Sony FE 35mm f1.8 vs Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 - Initial Comparison and RAW downloads

[@DieCastErn]

Summary: Minimum Focal Distance 1.8 Sharpness 1.8 AF same Color rendition Zeiss 2.8 Weight Zeiss 2.8

[@ilovebaliproduction9722]

Thank you for help!

[@ousi00]

In 2023, I had both and returned the 1.8. My use case is very specific as I want a light and compact travel camera to compliment my Leica when I want autofocus. The Zeiss is still the best choice as I'm used to 35mm. If one can cope with 40mm, the 40mm f/2.5 G seems to be a great choice too. The 35mm f/1.8 is too long but it's sharper and focus closer.

[@Cthames123]

When directly tested using common apertures the biggest resolution difference I’m seeing is at f2.8. Edge to Zeiss, 35, f2.8. At 7:37 with both lenses at f2.8, (the back of the bill shot) there are details in the top portion of the bill that the Zeiss, f2.8 is rendering that don’t show up on the Sony, f1.8. You have to look close, but the Zeiss, f2.8, ZA shows the intersecting oval repeating pattern detail above the horizontal line whereas the Sony, f1.8 doesn’t render these details at all. After closer examination this same detail is present, though oriented vertically, beneath the “United States” lettering that we don’t see in the Sony, f1.8 half. Also of note, the Zeiss is more contrasty as demonstrated in the inky black of the out of focus T-mobile hat. This looks grey and noisy in the Sony, f1.8 half. I can’t see any difference at the other apertures.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I just got a used Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm 2.8 ZA for US$215, I like it a lot, very good image quality, small, compact and light, a real little gem, so it sits always on one of my Cameras as if it was a camera body cap, ready to shoot. I can highly recommend this Lens !

[@裴浩宏]

I will choose a second hand 35mm f2.8 for daily street photography, because it is super light&small, and has relatively nice quality as well.

[@裴浩宏]

I already have a batis40 f2 if I want to shot seriously high quality images. But I do need a super light&small lens for street photography.

[@thisisfrankie]

The only reason I’m thinking of going with the 1.8 is the minimum focal distance. I love the Zeiss but it can be frustrating at times not being able to focus close.

[@SourPlanet]

I don't usually read the comments first but I'm glad I did here lol. I have the Zeiss and it rules on the A7c 🤘

[@paulsp2693]

hi, does the Zeiss lens focus quietly? unlike sony prime lens which are noisy in focusing.

[@SourPlanet]

@@paulsp2693 I'm not the best person to ask. I only shoot stills and I live in Manhattan. So if it makes any noise, I can't hear it ha. I have shot around the house with my kid and stuff. Never noticed any sound at all. Next time I have it on I'll test.

[@NoManForAnAnswer]

@@paulsp2693 yes, it works well, no noise

[@lino100x100]

I bought the zeiss 35. I'm happy with it.

[@anthonyrouse8014]

Are, VERY smart move!

[@chesslover8829]

For travel and street, I would choose the Zeiss. (See Brian Smith's pictures of Haiti. Magnificent!) For portraits and studio work, I would choose the Sony. However, Sigma now offers a 35mm f/2, which is excellent.

[@PunkDuckVideo]

Thanks for doing this comparison, it had everything I needed to know 🙂

[@chryseass.5143]

Actually, I found this super helpful, thank you!

[@keithroche2]

Slight edge to the 35? Which 35?

[@franknstyle]

Confusing but if you pause and look, it's clearly the Zeiss.

[@winstonkzt5411]

@@franknstyle No, he's choosing the 1.8 over 2.8

[@franknstyle]

@@winstonkzt5411 naaah it's the 2.8

[@therigobertodelgado1275]

If it wasn't for the ending where he actually specified he kept saying 35 which was annoying xD

[@USMCDragonGunner]

haha, fair point. Sorry about that. When I say 35 I meant the sony, as was referring to the zeiss by zeiss. Anyway, after using the Sony 35 1.8, it's been great. Def buy this instead if you want the 1.8 and just better. It's not game changer sharper but get a higher hit rate and colors feels more alive. Which is crazy as Zeiss usually has that color rendition I prefer, but Sony did well with this 1.8.

[@nadeemafzal8984]

Massively helpful At some points u mention 35mm lens without saying if it’s 1.8 or 2.8 - so missed on some of the conclusions- other than that excellent comparison

[@feijoasalt1787]

Thank you for sharing! You have highlighted the important things for me to consider.. Kind regards

[@kevinramsey2967]

Thanks for your trouble. Next time, have a listen to the audio to avoid obvious gaffes like failing to distinguish which 35mm lens you're referring to!

[@k_meowington]

LOL, zeiss is clearly better at 7:37 when both at 2.8

[@felipejulian]

Could talk about the speed of focus on video mode.

[@felipejulian]

cool, Ill buy the zeis one so. tks

Such a bad decision.

[@Vadlife]

I actually do like the colours in ziess better.

[@nadeemafzal8984]

Same here

[@ECPUz]

Thanks for the video. Straight to the point! Cheers.

[@mattduncan5500]

im actually not sure on your conclusion , which you preferred. i was confused

[@jdw715]

"I give the edge to the 35!" Well that clarifies that! Redo the audio

[@LucasPassmore]

HAHAHAHA

[@jpark91]

You can't say to the 35... They're both 35

[@USMCDragonGunner]

Sorry about that, when saying 35 I meant the sony and the zeiss meaning the zeiss. After using the 35mm 1.8 for a few months, I can def say get the 1.8 lens unless you absolutely need the compact size.

[@kaisharperwez9460]

Very helpful and informative video. Thank you very much.

[@afrank3029]

Yeah which 35..?:/

[@serviola3]

For me the 35 1.8 It Is small enough and its great for close focus distance.

[@Amirish]

Nice man

[@arkngle]

7:30… you give a slight edge to the 35? Both are 35

[@mattduncan5500]

i found the conclusion confusing as well

[@arist8989]

it can Focus even on 2-3inhes away, try it, i own a FE 35mm f/1.8 and the AF really2x FAST

[@nickivlachou3117]

downsize for zeiss: no change to manual focus

[@ivomathias5040]

Nice video !

[@AnthonyWW68]

1:23 "ummm" clicked off.

[@Tzadeck]

This attempt at a lens review is fucking hilarious.

[@anthonyrouse8014]

Haha''. true, that..