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Archive 2021Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
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p.13 #1Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
I’ve been waiting for a 35 GM ever since I bought into Sony, but if it has the same clinical, overly sharp rendering as the 135 GM, I will be highly disappointed. I much prefer the softer rendering on the Canon Mark II, which to my eye is still the gold standard for a 35mm.
Dec 19, 2020 at 01:57 PM
p.13 #2Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Fred Miranda wrote:
It's possible that the Sony has faster/more accurate AF but I don't think we have seen an evidence showing this.
I don't dispute this, but if I were buying something for work it's less seeing what I can get away with and more CYA in case anything goes wrong.
It's possible that the Sony has faster/more accurate AF but I don't think we have seen an evidence showing this.
I don't dispute this, but if I were buying something for work it's less seeing what I can get away with and more CYA in case anything goes wrong.
Dec 19, 2020 at 01:59 PM
p.13 #3Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
JVan_02 wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.
I’m not a pro, so I can basically choose what I prefer.
The Sigma 35/2 as well as some other new Sigms lenses, Sony G, GM and even Viltrox come with aperture rings. That ticks the nostalgia box for me too.
It’s actually possible to assemble a nice kit of primes with AF as silent as manual focus and aperture ring and linear manual focus for Sony FE now. This has just recently dawned on me.
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
I’m not a pro, so I can basically choose what I prefer.
The Sigma 35/2 as well as some other new Sigms lenses, Sony G, GM and even Viltrox come with aperture rings. That ticks the nostalgia box for me too.
It’s actually possible to assemble a nice kit of primes with AF as silent as manual focus and aperture ring and linear manual focus for Sony FE now. This has just recently dawned on me.
Dec 19, 2020 at 02:33 PM
p.13 #4Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
JVan_02 wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.
The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?
Dec 19, 2020 at 03:00 PM
p.13 #5Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
vdo1 wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?
In this case "better" = "butter" as in buttery smooth bokeh
...
JVan_02 wrote
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
In this case "better" = "butter" as in buttery smooth bokeh
...Dec 19, 2020 at 03:05 PM
p.13 #6Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
RoamingScott wrote:
I’ve been waiting for a 35 GM ever since I bought into Sony, but if it has the same clinical, overly sharp rendering as the 135 GM, I will be highly disappointed. I much prefer the softer rendering on the Canon Mark II, which to my eye is still the gold standard for a 35mm.
I personally never found the "sharper but less smooth" appoach in 135 GM a problem. Maybe I haven't shot it enough to run into such conditions, but I think it's mainly because you get a lot of blur with 135mm at f1.8, so it's a lot harder to run into the issue compared to e.g. 35mm f1.8...
I’ve been waiting for a 35 GM ever since I bought into Sony, but if it has the same clinical, overly sharp rendering as the 135 GM, I will be highly disappointed. I much prefer the softer rendering on the Canon Mark II, which to my eye is still the gold standard for a 35mm.
I personally never found the "sharper but less smooth" appoach in 135 GM a problem. Maybe I haven't shot it enough to run into such conditions, but I think it's mainly because you get a lot of blur with 135mm at f1.8, so it's a lot harder to run into the issue compared to e.g. 35mm f1.8...
Dec 19, 2020 at 03:09 PM
p.13 #7Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Until Plato comes back from the dead and launches a line of perfect lenses (the “Ideal” series?), ultimately it is a subjective determination by, of course, the buyer who always spends their money on the “better” lens. Though as can be witnessed in the buy and sell forum, “better” is a moving target for most of us - further evidence of its subjectivity rather than some sterile, numerical, unchanging objective truth. Or perhaps just our humanity and inability to grasp lens truths.
vdo1 wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?
vdo1 wrote:
JVan_02 wrote
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
Dec 19, 2020 at 03:16 PM
p.13 #8Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
j4nu wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?In this case "better" = "butter" as in buttery smooth bokeh ...
So how comes no love for the FE 28/2?
vdo1 wrote
JVan_02 wrote
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
...So how comes no love for the FE 28/2?
Dec 19, 2020 at 03:26 PM
p.13 #9Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
vdo1 wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?In this case "better" = "butter" as in buttery smooth bokeh ...So how comes no love for the FE 28/2?
I'm not a 28mm type of person so I have no idea but this lens seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it kinda thing...
On the other hand, there's a lot of love present for ZA 35mm f1.4, caused by its smooth rendering as I understand, even though there's a number of "technical" issues with it...
j4nu wrote
vdo1 wrote
JVan_02 wrote
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
...I'm not a 28mm type of person so I have no idea but this lens seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it kinda thing...
On the other hand, there's a lot of love present for ZA 35mm f1.4, caused by its smooth rendering as I understand, even though there's a number of "technical" issues with it...
Dec 19, 2020 at 04:34 PM
p.13 #10Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
It'll be interesting to see what kind of compromises Laowa made with the upcoming Argus 35. The lens looks small for the advertised aperture. I'm also very interested to see what Viltrox comes up with in their 24/35/50 f/1.8 trio. They made a solid, competitive 85/1.8, so I think the rest could offer interesting alternatives. The Sigma 35/2 appears to have its strengths. Of course, there's the existing no less than eight AF 35's for the mount, and nine zooms that include the focal length. Add-in the countless number of MF 35's available, and, assuming we do get a GM, it will arrive with an already overwhelming number of 35mm choices for the mount.
So, I propose this: If we get to the GM, and you still haven't filled that slot on your dance card, then the problem is you.
From Shel Silverstein's "A Light in the Attic"
So, I propose this: If we get to the GM, and you still haven't filled that slot on your dance card, then the problem is you.
From Shel Silverstein's "A Light in the Attic"
Dec 19, 2020 at 05:50 PM
p.13 #11Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I will hold my excitement until we see the images it produces. (And the official size of this thing)I agree. But based on Sony's recent track record with lenses I'd be really surprised if it was a let down.Although not a GM, the 35/1.8 was a recent release and a let down for me. It's still a great lens but not what I wanted in terms of rendering. The latest GM prime was the 135/1.8 and if Sony goes that route aiming for ultimate resolution + correction, it may not be what I want in a 35mm lens.
For my own personal taste, I'm excited about the possibility of Sony getting this right but we don't know much about it, except that it will be released next year.I'm with you that the 35mm 1.8 didn't do it for me either. But that actually gives me a better feeling about the GM rendering better. My only concern now is how big is it going to be. If they can make it smaller somehow than the Zeiss it will be a winner. At least for meBeing slightly smaller than the 35/1.4 ZA is a more realistic expectation than it being only slightly bigger than the 24/1.4 GM. (as reported)
I hope that will not be the case as it completely changes the dynamics with the f1.2 Sigma...
It will be: do I want to take a rather big lens or a really big lens ...
nhsonyshooter wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
nhsonyshooter wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
nandadevieast wrote
I am really excited about this lens.For my own personal taste, I'm excited about the possibility of Sony getting this right but we don't know much about it, except that it will be released next year.
I hope that will not be the case as it completely changes the dynamics with the f1.2 Sigma...
It will be: do I want to take a rather big lens or a really big lens
...Dec 19, 2020 at 06:14 PM
p.13 #12Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Would love to see a 50 1.2 GM with 2 focus motors. The Zeiss 1.4 is a little long in the tooth tech wise.
Dec 27, 2020 at 06:14 PM
p.13 #13Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
engel001 wrote:
To add to the current and upcoming choices, I am struggling to assess the the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 adapted to Sony. I already have Canon and Nikon autofocus adapters. At currently $699 at B&H, it seems like an irresistible deal. What do you think?
If you didn't get it yet. Buy it! It's the best 35mm fast prime imo in terms of balance of sharpness, aberration correction, and bokeh, color rendering. It's very reasonably sized even with an adapter. I'm using it on the GFX (I get the FOV of 28 but distance-perspective to framing of 35!) to shoot video and it's so, so good. A similar quality 35mm cinema lens would be like minimal 10x the price!
The Sigma 35 1.2 is incredible but I sold it ultimately twice. I feel like the Tamron SP is more like a natural evolution of my previously favorite 35 ZA. I have the Sigma 40 for when I need the biting sharpness.
I'm still waiting for the 35GM because I think they could definitely make a similar quality lens but even more compact and have that sweet AF performance. Sigma Art is awesome, but judging by Sony's 12-24 GM response, I'm fairly excited at the potential.
To add to the current and upcoming choices, I am struggling to assess the the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 adapted to Sony. I already have Canon and Nikon autofocus adapters. At currently $699 at B&H, it seems like an irresistible deal. What do you think?
If you didn't get it yet. Buy it! It's the best 35mm fast prime imo in terms of balance of sharpness, aberration correction, and bokeh, color rendering. It's very reasonably sized even with an adapter. I'm using it on the GFX (I get the FOV of 28 but distance-perspective to framing of 35!) to shoot video and it's so, so good. A similar quality 35mm cinema lens would be like minimal 10x the price!
The Sigma 35 1.2 is incredible but I sold it ultimately twice. I feel like the Tamron SP is more like a natural evolution of my previously favorite 35 ZA. I have the Sigma 40 for when I need the biting sharpness.
I'm still waiting for the 35GM because I think they could definitely make a similar quality lens but even more compact and have that sweet AF performance. Sigma Art is awesome, but judging by Sony's 12-24 GM response, I'm fairly excited at the potential.
Dec 27, 2020 at 07:13 PM
p.13 #14Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Maybe we can get back to this post in Late-Feb, it's not leaked yet, not with a single product-picture. 
Dec 28, 2020 at 04:37 AM
p.13 #15Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
It’s the best Sony pens there is. Not kidding.
vdo1 wrote:
Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.Well, the new Sigma might produce a better image but if I were doing anything related to journalism again I'd pick the Sony. Having the latest AF system matters, 1/3 an extra stop will probably translate better to the print sizes you see in articles than the niceties of Sigma's superior image, and the Sony has at least some protection against water ingress. Additionally, Sony simply outclasses the Sigma when it comes to video.The question here is how we define this "better". Is it something measurable and directly comparable? Or is it a subjective verdict? If subjective, then who's to be the judge?In this case "better" = "butter" as in buttery smooth bokeh ...So how comes no love for the FE 28/2?
vdo1 wrote:
j4nu wrote
vdo1 wrote
JVan_02 wrote
bjornthun wrote
There may have been a need for a 35/1.8 among several clients, not just AP. If you don’t like carrying a heavy zoom then a 35/1.8 or 35/2 is an excellent choice. I used to own a Nikon AF 35/2 and before that an Olympus OM Zuiko 35/2 (I started out with manual film SLRs), and I’m just an amateur. We’ve gone from none to suddenly a bunch of 35/1.8-2 lenses. A 35mm is the widest wide angle before you get any serious distortion. That make for an excellent, inobtrusive, fast, light, carry everywhere lens. Did I say inobtrusive? A 35/1.4 might not tick the light and inobtrusive boxes, and a 35/2 was fast even in the days of film when 400 ISO was fast film.Sigma 35/2 Contemporary seems to tick all the boxes.
...Dec 28, 2020 at 07:48 AM
p.13 #16Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
ftllens wrote:
engel001 wrote
To add to the current and upcoming choices, I am struggling to assess the the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 adapted to Sony. I already have Canon and Nikon autofocus adapters. At currently $699 at B&H, it seems like an irresistible deal. What do you think?The Sigma 35 1.2 is incredible but I sold it ultimately twice. I feel like the Tamron SP is more like a natural evolution of my previously...Show more →
You should start a thread with results on GFX.
Dec 28, 2020 at 03:25 PM
p.13 #17Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Maybe I missed it—any rumor to a release date, month or even quarter?
Edited on Jan 04, 2021 at 11:24 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Jan 04, 2021 at 11:24 AM · View previous versions
Jan 04, 2021 at 11:10 AM
p.13 #18Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
That is great news! Man I really love my sigma 35 1.2 but it will be interesting to see what they will pull off. My only gripe with the sigma is the flaring issues that surprisingly can be destructive even with indoor ceiling lights as I discovered the other day creating a green color round artifact. As long as I got my lens hood on its good
Jan 04, 2021 at 11:16 AM
p.13 #19Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Maybe I missed it—any rumor do a release date, month or even quarter?
None that I know of, I really wish Sony was more active this year but I don't think that's gonna happen (so again ~2 lenses per year?) ...
Maybe I missed it—any rumor do a release date, month or even quarter?
None that I know of, I really wish Sony was more active this year but I don't think that's gonna happen (so again ~2 lenses per year?) ...
Jan 04, 2021 at 11:20 AM
p.13 #20Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
j4nu wrote:
nehemiahphoto wrote
Maybe I missed it—any rumor do a release date, month or even quarter?Sony is really pissing away their early lead in number of lenses by barely releasing anything while Canon and Nikon pump out good glass year after year.
Jan 04, 2021 at 02:32 PM