The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Here is the official video on the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8.
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Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is a great wide angle focal length lens. Many consider 35mm to be a great general purpose focal length.
- The f/1.8 aperture is great for low light work.
- 9 blade aperture for a smooth bokeh.
- Extremely handy compared to its competitors.
- The lens doesn’t have Optical Steady Shot, but you will get some stabilization with a Sony a7S III or the Sony Alpha 1 that has in built stabilization.
- Linear MF or Fly by wire focus response will give this lens an edge above the rest
- Sony claims the Eye AF for video is precise and quick.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wedding filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Low budget music videos
- Gimbal use
- Corporate videos and low budget commercials
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
| Lens | Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art |
| Filter Thread | 55mm | 67mm |
| Size | 65.6mm x 73mm | 77mm × 120mm |
| Weight | 280g | 755g |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.22m / 0.73ft | 0.3m / 0.98ft |
| Manual focus response | Fly by wire | Focus by wire |
| Customizable button | Present | Absent |
| Max. Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min. Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 blades | 9 blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonally) | 63 | 63 |
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM (B&H, Amazon) is quite heavier and bigger the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H). This makes the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 the preferred lens for gimbal or handheld use.
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 also has linear manual focus response which makes it useful for manual focus. The Sony FE 35mm also has closer minimum focusing distance by 10cm.
The Sigma does give you some additional light by opening up to f/1.4. Out in the field, one third of a stop can be easily managed so this is not a huge advantage for Sigma.
Upon comparing the official MTF charts of both the lenses you can infer that the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 are on par. They are really close. At f/1.8, though, I expect the Art to be better.
Features
Coverage
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The focal length is 35mm. This is considered normal on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful for long shots, mid shots, interviews, and medium close ups.
Aperture
The maximum aperture is f/1.8 and the minimum aperture is f/16.
Having f/1.8 is good enough for low light. Most people will use it at f/2 or f/2.8 for the purpose of balancing sharpness and the shallow depth of field look, and to get smooth bokeh.
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) has 9 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, but it’s not always a given. To know more about bokeh, read this:
Resolution
From Sony’s official MTF charts:
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) has a really early fall off and isn’t the sharpest lens. Considering this is a standard lens, this performance is acceptable. You get what you pay for.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be as smooth. It’s a question of testing the lens out yourself to see if it pleases you aesthetically.
If you really want this lens at its sharpest you’re better off stopping down to f/2 or even f/2.8 for best results.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance is 0.22 meters or 0.73 feet. That’s nice for this focal length because you can also use it for close ups.
Image Stabilization
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) lens doesn’t have OSS. This is a disappointment. Using it with the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III can provide it with some image stabilization.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. By default, it is set to Linear manual focus or fly by wire.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, even slightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
The inclusion of the fly by wire manual focus can make many videographers and cinematographers choose this lens.
Autofocus system
Sony’s autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. They claim the AF actuators are much better than the previous autofocusing systems. There is a switch on the side of the body to switch from autofocus to manual focus.
The narrow depth of field available at a wide F1.8 aperture makes focus critical. The quiet, fast response and high precision of this lens’s linear-motor AF drive system ensure precise focus not only for stills, but also for movies where “wobbling” is employed for delicate continuous focus control.
Sony
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread diameter of 55mm. This is a slightly uncommon filter diameter.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 11 elements in 9 groups, including one aspherical element. The optical design is good enough for a standard prime.
Size and Weight
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 65.6mm and a length of 73mm. It weighs around 280 grams. It is pretty light for its class and lens construction.
Weather resistance
Sony claims that this standard lens is weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera or lens is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
Keep in mind that this is not a G Master lens and we cannot expect it to be reliable in harsh weathers.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Hood (model): ALC-SH159
- Lens front cap: ALC-F55S
- Lens rear cap: ALC-R1EM
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) is a great wide angle lens. The only alternatives are:
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM (B&H, Amazon)- Wider aperture, cheaper, heavier and bigger, sharper at f/1.8.
- Better alternative: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) – Bigger aperture, expensive, newer design that should be better for AF, lighter, more blades, better performance.
I hope you found this overview of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
