Sony FE 35mm F1.8
Launch MSRP
$750- Weight
- 280g
- Filter
- ⌀55mm
- Min focus
- 0.22m
- Max mag.
- 0.24×
- Formula
- 11E / 9G
- Released
- 2019
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 1x Aspherical
- Aperture range
- f/1.8 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 280g
- ⌀ × length
- 65.6 × 73.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀55mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 8.4 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.22m
- Max magnification
- 0.24× (1:4.2)
Optical character
Sony's mid-priced 35 fills the gap between the tiny Sonnar f/2.8 and the f/1.4 lenses. At 280g it is light enough to stay on the camera, and the f/1.8 aperture with 0.22m close focus (0.24x) lets it isolate subjects better than its size suggests.
It uses 11 elements in 9 groups with one aspherical element, a 9-blade rounded aperture and a linear-motor AF system. A focus-hold button and AF/MF switch are on the barrel, and the lens is dust and moisture resistant. Rendering is clean and fairly neutral rather than characterful.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers found good centre sharpness wide open, softer corners at f/1.8 that sharpen up nicely by f/4, and low distortion and spherical aberration. Autofocus is fast and quiet enough for video, though not as quick as Sony's XD-motor lenses.
The main criticisms are visible longitudinal colour fringing wide open, some lateral CA, noticeable vignetting, and a price that felt high at launch for a non-G lens with a partly plastic build. Testers still treat it as a sensible lighter alternative to the f/1.4 options.
Owner sentiment
Owners like the size, the close-focus ability and the reliable Eye-AF, and many pair it with compact bodies like the A7C. It is a frequent first prime upgrade from kit zooms.
Common complaints are purple fringing on backlit edges, focus noise that some hear in quiet video, and a rear lens cap and hood that feel cheap. Several owners mention it often sells at a discount, which improves its value.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Light at 280g
- +Close focus to 0.22m (0.24x)
- +Quiet linear-motor AF with focus-hold button
- +Dust and moisture resistant
Weaknesses
- −Longitudinal CA wide open
- −Soft corners at f/1.8
- −Pricey for a non-G lens at launch
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 8.2
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.6
- Autofocus Speed
- 8.4
- Flare Resistance
- 8.1
- Build / Sealing
- 7.9
- Value / Size
- 7.8
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm |
| Category | Wide |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 11 elements in 9 groups |
| Special elements | 1x Aspherical |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Linear Motor |
| Minimum focus | 0.22m |
| Max magnification | 0.24× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 280g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 65.6 × 73.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀55mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2019 |
| Launch MSRP | $750 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL35F18F/spec.html
- sony-asia.com/electronics/camera-lenses/sel35f18f/specifications
- lenstip.com/593.3-Lens_review-Sony_FE_35_mm_f_1.8_Build_quality.html
- cined.com/sony-releases-fe-35mm-f18-lens/
- photographylife.com/reviews/sony-fe-35mm-f-1-8
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSFE 35mm F1.8 vs 35mm F1.4
- VSFE 35mm F1.8 vs 35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
- VSFE 35mm F1.8 vs 35mm F1.4 Mark III
- 7Artisans
35mm F1.4
35mmF1.4- WT
- 298g
- FLT
- ⌀46mm
- MFD
- 0.40m
- MSRP
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MFRING - 7Artisans
35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
35mmF1.4- WT
- 284g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.33m
- MSRP
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MFRING - 7Artisans
35mm F1.4 Mark III
35mmF1.4- WT
- 274g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.33m
- MSRP
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MFRING·DC
