p.62 #1 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
PhilG21 wrote:
Well, as expected I just got my copy in the mail. So far, it seems perfectly fine. Built like a tank, as a GM lens should be. No problem with the decoration ring. I'm everything but a reviewer, but I'll let you know if anything wrong comes up...
Can't wait to hear what you think. My expectation is it will be just like my 24mm f/1.4 GM, just a 35mm. For me personally the 35mm and 20mm are focal lengths I enjoy more. Pre-ordered here in the US where delivery has been pushed out by at least a week.
p.62 #3 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
RSSmith wrote:
Just got off the phone with Adorama customer service to clarify an issue with my AmEx regarding my shipping & billing addresses.
I asked when they anticipate getting the GM in, and he said mid-April.
2021, I presume, but didn't ask.
Yet B&H changed their expected shipping date to now show Feb. 22nd. I would think if they have heard differently they would advise so on their page. Maybe they will change it as that day gets closer. They already changed it from the original ship date to the 22nd. Interesting.
p.62 #4 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Alex W wrote:
Yet B&H changed the their expected shipping date to now show Feb. 22nd. I would think if they have heard differently they would advise so on their page. Maybe they will change it as that day gets closer. They already changed it from the original ship date to the 22nd. Interesting.
Mid February to mid April is a pretty huge delay and if that ends up being the case Sony should come out and make an official announcement. People make plans and decisions on their equipment and a delay of 2 months is significant in that context. I know for me it matters since I listed both my FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA and FE 35mm f/1.8 for sale when I placed my pre-order for the new GM. The ZA is sold but not the f/1.8 yet. May just need to hang on to it for a while longer. Will call B&H this week to see if we can get an answer on that. I know some Europeans have already received theirs so the large delay is a little puzzling.
p.62 #5 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
So… this afternoon I finally could take a few shots with the copy I received friday. As said before, I’m not a reviewer, I won’t be able to analyze CA or field curvature. These are just my first thoughts, they’re entirely subjective and definitely not scientific (and perhaps not always clear; sorry if my english isn’t perfect !!).
Overall, I’m quite impressed. So far I really like the rendering. Bokeh is just beautiful, transition zones are as smooth as it gets. I don’t know if it’s perfect, but to my eyes at least it « draws » beautifully. That’s the first thing I expected from a new 1.4 GM lens, probably like many of us. That was clearly a priority, so I’m not disappointed. For the past few months, I’ve been focusing on fine art projects, using mostly a Hasselblad X1D - which is a fantastic tool for spectacular landscapes - and keeping my Sony gear for everything I can’t do or can’t afford in medium format: to that regard, the 35 GM is a welcome addition to my 85 GM and 20 G. All of these lenses have a specific character and that’s what I’m looking for.
And of course, this lens is razor-sharp, even at f/1.4 (although it may not be obvious in this first picture because of heavy jpeg compression; please note it’s the first time I’m posting a picture here, so I may have to edit my post if it doesn’t work properly). Many reviewers already noticed this point, but it’s another thing to see it with your own eyes, on your own pictures. Having this level of sharpness combined with such a smooth rendering is impressive. It’s certainly on par with the Sigma 35 f/1.2, maybe even better (but honestly it’s hard to say with « real world » shots, and I currently don’t have the Sigma with me).
Last thought, but not the least : what is a bit more of a surprise to me is the 3D effect - or pop effect, or microcontrast, call it as you want ;-) I was expecting sharpness and « dreamy character », but not necessarily a pop factor. Again, I’ve been shooting a lot lately with my Hassy… so it says a lot when I’m talking about 3D effect. Usually the only e-mount lens in my kit that gives me this kind of effect is my Batis 25 (whose colors are also pretty close to my Hasselblad lenses).
Final word, my copy is a keeper. Actually it slightly exceeds my expectations . Of course this lens certainly also have weaknesses that we will progressively discover… I mean other weaknesses than its unjustifiable price in Europe (sorry I had to say at least one negative thing !!).
Anyway I’m eager to hear your feedbacks as soon as possible !
The picture below was taken with an A7R III, wide open at f/1.4, ISO 100, 1/25 sec. Distance to the subject was approximatively 2 ft. Sharpness in Lightroom is set to 50. No correction profile available for now.
EDIT : I'm gonna post the picture separately so that my feedback can be easily read
p.62 #18 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Yikes, I really hope that’s not the case for all of us that preordered right away. It would be nice if Sony put out an official statement clarifying the exact issue and when people can expect to get their lens. It’s not like this was a $20 purchase.
p.62 #19 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Those look really promising. Kinda bummed I cancelled my pre-order now. But I've been waiting for this lens for so long I can wait alittle longer for them to work any bugs out.
p.62 #20 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
B&H customer service said they are expecting the first shipment soon but had no details of when they will arrive or when they will be able to deliver. Anyone else have any info?
