Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA

Reviewers found good centre sharpness wide open and strong results across the frame by f/2.8 to f/4, with pleasing micro-contrast and colour. Bokeh was generally rated as smooth, and longitudinal colour fringing as moderate for an f/1.4 design of its era. Build quality and the aperture ring drew consistent praise.

Criticisms centred on size and price, field curvature and softer corners at f/1.4, and copy-to-copy variation reports. Once the FE 35mm F1.4 GM arrived, most testers pointed out that the newer lens is sharper, smaller and faster to focus for a similar price.

Long-time owners like the rendering and colour, and some keep it over the GM for its character and metal build. Video shooters appreciate the clickless aperture ring and quiet focus.

Common complaints are the weight on small A7 bodies, AF that is less snappy than newer Sony primes, focus-by-wire that some find slow, and the 72mm filter size. Several owners report the lens is now easy to find discounted or used.