Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G | Definitive Review

[@dollhausenx]

I'm thinking this would be an awesome travel lens. I'm looking at it as a one lens fix so I can convince myself to bring my A7RIV on those trips where I'm too busy for photography. This fights the "bulbous in the bag" issue and with APS-C mode, you can further the reach. I find the usable manual focus controls very compelling along with great AF. Add the performance and your mention of premium takes on real meaning beyond better construction. I tried it in the store against the Sigma compact 35 and liked the weight of the Sony better. When I'm in the big city, I'm hauling a shoulder bag all day long and every ounce counts.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a good application for the lens.

[@timothy790110]

the best ravel lens is the 28-60mm compact zoom, hands down

[@dollhausenx]

@@timothy790110 I bought the 40mm, used it and sold it on. I decided I can't stand AF lenses. Bought a Voigtlander APO 50mm and have been happily traveling with that one.

[@TXTundra-ex8bw]

i bought this beautiful compact 40mm 2.5 to pair with my A7CR for travel but what I didn’t realized was how hard it was for me to remove the Sony 35mm GM from my camera

[@apaajaayo8759]

I have this one !!! Paired with A7III. it's great to replacing my 50mm F1.8 which has bad focussing. This is Ultra Compact Lens i've been waiting for Travel or everyday carry camera gears. its Sharp. Its Lightweight.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a MUCH better lens than the 50mm F1.8

[@larrymcardle]

Thanks so much for all of your comprehensive reviews. I'm an enthusiast with many years of photography experience, I'm looking for a high-quality and compact kit for street photography, travel, bikepacking and hiking. I think I've decided on the Sony A7III with Sony 24mm 2.8 & Sony 40mm f2.5 as an appropriate kit for landscape and street. I considered a Fuji system with 16mm f2.8 and 27mm pancake, but the price difference isn't that great given the FF vs APS-C sensor size. And being that I'm coming from a Sony A99 with heavy primes, I don't think there's a huge difference in size between the Sony A7III and something like the Fuji X-S20. Your reviews have really helped me with research on my future purchase.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to have helped out.

[@Andrew-rk7sb]

You have THE best in depth reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@mjh96701]

I think this lens series, especially the 40mm are a great match for the a7C for use in street photography. Would be very light and compact to walk around with. Great review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Dustin, thank you Always interested in your reviews. Curious if you compared this to the Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF on an only optical basis (ignore size, features, price for example) do you have any thoughts. I own the Batis but I did just pick up a used A7C (won't have it until next week) and wondering if I want to consider this as a future purchase. Separately I will have to determine if the Batis is physically larger than I want on the A7C which I did buy for its compactness. Have several other Sony bodies where I am not trying to go small but here I am.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been over three years since I reviewed the Batis 40, and there has probably been nearly 100 lenses in between, so it is tough to make an accurate comparison based on that data! The Sony is smaller, yes, but the Batis isn't huge. I liked both lenses a fair bit.

[@got2beable]

perfect review. im in love with your content! talking clearly and even for me to understand what you saying even tho english is not my mother tongue. thanks a lot for your hard work!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've heard that feedback fairly often, and it is very gratifying.

[@OdiumTV]

This together with the Sigma 85 f1.4 is, in my opinion, the perfect compact prime duo for a ton of reach on the a7Riv/v/CR when cropping, and it being decently pancake-y it ticks the discreteness for street and some travel shooting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Nice!

[@ttown1376]

Im trying to choose between this and a samyang 45 1.8… which would you prefer

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a tough call, as the Sony has a much nicer build, autofocus, and feature set, but the Samyang has really fantastic optics and a faster maximum aperture. I can't really tell you which way to go, but hopefully this summary helps.

[@canucklehead28]

I'd love to see a comparison between the Sigma 19, 30 and 60 mm f2.8 for Sony APS-C of yore. No longer continued, but for my A6500, these lens were legendary (as far as legendary applies to shooting for less than 4 years). I bought the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 for Canon (MC-11 adaptor) a year ago. Not listed as a compatible lens for the adaptor, the auto-focus is limited but works quite well when you figure out workarounds. The image quality is the best I've ever owned, but equal to the Sigma 19mm and 30mm I still own, it has been replaced by the Sigma 17-50 because its equal IQ and versatility. I wish I had lots of money.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Comparing to APS-C lenses has its own limitations, but yes, those Sigma lenses were optically good. AF wasn't always amazing (there are limitations), but they were nice optically.

[@leolago73]

Hello Dustin, always follow your reviews. Thanks for your work! I am between this 40mm sony lens and the Samyang 45 mm 1.8 to do street photography. What you think will be a better choice? Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Frankly they are both excellent lenses. I slightly prefer the Samyang optically, but the Sony has a much nicer build and feature set. You really can't go wrong with either one.

[@sailonstellarwinds]

Thanks for this, Dustin! You're doing so much great work. Is your impression that this lens is better-corrected for CA than the FE 35/1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say it is slightly better corrected.

[@mko7680]

How is the image quality compared to Samyang Tiny lenses? Like 35mm 2.8 or 1.8 (or other focal length from the series)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say this lens has less fringing than some of those lenses. Sharpness is roughly equal. The build obviously favors the Sony, though the Samyang's have a brighter maximum aperture.

[@TidusGoh]

Though you compared it to the samyang 45mm. How does this compare with the samyang 35mm f2.8 and Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't really say, as I haven't tested either of those lenses.

[@ManlyHK1]

Seems you can do macro small product shots with this lens?! I tested it with Sony A7 iv in video mode it seems somehow cropped like a 50-60 mm - any thoughts?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It does have good close focus abilities, so that's a useful side application.

[@capics6779]

Thank you for this great review work as always. I also watched your review of the zeiss batis 40mm f2 CF. Since this sony now has same focal lengths, and the batis is so much bigger, is there a noticeable difference between both? I don't care about F2 against F2.5. But I would like to here your opinion which of both to prefer. Thank you very much

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Batis has a better close up performance, but outside of that, the Sony is actually very competitive.

[@capics6779]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you very much!!! 👍

[@BenSussmanpro]

Thanks for this exhaustive review. I don’t know the size of the Samyang you refer to but I’m getting this lens for the small profile so I can use as an everyday lens with my A7R4. Seems like it fits the bill for my purposes. But I wonder if the focus breathing will be pronounced for close-up shots. However, I’ll use it mostly for street shooting at btwn f/5.6 & f/11. Thanks again, I always value your reviews.

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

This review was so useful. Thank you! And great that you compared it to the Samyang 45mm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@jeremychee3821]

Quick question, assuming prices are the same where I am from, would you pick the samyang 35 f1.8 or the sony 40 f2.5? Thanks and appreciate these amazing reviews

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, good question. I guess the Sony. I like the Samyang 45mm F1.8 better than the 35mm

[@jeremychee3821]

@@DustinAbbottTWI just saw your review of the sigma 35 f2 too! Seems like that is an amazing lens, toppling both of these?

[@warrenbarnes9653]

Great review! How would you compare the saturation, contrast and resolution of this lens to the Zeiss Batis 40mm F2.0? Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been a while since I did the Batis review. Both lenses are very sharp and with good contrast. I would say that I wouldn't personally think the Batis worth 2x as much.

[@s.k.6899]

Thank you for the in depth and well structured review. I tested the 40 mm on a Sony Alpha 7 IV and noticed the aperture can't be changed on the camera body, only with the aperture ring on the lens. Is that normal? It's inconvenient to use in my opinion.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It can be changed. You just need to put the aperture ring into “A” mode to control it from within the camera

[@s.k.6899]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks a lot for that info, it works. Funny thing is that the manual didn't say anything about that. I also contacted the Sony support and they needed three days to tell me the aperture could only be set with the ring on the lens, it was meant to be that way haha

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm sometimes surprised by how little the tech support departments at companies actually know.

[@무히려]

i'm a big fan of yours from south korea let me ask you few questions 1. compare to sigma 35mm f2 which lens is better in terms of sharpness and CA performence 2. can this lens compete with sony 35mm f1.4 gm lens in the part of only sharpness when the aperture stopped down ?? thank you

[@uncruckus9345]

Stopped down all three lenses will be the same in terms of sharpness. You need to decide which rendering you prefer.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

All of the lenses are competent, though the GM lens is going to be the sharpest and can deliver that sharpness at a larger maximum aperture. That also gives it an advantage for producing a shallow depth of field. The 40mm isn't as sharp, but it does have very nice rendering and very compact size. The Sigma is a little bigger than the 40mm and probably a little sharper wide open, though I think the rendering doesn't quite match the Sonys. None of them really struggle with CA. And yes, when they are stopped down to F5.6 or so, they will also produce roughly similar sharpness (with the GM lens having a slight edge)

[@michaelle6771]

Can you put a filter on the lens and still be able to attach the lens hood?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes you can.

[@wayanbarre]

Hi, Dustin thanks for this review! How would you compare it to the 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven’t tested the older lens. It came out long before I started testing Sony

[@wayanbarre]

@@DustinAbbottTWI ok thanks for replying :)

[@bastian.michel]

i had this lens and didnt like it due to the vignetting wide open.

[@oscarshen6855]

After seeing this I really appriciate how affordable, compact and optically exclent the Samyang tiny serious are. They are becoming my favourite lenes when combine with my A7c.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Me too. I reach for the 24mm, 45mm, and 75mm all the time. Love them.

[@kaushaltiwari9773]

Will this be better on the APS-C A6400 than the Sigma 30mm f1.4? Apart from the focal length difference ( which I can live with, I have been using the 56mm f1.4 as well). I need a weather sealed all round lens for my A6400.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Well, if you need a weather sealed lens, this is a good alternative. The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 could also be an alternative (a good lens with weather sealing)

[@pablovi77]

40mm is a very used focal length in cinema lenses. I guess that’s why they’re popular now on still photography. But since it was a Super 35mm frame, 40mm is more like a Normal lens (50mm).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do enjoy the focal length.

[@tor2919]

You’re right the 40mm full frame is popular with cinematographers, Roger Deakins among others. The most common format is super35 which roughly corresponds to apsc in still photo terms. 28mm has the same field of view as 40mm on full frame. So whenever you look at bts and you hear them say “get the 28” - it’s the 40mm equiv.

[@1stgp-tv]

I love this lense since my first shot on my a6400 and my A7C. Image, quality, autofocus, build quality are great. Great review, even it is already one from 2 years ago :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a sweet little lens.

[@paulchi99]

how does this compare to the zeiss 35mm f2.8, image quality wise?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested the 35mm F2.8, though I wouldn't be surprised for this newer lens to be sharper...and definitely to have better AF performance.

[@jamesvanderpool6079]

Quick question: do you have any low light focusing experience on this camera with a more pedestrian model than the α1? My curiosity stems from the fact that Sony cameras are rated at f2, and being that this is a 2.5... well, interpolation isn't always linear with low light AF ratings. Bit of a shame, because this lens ticks all the boxes of: built well, useful reproduction ratio, great optics (again, as you say, better offerings exist-but not every lens needs to be top of the pack), and the form factor is absolutely sublime.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I also used it on a Sony a6600, where it focused just fine.

[@cdriper]

There is an error in the article title on your site: "Sony FE 40mm F2.8 G Review"

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the catch. I've updated it - just not used to typing F2.5, I guess!

[@greysuit17]

40mm is one of my favorite focal lengths

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like it a lot, too!

[@naughtyskweet6]

Why?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very effective compromise between 35mm and 50mm, and is a very natural angle of view.

[@araudan]

I just found a used copy of this lens. I agree with the question of the value at full retail price. All in I was able to pay quite a bit less than the pre-tax Canadian MSRP. I'm looking forward to trying it out next week.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You'll enjoy the lens!

[@nicobythebeach1]

I just got this lens for 300 today 🎉

[@fredrikbarthel4803]

Can you make a small prime vs zoom comparison, I know primes are better but how much? And e Bokeh comparison 1,8 vs zoom 2,8.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't actually have time to fit in that kind of comparison. I'm severely overworked at the moment as it is.

[@misterlove7034]

This lens or the 35mm G master? I just care about picture quality. Price and size is not an issue.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I LOVE the 35GM, so I'm on that all the way.

[@Pharesm]

nice! Basically, to me it means a slightly bigger Samyang with weather sealing - which matters to me, because I'm on a mountain with sudden onset of rain and equally sudden returns of sunshine... I'd prefer if weather sealing wouldn't double the price. Now to think about which one...

[@acouragefann]

While I agree that weather sealing really is great to have, I tend to bring a standard plastic garbage bag and fix it to any lens that has none with the help of the lens hood (with a hole obviously) or tape. It is by no means glamorous, but it keeps the rain out (and outside of zoom lenses, I find dust is rarely an issue when it comes to real world results). Works as long as you're autofocusing.

[@Pharesm]

@@acouragefann True, not glam, but a very useful idea, especially if you could buy 2 lenses instead of one for the price difference! Thanks :) I will keep that in mind, maybe a ziplock bag with a hole cut for the mount in the back might work... one could zip the front open and closed as needed :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think there's more to it than just weather sealing, but the Samyang is definitely an appealing alternative.

[@Pharesm]

@@DustinAbbottTWI true... I was not hoping to encompass all the details you showed... I just had to boil it down for the risks my lenses will face. They are unlikely to get dropped, but water is a thing, I like taking pictures in the rain... When I buy my set this month, it'll be based on your reviews of primes and my favorite focal lengths :D

[@ronaldjohnston7989]

Great review, just purchased...thanks for an awesome review...RJ

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@johansphoto]

One stop of light and lower price makes the Samyang an easy winner.

[@aaronbass3000]

Sony 40mm g or Sigma 35mm f2? I cant decide

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a good mental exercise. Both lenses are very good. I guess it would come down to your focal length preference.

[@TCinSoCal]

Yes. Yes it is. These 2.5 lenses are amazing and fun.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed. Definitely underrated.

[@Ryan_Secord]

Which would be better for shooting talking head videos on KZbin, the Sony 40mm f2.5 G or the Sony 35mm 1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 35mm F1.8 is a little more popular for video, though the 40mm actually has a few more video specific features (aperture declick, for example).

[@godsinbox]

Eh, did someone say my name? I heard Sharp and Chris 15:45

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL

[@hispdcoder]

Really want to sent you a brand new Canadian 5 dollar bill😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually need an even older bill - Photoshop prevents the pasting of photos of modern bills to prevent counterfeiting. The Canadian and British bills are too new and thus a problem for me.

[@어바닉그라인더]

good~~

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks

[@glennsak]

Moiré is pronounced "more-ay" not "more"

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's actually not, but thank you. dictionary.cambridge.org/pronunciation/english/moire

[@tor2919]

Shame about the focus breathing. Possible deal breaker

[@nafnaf0]

The Sony A7Rv added focus breathing compensation for the 40mm f2.5 GC. (this is currently not a a feature on the A7iv, but might possibly be coming with the firmware 2.0 update, fingers crossed)