It’s doesn’t even need to be sharp.

[@DylanBlackburn]

@@MeAMuse the point of this video wasn’t to showcase images, it was to tell a story with a lesson learned that is basically what you said. Go watch my previous video if you want photos. I have a whole series of photo walk videos not about gear where I’m solely using the 35 1.8.

[@rtwo808]

@@DylanBlackburnYour photo walk videos are awesome! You provide GREAT content! Keep doing with you do. 🤙🏼

[@hereweare9011]

No. Because you can always buy it back.

[@vinciandres]

Mi proposito de año nuevo es no comprar nada.

[@socratesvela8285]

😂

[@vinciandres]

@ :) nada

[@soholingo]

Never ever sell Great glass. You can not unsee how good the glass is and it will cause you to want something else. Simple rule, keep the best glass. That 35/1.8 isn't that much smaller than the GM. I will never sell my 50/1.2 GM, even though it doesn't fit on my A7CR.

[@LF1985]

How is it with the extension grip?

[@soholingo]

@LF1985 it is surprisingly well balanced. That's how I shoot the big 50GM, with the grip.

[@germancreatives88]

Those are ugly lens, just buy typoch simera 1.4 or voigtlander 35 1.4 or 40 1.2

[@DylanBlackburn]

@@germancreatives88 I’m sorry these aren’t Leica enough for you