Sony 35mm lenses comparison (FULL FRAME)

[@adam6727]

The 1.8 is not a G lens.

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you! I understand your choice. I need the lens for street and travel photography on my Sony 7C. So the compact 35 f2.8 is my favorite.

[@chesslover8829]

If I were a professional photographer doing studio work, portraiture, and video, I would get the Sony 35mm f/1.8 without hesitation. However, I'm only a hobbyist so I would get the 35mm f/2.8, and then use it for street and travel photography. As for your comparison images, I preferred the 35mm f/2.8 over the 35mm f/1.8. Incidentally, Brian Smith, a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, used the Sony 35mm f/2.8 for his images of Haiti.

[@AngelikuS_]

I have the 35 2.8 and i love it. I prefer it this tiny lens over 1.8 for my amateur use.

[@HeLithium]

Just got a used 2.8 for half of the price of a new 1.8 and it works great! Happy with this tiny little one.

[@thisisfrankie]

The only reason I sold my Zeiss 2.8 was because of the focusing distance as I prefer getting close for detail shots with my 35s. I now own the 1.8 but thinking of buying a second hand 2.8 for street and travel. The quality and size factor are second to none.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Totally agree!

[@Neil-914]

You can go into manual focus whilst recording by setting a custom button like AEL to be auto/manual focus hold or toggle. You could argue that's as or more convenient than on the lens

[@kevinramsey2967]

Thanks, Phillip. The little ZA lens gets a bad rap because it's original retail price was more than $700 when it debuted 9 years ago. People felt they were being ripped off just because of the Zeiss badge. These days, you can get it second-hand for $300. Together with the little Sony 24mm 2.8 and e.g. the 55mm 1.8, it offers a lightweight and unobtrusive travel set for any A7.

[@gicechicken7062]

U main the samyang 24mm?

[@PhillipSkraba]

The Samyang is a pile or horse shit.

[@PhillipSkraba]

The ZA is an excellent travel lens Kevin, I used it for a few years and absolutely loved it for fashion, portraits and travel, great little lens that goes a long way!

[@kevinramsey2967]

@@gicechicken7062 No, I mean the quite recent, very small, Sony 24mm f2.8 G lens.... not the samyang

[@gicechicken7062]

@@kevinramsey2967 thx im on a budget and im saving money for the zeiss 55 1.8. ore a 85 mm.. in gonna check that 24m G out! Thx Kevin

[@chryseass.5143]

Hi Phillip, check your 35 f1.8 again. I just checked mine and indeed it does have a very subtle rubber gasket around the barrel. It is easily missed. The little 35 f2.8 does not. I have both these lenses and am going to keep both as I really do find the 2.8 fits on my A7c perfectly, making it such a compact camera and fun to use..The close focusing on the f1.8 makes that an all round better lens for most situations though. If I had to pick just one I would definitely keep the f1.8.

[@jay-xz6yo]

Very good review, straightforward and addresses a lot of the concerns you may have

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Both great lenses, but I'd stick with the f1.8 myself.

[@jameswilson4712]

Thanks Phil, this video was great for someone like me who’s about to buy a A7C and will be jumping into lenses

[@PhillipSkraba]

The a7c is a great one!

[@jeremychee3821]

@@PhillipSkraba would you recommend the 40mm f2.5 or any of these 35mm lenses? assuming price is no object!

[@namir91]

What lens did you go with? Just picked up an A7C as well and the size of the 35 zeiss seems really appealing, just not sure if I'm going to miss the wider aperture

[@jameswilson4712]

@@namir91 I guess it depends what your intent is, is it vlogging, mainly photos or mainly video, I really like the Sony 1.8, it will give you a wide angle

[@namir91]

@@jameswilson4712 mainly travel and family photography. Currently have the 50/1.8 also considering the 28 f2

[@jamiejude]

great review! been with u since 2k subs

[@PhillipSkraba]

Whooa that’s a long time 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@jw_25]

I loved my 2.8 and bought it when it first came out. I mostly used it to photograph the family but the two issues I kept having was the minimum focus distance and it was practically useless indoors unless I cranked up the ISO. I bought the 1.8 and it solved those two issues but I got a lot more weight and size as a tradeoff. So I begrudgingly sold the 2.8 and to this day I still miss it, especially on days where I'm only outdoors but I can't justify owning two 35mm lenses.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Oh my gosh, I miss mine too!! So much!

[@arthurk4778]

Thanks for this comparison. I like your talking style, it’s interesting and funny! Wish you a good luck! 👍🏻

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thanks Arthur!!

[@SebastianWorldwide]

Many thanks. I'm thinking about buying the Sony FE 35 mm F1.8 (SEL35F18F) or the Sony/ZEISS Sonnar® T* FE 35 mm F2.8 ZA (SEL35F28Z). Can you help me further? Which one would you take? The following is very important to me: Brilliant image quality and fast, reliable eye autofocus. It should also be good for filming sometimes. Is there a huge difference with autofocus for example at filming?? My heart says Sony/ZEISS Sonnar® T* FE 35 mm F2.8 ZA (SEL35F28Z) because I have an affinity with ZEISS. But my mind says Sony FE 35 mm F1.8 (SEL35F18F) because I think it's more technically advanced and might be a better match for my Sony Alpha 7C. I am not an expert, but I would appreciate your feedback. Many thanks and greetings from Germany!

[@shootstitch149]

Hi, I’m not the person speaking in the video, but as a fellow person who is using the A7C and the zeiss 35mm f2.8, I may offer you some input 🙂. Since I own the 55mm f1.8 zeiss (which I’ve taken some of my favourite images) and I’m somewhat a believer of the “zeiss pop” and consistency in the images, and because the zeiss is super small, lightweight and unobstructive (I was actually surprised at the size of the the whole package together with the A7C), I went with the A7C. Yes, it has focus breathing, yes it is an older lens, but if you’re mainly taking photos and occasional videos, and if you’re already having an affinity with zeiss and an OCD like me, then go with the zeiss. But if you’d like better low light, faster focusing, less focus breathing and don’t really care about having two different optics, then go for the 35mm f1.8 🙂. Either way, you can’t go wrong, but as another person who loves zeiss quality, I am even saving up for a 24-70mm f4 maybe in the future 😂

[@GJSsongsmith]

Brilliant Phillip many thanks … was hovering between the two , you’ve helped me make up my mind !

[@PhillipSkraba]

I’m glad I could help Gary!

[@dougcooper4917]

Great Review Phillip. Thank You.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thanks Doug!

[@jeancarrive5263]

Thank you Phillip, very useful 🙂🙂👍👍

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome, thanks!

[@jeancarrive5263]

@@PhillipSkraba (I think I'll go for the 2.8 Zeiss because of its compacity, for street photo ;)

[@AllCarsUnited]

I own the 35 gm for paid gigs and the 2.8 for my a7cr everyday use

[@PhillipSkraba]

Both good lenses, yep.

[@nhcharmedone]

This was a great video, 2 great lenses!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thanks David!

[@frosty3515]

Thanks, Phillip. It's clear and well-understanding. make me easier to decision. :))

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome! The Viltrox F1.8 FF series is an excellent set of lenses, ones I use on a daily basis. Right now I'm testing their Cine lenses and I'm also incredibly impressed.

[@lensboi1229]

This video made me buy the Zeiss 35mm f2.8

[@PhillipSkraba]

It’s a good one!

[@lensboi1229]

its perfect on my A7C II!

[@kozybeusz]

Maiscally very good 😉👍👏

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha I’m so tired recently!

[@gustavrischmuller2569]

Hehehe. Pretty breathless after running a couple of steps across the studio, hey? Reminds me of... me.

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha totally 😂

[@michaelajoseph6856]

I never shoot street photography at 1.8. Sony/ZA is good enough and I love the character of that lens.

[@PhillipSkraba]

I like shooting street photography at f1.8, that's what makes us all interesting, our personal, artistic choices when shooting.

[@michaelajoseph6856]

@ I have to give it a try and see the difference.

[@jamiejude]

are those asteras in the back?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Those are Godox TL60 tubes.

[@thomasasannes]

Hi, love the video, but you are wrong about the weather sealing. Booth the 35 2.8 and the 1.8 is weather sealed.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! You just made me doubt myself 😂

[@PhillipSkraba]

On closer inspection, I was right, no weather sealing.

[@thomasasannes]

@Phillip Skraba Sorry sir, but you're wrong. I own booth of those lenses and according to the official Sony documentation they are booth weather sealed. If you scroll down to the "features-page" on the official Sony webpage, you will find a picture of the gaskets and a description "A dust- and moisture-resistant design provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in challenging conditions"

[@thomasasannes]

The 1.8 actually has the same level of sealing as the GM line. The 2.8 however has weather-sealing throughout the body (albeit no rubber grommet at the lens mount). I have used booth of them in heavy Scandinavian weather and they booth survived. The problem with the 2.8 is that over time the metal seal between the lens and camera lens mount will be less tight and you may get water in sooner or later. The 1.8 however is superb in bad weather... it has a very tiny gasket at the lens mount. If your copy do not have it, you need to take it to your dealer to get a new lens.

[@PhillipSkraba]

It might indeed say that, but physically check, mine has zero sealing, no rubber gasket at all. The GM lenses I own all have gaskets. Maybe it's just my versions, they're old A.F, so maybe that's the deal. I'd still use them in the rain though, lol.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Oh balls, I still love that small Zeiss 35mm.

[@PhillipSkraba]

It’s quite loveable, mind you the Sony f2.8 is a tad smaller I think.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Damn it, I meant the 40mm f2.5 🤦🏻‍♂️ I’m so tired lol.

[@olddavidwho7313]

Hey man, little help please😅 I have a6400 (no ibis) and about to get this lens (no oss). What can I expect from handheld video?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Well, that depends on your ninja walk level or gimbal level. Cinema cameras don’t have stabilisation, don’t sweat it 🤘🏻

[@stefanusadrian8398]

How is af precision and af noise between those two?

[@PhillipSkraba]

I’d say the f1.8 is faster, as for sound not much difference, both silent for video.

[@joshhyyym]

According to Sony both lenses are dust and moisture resistant and the 1.8 is not a G lens.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yeah, neither have a gasket. The 1.8 is by far the better of the two.

[@ТатьянаКиселёва-г9б]

Спасибо вам за обзор! Было очень полезно) благодаря вашему обзору, я окончательно приняла решение, что хочу sony 35 f1.8 ))) Досмотрела до конца - ваши фотографии прекрасны)

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! The Sony f1.8 is a great choice, it's super fast, very light and can focus very close up, so I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

[@solonagare]

thank you!

[@PhillipSkraba]

You’re welcome

[@emilianocosta4979]

Is that 35 really G?

[@PhillipSkraba]

It’s OG 😎

[@charlesdove1345]

Maybe one day you’ll do a drone video again like gavin

[@PhillipSkraba]

If it comes to that, I guess I might as well chuck in the towel. I don't want to make videos like someone else, well, unless that someone is Roger Deakins. I want to make films like I want to make, and if you don't like that, I can show you the door.

[@m.e.p.r]

No weather sealing as a nightmare.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Been using them for ages, in pretty nasty weather, doesn't make a difference to me at all.

[@thesamuelnam]

hahaha I also have a baby girl named Mia. Yeah. I'm selling my Zeiss 1.4 for this 1.8. I need a smaller, lighter lens.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Mia is a wonderful name, I couldn't imagine calling her anything else. The Sony f1.8 is excellent, small, fast, light, good minimal focus distance, all around winner, and to tell you the truth, I hardly notice the difference between 1.4 and 1.8, unless you're really putting the same photo next to each other and staring.

[@BoxxyFan]

The 35mm f/1.8 is way too big for what it is.

[@PhillipSkraba]

It's actually quite a great lens, the size is okay, compared to other lenses it's actually quite small.

[@thegixlad27]

BoxxyFan wait till you mean the 1.2 GM lens 😂

[@PhillipSkraba]

The 1.2 is massive, but totally overkill 💀

[@AllCarsUnited]

​@thegixlad27 there is no 35mm 1.2 gm

[@BoxxyFan]

@@PhillipSkraba what other lens? The samyang 35/1.8 is smaller

[@kreeson.]

Damn, great video, love the colours. I've been looking / considering a small lens for my Sony and the 35mm is definitely the focal length I want. Mmmm now decisions.

[@PhillipSkraba]

After using both of these for a long time, I'd personally go with the 35mm f1.8, or the Viltrox 35mm f1.8, both excellent lenses, and the Viltrox actually has less breathing, but it also has a longer minimum focus distance, but it's also cheaper. To sum that up, I'd go with the Sony 35mm f1.8.

[@kreeson.]

@@PhillipSkraba awesome, thanks. Appreciate the reply and advice.

[@mikeontherock]

And remember if the subscibe button is still red, there's something seriously wrong 😉

[@PhillipSkraba]

Damn right!

[@nadeemafzal8984]

a superb review done at the speed my brain can understand - technical quality of review is first class = - once out in the market for the 35mm i know it will the 1.8 and 1.8 alone however saying that my 28-60 pancake seems to be fine for my non professional, reasonable amateur level. many thanks

[@arslantullah8338]

Off of the topic. What are drone laws in Poland? Can you fly in National Parks? because here in Australia you are fuc*** if you have a drone. Can't find a place where there are not people or its not a national park. Don't know what else to film which has made me think if I should buy the Mavic 3 or not considering it would just be sitting in my closet.

[@michellopes9750]

Would u trade a Sony Zeiss f2.8 for an Viltrox 1.8?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hell yes. The Viltrox are superior to the Sony lenses in my opinion. Not as socially acceptable or cool, but technically they’re excellent.

[@cameraprepper7938]

No, it is not a Sony G, it is only a Sony. I have the excellent Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical which have outstanding optical image quality, but I also wanted a very compact "stealth" 35mm Lens, so I just got a Sony Carls Zeiss Sonar 35mm 2.8 which I am very happy with.

[@PhillipSkraba]

It's a really good lens, and I love its size, mind you, I recently bought the Sony G lenses, 24, 40 and 50, and they are just as small and much higher in quality when it comes to optics and AF.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@PhillipSkraba I do not like the trio-series Sony G Lenses 24/40/50, those is too dependant of software to perform, I got the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm 2.8 for US$215 and it is more compact and lighter than any of the Sony trio ! My Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical outperforms the Sony G-series and it performs at least as good as the Sony 35mm 1.4 GM ! So I am very happy with my set up gear. By the way I do focusing 99.99% of the time, because I do want to have the focus exactly where I want it to be (AF do too often let you down) !

[@alhOOO2O]

The 35mm 1.8 isn’t a G lens.

[@PhillipSkraba]

It damn well should be! Such a great lens, prefer it over the 1.4GM.

[@alhOOO2O]

@@PhillipSkraba Yeah, but it isn't.

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@alhOOO2O I must have written G with a gold marker on mine in that case 😂

[@QkamykPOLAND]

Super z resztą jak zwykle! ;) Zerknij do messengera ;) pozdrawiam - Michał

[@Gael_AG]

bokeh is overrated

[@PhillipSkraba]

Kind of, yes. I’m not bokeh crazy, but I don’t like crazy bokeh that distracts you from the focal point. I like mine classy.