Looking at the DPR image comparometer at f/5.6 the Sony does very well for center sharpness, but lags both the Canon and Nikon in resolution outside the middle of the frame. The Sony really lags behind in the corners and shows much more light fall-off. Very disappointing from a landscape lens perspective. The performance doesn't seem to match the MTF chart
They thrown in this comment about light fall-off, which I don't agree with (I think it robs the edges of quality color and contrast): "With modern (particularly Sony) sensors, the vignetting isn't much of a concern to us, as it's easily removed in post at very little image quality cost."
Fred Miranda wrote:
From all the samples I've seen so far, I think I'd much prefer images from the FE 24/1.4 GM in crop mode over the new FE 35/1.8 when "only" comparing rendering. I wish it was true and the FE 35/1.8 rendered like the Sonnar 35/2.
Here is a FE 24/1.4 GM vs Sonnar 35/2 (RX1RII) rendering comparison: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1568815/20#14737721
Having the 24GM as well I would probably agree but the FE35 still makes for a more compact, lighter and FF option
Here are 4 images to show the difference between the FE35 and24GM in crop mode on the the A7rIII.
CA is visible in the upper right around the leaves in the 2nd images, is similar with both lenses and can be corrected easily in LR
The F35 at f2 and GM at f1.4
At these apertures I would say that the GM gives visibly smoother rendering to OOF areas but there is not a lot in it.
Viramati wrote:
Here are 4 images to show the difference between the 24GM in crop mode on the the A7rIII. FE35 images were about .75 of a stop darker so I have just raised the exposure in LR but otherwise OOC images
CA is visible in the upper right around the leaves in the 2nd images, is similar with both lenses and can be corrected easily in LR
The F35 at f2 and GM at f1.4
At these apertures I would say that the GM gives visibly smoother rendering to OOF areas but there is not a lot in it.
now with FE35 at f1.8 and GM at 1.4
On the whole bokeh seems very similar with the FE35 maybe having a slight edge ...Show more →
Thank you! That's a great comparison. The "structured" bokeh balls look similar to Batis 40 to me. I think FE35 F1.8 will become another "batis killer", as it is significantly cheaper and seems to provide a similar picture (though I think Batis is better corrected for CA).
For me the whole point of this lens is that is small, light and f1.8 and not a GM monster and I wouldn't expect GM performance. Yes the 24GM performs well in crop mode but as you can see it is a lens that still suffers from CA at 1.4 and is bigger and a little heavier but I do miss not having an aperture ring on the FE35. I would never regard the 35 as a 'landscape' lens and I think there maybe better options here (personally I use the 16-35GM for landscape) but for most mortals it will perform well enough in this area. For what I need it for I would rarely be stopping down beyond f4 anyway
Viramati wrote:
For me the whole point of this lens is that is small, light and f1.8 and not a GM monster and I wouldn't expect GM performance. Yes the 24GM performs well in crop mode but as you can see it is a lens that still suffers from CA at 1.4 and is bigger and a little heavier but I do miss not having an aperture ring on the FE35.
I agree. It’s a bit of a shame that in the prime world Sony reserves the “premium” lenses for their fastest options (with the exception of the very first release of the 35/f2.8 and 55/f1.8 and I guess 90mm G Macro). There would be a market for say “G” branded semi-premium semi-fast options. This 35/1.8 in metal and with an aperture ring would fit the bill, perhaps with more exotic glass to justify the badge. Actually they should make the focus hold button and aperture ring standard across their prime range in my view. Won’t stop me from getting this for a smaller 35mm option.
p.29 #11 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
Have you compared it to the 16-35 GM? We use and like similar lenses it seems, therefore I would like to know how it compares to the 16-35 GM at 35mm, for you. Thank you!
Viramati wrote:
For me the whole point of this lens is that is small, light and f1.8 and not a GM monster and I wouldn't expect GM performance. Yes the 24GM performs well in crop mode but as you can see it is a lens that still suffers from CA at 1.4 and is bigger and a little heavier but I do miss not having an aperture ring on the FE35. I would never regard the 35 as a 'landscape' lens and I think there maybe better options here (personally I use the 16-35GM for landscape) but for most mortals it will perform well enough in this area. For what I need it for I would rarely be stopping down beyond f4 anyway...Show more →
p.29 #12 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
From all that I am seeing and I really want to test this lens but it was not designed really for landscape shooters. Looks more for wedding, event and journalism type work . Which I need it for. To me it’s maybe the fastest operating 35 we have. This is the sense I get without testing it yet. Maybe the fastest AF lens in this focal length and perfect for low light shooting type stuff. Couple nice things is the focus hold button and AF/MF switch which I’m drawn to in my AF glass like my 24/135. So that’s a big bonus for me. Getting the new A7rIV I could easily throw it in crop mode for event work and cheat if you will. It does look like a nice lens but not sure your going to have the bokeh queen of lenses here . It’s a modern day sharp as shit lens. So rendering and such is secondary. It’s going to sell like crazy because that’s what most people want. Maybe not so much the FM crowd who may have more diverse taste in glass but this will sell like crazy for Sony. To me they hit there market we just maybe not be it.
A few questions are still left to be answered by testing it but seems a very competent lens for a vast amount of Sony shooters. Just not sure if it’s one of those to write home about. If you get my meaning
But I need it in my hands. I’ve tried just about everything in this 35-55 lens group and I’m still in limbo on it. I’m fine with my MF glass it’s my AF kit I need for work. For a work lens this maybe perfect 24,35,85,135 is a sweet kit. For personal work I use my MF kit so I’m covered on the bokeh look stuff.
I think we need to see if Tamron brings something to the table.
My game plan is get the A7rIV first, test that and my glass than go from there. The Sigma 45 I would have perfered but it’s too slow for me. But I’d like a 40/45 I think
p.29 #13 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
realVivek wrote:
Nope!
I don’t think it’s quite so simple. At f2 on the 35 the 24gm is clearly a little nicer wide open but with the 35 at f1.8 it is a closer match and of course I have the full sized RAW files which I can compare in my retina screen. It also appears that though the 35 may look a little nicer in the corners I think the 24gm is smoother.
p.29 #14 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
FYI, the FOV of the Sony is noticeably narrower than other 35mm f/1.8 lenses. Here's an animated GIF I created comparing the FOV of the Sony to the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 using the equally-framed cityscape shot in Dpreview's 35mm comparison widget:
p.29 #16 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
My FE35/1.8 seems to be functioning perfectly but when I hold the lens in my hand and tilt it forwards towards the front element I can feel the lens elements moving (something is moving, I assume the lens elements). I can then tilt it back the other way towards the mount and feel it move the other way. Like I can feel the balance point shift.
Is this normal? I havent had a lens previously that done that. Like I say it functions correctly
p.29 #17 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
You mean when it's off the body ? Some lenses with a specific AF drive system do that, the AF elements freely move until the camera is powered on. I had this with some m43 lenses if I recall properly.
p.29 #18 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
MayaTlab wrote:
You mean when it's off the body ? Some lenses with a specific AF drive system do that, the AF elements freely move until the camera is powered on. I had this with some m43 lenses if I recall properly.
Yes, it seems to stop when connected to the camera with the power on
p.29 #19 · Now in Stock: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 ($748)
xpfloyd wrote:
My FE35/1.8 seems to be functioning perfectly but when I hold the lens in my hand and tilt it forwards towards the front element I can feel the lens elements moving (something is moving, I assume the lens elements). I can then tilt it back the other way towards the mount and feel it move the other way. Like I can feel the balance point shift.
Is this normal? I havent had a lens previously that done that. Like I say it functions correctly
