I imagine this question has already been asked, but my research hasn’t turned up much.
I am looking for a travel companion for my 35 mm GM. I love it, but I’d like a “discreet”/“compact” version. My ideal would be a Loxia 35 mm f/2 with autofocus (so… not a Loxia).
Therefore I am looking for:
- 35 mm focal length
- Form factor similar to a Loxia 35 mm
- Maximum aperture ≤ f/2
- Autofocus
- Aperture ring
- Size is more important than weight
- (the rendering characteristics of a Loxia)
Viltrox 35 EVO has a band of followers. Excellent image quality, but some report inconsistent AF. You can see images from it in the Viltrox thread inside the Sony forum. It’s also 20% off right now on Amazon Prime days, just over $300.
The Samyang 35mm gets a lot of kudos as well. It doesn’t have an aperture ring per se, but has a custom switch that changes the front ring from manual focus to manual aperture selection. This switch is programmable.
Sony does make a 35mm f/1.8. It is sharp and fast focussing.. It has a lot of chromatic aberration, however, and I personally don't like the bokeh much.
I prefer the Sigma 35 f/2, but it really isn't a little brother to the 35 GM. It has a different look and a different set of design priorities.
Wow, 7 answers in less than 1 hour. Thank you! Already a lot of information. I'm gonna study this Sigma 35mm F2 this afternoon and maybe come back with questions .
There also is the "tiny little brother" Sony FE 35mm F2.8 Zeiss Sonner T*, but is only f/2.8 which does not meet your criteria.
It is small and tiny, excelent for travel and when you want to be "discreet / compact"; It can be found used for a good price. It is older lens (one of the first released for Sony FF back in the days) but still one of the lightest and most compact options available. It may lack a bit the clinical sharpness of modern lenses.
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