p.80 #1 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Was thinking to sell my Samyung 34 1.4, and Voigtlander 40 f1.2 and get this GM but now I see Zony 35 1.4 ZA is only $678 with EDU discount at focuscamera. I am tempted as I love the Zony 50 1.4. But then again I am worried about dealing with bad copies of Zony even at $678.
p.80 #2 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
kits_VA wrote:
Was thinking to sell my Samyung 34 1.4, and Voigtlander 40 f1.2 and get this GM but now I see Zony 35 1.4 ZA is only $678 with EDU discount at focuscamera. I am tempted as I love the Zony 50 1.4. But then again I am worried about dealing with bad copies of Zony even at $678.
It depends what you want to use it for.
1) If you want to take portraits with the person framed in the centre, get the Zony - it's OK sharp in the centre (perfect for portraits, not perfect for cases where you want sharpness+++), then sharpness drops in midframe and in the corners. If your ZA copy is decentred, then at 1.4 to around 2.0 the right frame (usually) will be less sharp than the left, but as you're framing your subject in the centre (after reading this post!) then you don't care so much.
2) If you want a lens that is (amazingly) sharp throughout the frame (even in the very corners, which flabbergasted me) at 1.4, and which is almost too sharp for portraits at 1.4 (luckily we have post processing and pro mist filters), with out of focus areas a bit busier than for the ZA, then get the GM.
IMHO, pretty much every use except portraits with the subject centre frame leads to the GM properly outclassing the ZA.
p.80 #4 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
abadger wrote:
Some things I've noticed thus far...
CA seems to be there from f/1.4 to about f/2.8 where it starts to disappear. It's not terrible but it's there.
Corner to corner sharpness in this lens is excellent even at f/1.4. I think this is a big advantage over other lenses in the lineup.
There is some bokeh definition that is less pleasing than the Sigma just behind the plane of focus when the subject/focus is more than 2-3 meters out and at f/1.4. While it happens a little bit with the Sigma at certain distance, there is typically more blur to cover it. With the GM, it can produce definition that, in select scenarios, can be noticeable if you are looking. Case in point for me is from the post just above this one, first image, top center-right. That branch of the tree is just behind the plane of focus and it is not as smooth as the rest of the background bokeh as a result. You wouldn't notice this if the subject or focus was within 2 meters due to blur taking effect.
I think overall it's still going to be the best AF lens at this weight and form factor in the lineup, but I can see why, if bokeh was critical, one might opt for the Sigma. I'll be really interested in a side-by-side of these two in some more detail if someone has both to test....Show more →
What you've described from images at ~3m and wide open is how the transition zone behaves, and the GM seems to be better corrected for SA which gives it an edge on resolution but also adds a bit more structure to the transition zone. Having said that, I really like the 35/1.4 GM's rendering from the samples I've seen, although it does not seem to be quite as good as the 24/1.4 GM's.
I don't own the Sigma 35/1.2 but intend to compare the Sigma 35/2 DG DN vs 35/1.4 GM @f/2 side by side.
p.80 #5 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Anxo wrote:
In Spain it's ready to buy it. I have one.
I'm very happy for you but it's still nowhere to be found in Poland....
Anyways, maybe that's good - I have my Bigma which I'm happy with and at the same time I have a different lens which needs replacing ...
p.80 #6 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Fred Miranda wrote:
What you've described from images at ~3m and wide open is how the transition zone behaves, and the GM seems to be better corrected for SA which gives it an edge on resolution but also adds a bit more structure to the transition zone. Having said that, I really like the 35/1.4 GM's rendering from the samples I've seen, although it does not seem to be quite as good as the 24/1.4 GM's.
I don't own the Sigma 35/1.2 but intend to compare the Sigma 35/2 DG DN vs 35/1.4 GM @f/2 side by side.
Thanks, Fred, very much looking forward to your thoughts when you have it in hand. That comparison will be helpful, and I also think a lot of people will be interested in the bigger Sigma lens comparison as well should you or any other tester gain access to one to compare. I think there are a lot of nuances you explore that are not addressed as specifically by general lens reviewers. So it is always very helpful to see what you have to say.
p.80 #7 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
I have the GM on pre-order, the Bigma and the 35 F2 on hand. I'll be doing some comparisons for myself as I decide what direction to go with these 3 lenses and will post them here.
p.80 #8 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
rainio wrote:
It depends what you want to use it for.
1) If you want to take portraits with the person framed in the centre, get the Zony - it's OK sharp in the centre (perfect for portraits, not perfect for cases where you want sharpness+++), then sharpness drops in midframe and in the corners. If your ZA copy is decentred, then at 1.4 to around 2.0 the right frame (usually) will be less sharp than the left, but as you're framing your subject in the centre (after reading this post!) then you don't care so much.
2) If you want a lens that is (amazingly) sharp throughout the frame (even in the very corners, which flabbergasted me) at 1.4, and which is almost too sharp for portraits at 1.4 (luckily we have post processing and pro mist filters), with out of focus areas a bit busier than for the ZA, then get the GM.
IMHO, pretty much every use except portraits with the subject centre frame leads to the GM properly outclassing the ZA. ...Show more →
Well........
I don't have the GM but I do have the ZA.
First off; my guess, (and it is just a guess ) is that the vast majority of ZAs are perfectly centered.
People with decentered copies post. Those with centered lenses don't.
That skews perceptions.
Second - the ZA is more than adequately sharp off center. Not concertina wire sharp but sharp enough to do what lenses like this are expected to do.
Corners? I don't care about corners 1.4 - 2.8.
I have the GM on order and I do expect it to be a better lens overall.
That said -
I do have a sneaking suspicion that my ZA will be the lens that comes closest to rendering the way my RX1 does.
Still a great lens even though it cannot provide sharpness +++ across the frame.
A framework for my opinion:
I love, to use a trite expression, "filmic images" so "sharpness uber alles" is not my thing.
p.80 #9 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
DaveFP wrote:
First off; my guess, (and it is just a guess ) is that the vast majority of ZAs are perfectly centered.
I very strongly disagree. I went through like 4-5 copies that I tested extensively, and did some brief tests with a 6th...I was on a quest to get a good copy of that lens, and my quest ended when Fred sold me his perfect copy. All the copies I tested had a soft right side, except for Fred's and another one - & that other one had poor center sharpness.
One thing I'll add is that there was also some variation in center sharpness. It wasn't just a question of the asymmetry. Almost all the copies did okay with the center, but the perfect copy from Fred stood out for having better center sharpness.
At any rate, this is sort of a moot point now that the GM is out.
p.80 #10 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
MrTMan wrote:
I very strongly disagree. I went through like 4-5 copies that I tested extensively, and did some brief tests with a 6th...I was on a quest to get a good copy of that lens, and my quest ended when Fred sold me his perfect copy. All the copies I tested had a soft right side, except for Fred's and another one - & that other one had poor center sharpness.
One thing I'll add is that there was also some variation in center sharpness. It wasn't just a question of the asymmetry. Almost all the copies did okay with the center, but the perfect copy from Fred stood out for having better center sharpness.
At any rate, this is sort of a moot point now that the GM is out....Show more →
It's not really a matter of agreeing or not agreeing.
You claim to have had several bad copies. I got a perfect copy first time.
We now have 2 samples out of how many thousands made?
Are your standards too high? Are mine too low?
Who knows?
I'm a through and through science guy so unless someone comes up with a plan to test your hypothesis it is all speculation.
That's why I stated, twice, that my comment was a guess.
p.80 #13 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
DaveFP wrote:
It's not really a matter of agreeing or not agreeing.
You claim to have had several bad copies. I got a perfect copy first time.
We now have 2 samples out of how many thousands made?
Are your standards too high? Are mine too low?
Who knows?
I'm a through and through science guy so unless someone comes up with a plan to test your hypothesis it is all speculation.
That's why I stated, twice, that my comment was a guess.
Dave it really don’t work like that . The owner of lens rental even said it has major issues, there shop is Sony Pro repair . Fred and I went through 5 copies none of us are chopped liver. We do know how to test very well.you got lucky but many did not .was it 10 people or 5 thousand who knows but let’s agree it was a serious risk of getting a bad copy at the time. It has some issues as well as nasty onion ring and such but it also has nice bokeh and rendering. You get a good copy never sell it. GM I’m not saying anything until I get one in my hands hopefully 2 weeks. I trust very few on lens testing
But I could never ever recommend the ZA
Let’s just get the perspective here . I actually bought out of Guys pocket 5 of them
p.80 #15 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
GMPhotography wrote:
Dave it really don’t work like that . The owner of lens rental even said it has major issues, there shop is Sony Pro repair . Fred and I went through 5 copies none of us are chopped liver. We do know how to test very well.you got lucky but many did not .was it 10 people or 5 thousand who knows but let’s agree it was a serious risk of getting a bad copy at the time. It has some issues as well as nasty onion ring and such but it also has nice bokeh and rendering. You get a good copy never sell it. GM I’m not saying anything until I get one in my hands hopefully 2 weeks. I trust very few on lens testing
But I could never ever recommend the ZA
Let’s just get the perspective here . I actually bought out of Guys pocket 5 of them...Show more →
I understand Guy; maybe the QC isn't/wasn't equivalent to the other Sony's of that era.
Never seen anything definitive in that regard though and I often suspect that many "defective" lenses get returned because they are improperly tested or the tester has unrealistic expectations.
That said if you, Fred, and Roger had identical experiences then there has to be something there.
I know how much time and expertise you all put into it.
Happy to have a rare good one then !
I see the onion rings on occasion but they usually stay out of my way.
I agree; the overall rendering can be very appealing.
p.80 #17 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Assorted twigs revisited
The Sony 35/1.4 GM vs Samyang 35/1.8
We got a few hours of sunshine yesterday. i decided to skip work and give the twigs from my earlier post (here) another try.
I'm not that into "transition zones" but it seems to be a hot topic here so why not. This time I was better prepared so I brought white tape, a marker pen, a tripod, a measuring tape and also the Samyang AF 35 F1.8.
My intentions have been to compare the 35GM, the SY35 and also the Sigma 35/2.0 DG DN Contemporary. Now Sigma lost the battle early and by the time this comparison was made the Sigmas had to go back (hopefully to Japan not to bother another buyer).
Let's start with the camera, the 24MP Sony A7C, with the lenses attached:
I tried to make an overlay showing the size difference. None of the lenses have the original hood.
The SY35 has a third party screw-in hood. I'm waiting for a little shorter version to arrive. The hood is toned red in the image.
The 35GM is equipped with 3 step-down rings together acting as a hood. I hope for a short 62mm metal screw-in hood to arrive soon. If it gets lost in transition it's no biggie: the step-down rings works fine as the lens flares very little.
Does the 210gram, feather-weight, 400 dollar Samyang hold a candle versus the heavy-weight (524 gram) dollar 1.500 Sony? Here in Sweden the price difference is even bigger, SEK 19.000 versus 3.800. Five times better...? Of course not.
The twigs, in sunshine now.
Here is an image showing the scene, no cropping, resized only:
There are three white tape marks on the images showing the (horizontal) distance from the camera to the tape strips. The tripod is placed "in" the hedge. Difficult situation but what not for art? Or, what not to make people come forward for a chat?
For each lens I shot series of images at different aperture stops, one series of images for each tape mark. They were placed where they fitted and that happened to be at 1.5, 2.55 and finally 5.5 meters from the camera, measured at the height of the wedge so the horizontal distance then.
The images are marked with lens, distance and aperture stop. They are all 100% crops.
Start at 1.5 meters.
As I said, I haven't invested a lot of time in the topic "Transition zone" and I'm not sure this tells those in the know a lot.
I can see that the GM is sharper and has less LoCA. The Samyang renders the background stuff a little softer while easily being sharp enough. More CA thoug.
If the images are too heavy and big let me know and I'll remove them and perhaps figure out how to make the crops smaller.
p.80 #19 · Pre-order: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM ($1,399)
Hi Jonas,
Great test!
It looks to me that the Samyang is a bit narrower if you shot both lenses at same distance, so it should show a bit more blur. The GM's rendering looks a bit rough at 5m and wide open, better at f/2.
Too bad you don't have the Sigma for this comparison. Thanks for posting!
. I wonder when it will be available in the rest of Europe...
but it's still nowhere to be found in Poland....
...
