Is there a 35GM little brother?
p.3 #1Is there a 35GM little brother?
For a small walk-around setup on my A7CR I often use the Zeiss Batis 25mm. It's a bit chubby but quite short and light. As a lens it renders beautifully, like all the Batis lenses. It's a tad wider than 28mm and of course an APS-C crop takes it to approx. 36mm.
Jun 29, 2026 at 04:17 AM
p.3 #2Is there a 35GM little brother?
vaptre wrote:
I'm in the same boat!
I used to have the 35/1.8, but I wasn't a fan of it because of his plasticky feel of the image and some noticeable chromatic aberrations. So, I made the switch to the 35GM, and I absolutely love it! However, there are times when I wish for something lighter and easier to carry around.
I’ve tried a few alternatives:
- The 40/2.5 is an improvement over the 35/1.8 in terms of image quality, but image looks too sharp and feels a bit unreal.
- The Viltrox 35/1.8 II EVO didn't impress me with its bokeh or rendering. While it...Show more →
Can I ask, have you tried out the i35 side by side with the 35GM? I have not, but I have a 35GM and the i65. I have been surprised by how much smaller, lighter weight (although to a lesser extent) and easier to carry the i65 feels to me. Reading the specifications I was not expecting that, but the shorter length and narrower width make the i65 feel significantly smaller than the 35GM, at least to me. The i35 is a bit shorter and lighter weight than the i65. I really like the images from the 35GM and the AF is excellent, and it's not really that big or heavy, so I am not sure I could give up the 35GM, and I am not very keen to have a second 35mm prime lens in my kit, but I can get an i35 for a good price at the moment and I have to say I am tempted to get one and give it a go. Maybe you tried out the i35 and 35GM though and the difference in size and weight didn't feel significant to you?
I'm in the same boat!
I used to have the 35/1.8, but I wasn't a fan of it because of his plasticky feel of the image and some noticeable chromatic aberrations. So, I made the switch to the 35GM, and I absolutely love it! However, there are times when I wish for something lighter and easier to carry around.
I’ve tried a few alternatives:
- The 40/2.5 is an improvement over the 35/1.8 in terms of image quality, but image looks too sharp and feels a bit unreal.
- The Viltrox 35/1.8 II EVO didn't impress me with its bokeh or rendering. While it...Show more →
Can I ask, have you tried out the i35 side by side with the 35GM? I have not, but I have a 35GM and the i65. I have been surprised by how much smaller, lighter weight (although to a lesser extent) and easier to carry the i65 feels to me. Reading the specifications I was not expecting that, but the shorter length and narrower width make the i65 feel significantly smaller than the 35GM, at least to me. The i35 is a bit shorter and lighter weight than the i65. I really like the images from the 35GM and the AF is excellent, and it's not really that big or heavy, so I am not sure I could give up the 35GM, and I am not very keen to have a second 35mm prime lens in my kit, but I can get an i35 for a good price at the moment and I have to say I am tempted to get one and give it a go. Maybe you tried out the i35 and 35GM though and the difference in size and weight didn't feel significant to you?
Jun 29, 2026 at 06:10 AM
p.3 #3Is there a 35GM little brother?
The Siggy 45C is small enough but quite dense: the tradeoff for its all-metal build. I wanted small, light coverage of 35mm—which usually means a prime. The 35i is burdened by its build quality, so I ended up with the Sony 28-60/4-5.6 which OP may discount due its slow aperture and zoom nature. That would be a mistake given the optical performance, tiny size (it's collapsible), and low weight of 167g. Fred's review:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/
Sometimes you have to think outside the box.
P.S. I do own nine 35mm primes, four of them Leica and four Zeiss.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/
Sometimes you have to think outside the box.
P.S. I do own nine 35mm primes, four of them Leica and four Zeiss.
Jun 30, 2026 at 01:07 AM
p.3 #4Is there a 35GM little brother?
everphotos wrote:
I've tried for a long time to find exactly the same thing. From what you've said so far in the thread, I'd highly recommend you try the Sony 40G. I think it is as close as you can get to the 35GM. Great autofocus, great image quality, aperture ring and button, great weathersealing. I used it for a long time, and was the perfect alternative to the 35GM when I wanted something smaller and less obtrusive. I cannot recommend it enough. It isn't F2, but 2.5 wasn't an issue in low light too often, and it has the subject separation...Show more →
This is spot on IMO.
First of all, we have all been looking for a 35GM "light", basically there isn't one.
- Sony 35/1.8. Fast AF, pretty light, but lacking in feature and lots chromatic abs. Some people like it, I didn't.
- Sigma 35/2. Beautiful metal build, but heavier and bigger than one wants.
- Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO. Dark horse. Greater variation copy - if you find a good one it is apparently very sharp. AF is not on par with Sony, bokeh is subject to liking, but for me living in Europe it is a no go - poor consumer business practices - if you buy this lens in Europe, you have to return in to Hong Kong for a refund on your own dime. WFT!? Better in the US, from what I understand. Deal killer for me, I just don't want to deal with companies with such practices.
Which leads me to the Sony 40/.5 G. Is it perfect? Nope. It is a compromise. It weighs 173 grams (!), pretty small (not truly pancake though), fast and accurate AF, good colors. Yes, it is sharp in the rendering, but you can always dial that back somewhat in post. It wins out on convenience and trustworthiness in my book. The main issue is the price for what it is, but you can buy it right used or a big sale, I think it is a winner to have in the bag.
"Best" 35mm AF lens buy at this point I suspect is the new Sigma 35/1.4 ART II, but it weights exactly the same as the 35GM.
I've tried for a long time to find exactly the same thing. From what you've said so far in the thread, I'd highly recommend you try the Sony 40G. I think it is as close as you can get to the 35GM. Great autofocus, great image quality, aperture ring and button, great weathersealing. I used it for a long time, and was the perfect alternative to the 35GM when I wanted something smaller and less obtrusive. I cannot recommend it enough. It isn't F2, but 2.5 wasn't an issue in low light too often, and it has the subject separation...Show more →
This is spot on IMO.
First of all, we have all been looking for a 35GM "light", basically there isn't one.
- Sony 35/1.8. Fast AF, pretty light, but lacking in feature and lots chromatic abs. Some people like it, I didn't.
- Sigma 35/2. Beautiful metal build, but heavier and bigger than one wants.
- Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO. Dark horse. Greater variation copy - if you find a good one it is apparently very sharp. AF is not on par with Sony, bokeh is subject to liking, but for me living in Europe it is a no go - poor consumer business practices - if you buy this lens in Europe, you have to return in to Hong Kong for a refund on your own dime. WFT!? Better in the US, from what I understand. Deal killer for me, I just don't want to deal with companies with such practices.
Which leads me to the Sony 40/.5 G. Is it perfect? Nope. It is a compromise. It weighs 173 grams (!), pretty small (not truly pancake though), fast and accurate AF, good colors. Yes, it is sharp in the rendering, but you can always dial that back somewhat in post. It wins out on convenience and trustworthiness in my book. The main issue is the price for what it is, but you can buy it right used or a big sale, I think it is a winner to have in the bag.
"Best" 35mm AF lens buy at this point I suspect is the new Sigma 35/1.4 ART II, but it weights exactly the same as the 35GM.
Jun 30, 2026 at 02:08 AM
p.3 #5Is there a 35GM little brother?
Hi,
I didn’t know those practices about Viltrox. I also live in Europe, so thanks for pointing this out.
I hadn’t noticed that the 40 mm f/2.5 weighs only 173 grams. That changes the calculation a bit. However, I’ve always thought that this 40 mm was somewhat “sterile.” But it does check many boxes, indeed.
Also there is not much difference between the 40mm 2.5 and the 35mm ZA design (and MTF)…
The used 35 mm ZA I’d seen seems to be decentered; I need to test it again. I’ll take the opportunity to see if they have a 40 mm so I can get a sense of its dimensions.
I didn’t know those practices about Viltrox. I also live in Europe, so thanks for pointing this out.
I hadn’t noticed that the 40 mm f/2.5 weighs only 173 grams. That changes the calculation a bit. However, I’ve always thought that this 40 mm was somewhat “sterile.” But it does check many boxes, indeed.
Also there is not much difference between the 40mm 2.5 and the 35mm ZA design (and MTF)…
The used 35 mm ZA I’d seen seems to be decentered; I need to test it again. I’ll take the opportunity to see if they have a 40 mm so I can get a sense of its dimensions.
Jun 30, 2026 at 08:45 AM
p.3 #6Is there a 35GM little brother?
In use, I’ve generally preferred 50 to 40, but have enjoyed a net 38mm equivalent in other formats, something about it just worked well. I like 35’s on FF but for whatever reason rarely used them over my 50’s, so stopped buying them. I’ve always thought it interesting we can have a 40mm pancake lens and a 26 or 28 pancake lens, but nobody bothered with making a good AF 35 pancake unless it’s permanently attached to the camera. That’s one I think I’d use for when I wanted super compact, but then it would eat into fixed lens camera sales so we’ll probably never see it from Sony.
Jun 30, 2026 at 09:14 AM
p.3 #7Is there a 35GM little brother?
tuxounet wrote:
Hi,
I didn’t know those practices about Viltrox. I also live in Europe, so thanks for pointing this out.
I hadn’t noticed that the 40 mm f/2.5 weighs only 173 grams. That changes the calculation a bit. However, I’ve always thought that this 40 mm was somewhat “sterile.” But it does check many boxes, indeed.
The used 35 mm ZA I’d seen seems to be decentered; I need to test it again. I’ll take the opportunity to see if they have a 40 mm so I can get a sense of its dimensions.
35EVO
Slow down a little: It's true the Viltrox quality control is a bit so-so. I got a good 35EVO but that was the third copy I tried. The one bought from Amazon was easy to return. The one bought from Viltrox (France) I had to return to Hong Kong but I did get my money back including the shipping cost. The law is actually the law sometimes. (Here it should be noted I don't know how the situation is if living in Switzerland).
My short distance test chart results for the three lenses, center and right border is here.
I also have the 50AIR - first copy everything very good, and the 85EVO and again the first copy was good. Needing to try three copies of the 35EVO was disappointing.
40G
I made a user review of the 40/2.5G back in 2021 and it's here.
In short, the feature set is great, optically it is average.
EDIT: spelling
Edited on Jun 30, 2026 at 10:05 AM · View previous versions
Hi,
I didn’t know those practices about Viltrox. I also live in Europe, so thanks for pointing this out.
I hadn’t noticed that the 40 mm f/2.5 weighs only 173 grams. That changes the calculation a bit. However, I’ve always thought that this 40 mm was somewhat “sterile.” But it does check many boxes, indeed.
The used 35 mm ZA I’d seen seems to be decentered; I need to test it again. I’ll take the opportunity to see if they have a 40 mm so I can get a sense of its dimensions.
35EVO
Slow down a little: It's true the Viltrox quality control is a bit so-so. I got a good 35EVO but that was the third copy I tried. The one bought from Amazon was easy to return. The one bought from Viltrox (France) I had to return to Hong Kong but I did get my money back including the shipping cost. The law is actually the law sometimes. (Here it should be noted I don't know how the situation is if living in Switzerland).
My short distance test chart results for the three lenses, center and right border is here.
I also have the 50AIR - first copy everything very good, and the 85EVO and again the first copy was good. Needing to try three copies of the 35EVO was disappointing.
40G
I made a user review of the 40/2.5G back in 2021 and it's here.
In short, the feature set is great, optically it is average.
EDIT: spelling
Edited on Jun 30, 2026 at 10:05 AM · View previous versions
Jun 30, 2026 at 09:16 AM
p.3 #8Is there a 35GM little brother?
I should add, I’d love a Viltrox full frame 35 air lens. I tried both the 35 and 55 EVO’s, both were excellent optically, but in the end the focals are close enough, and their weights were heavy enough, I knew I’d be choosing one or the other and not both. By comparison the weight alone on the airs would make it a non-issue to carry both. In a weight/performance/cost metric, the Viltrox air line is exceptional.
Jun 30, 2026 at 09:54 AM
p.3 #9Is there a 35GM little brother?
This has been a real interesting read. I currently own the FE 35/1.8, Sigma 35/2.0 I-series, the Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO II, and FE 35/1.4 GM. Add to that my 40mm lenses at FE 40/2.5 G, Batis 40/2. Then there are my FE 24-50/2.8 G, and FE 28-60/4-5.6. Also used to own the Zeiss 35/2.8 ZA and Zeiss 35/1.4 ZA and all the 24mm, 25mm, and 50mm in most of these families as well. It’s really hard to find a great 35/2.0 that is small and light but like most people here I keep searching for one to use on my A7CII or A7CR. On my larger bodies like the A7V, A7RV, A1, and A1 II I just go with the FE 35/1.4 GM , the FE 24-50/2.8 G, or 24-70/2.8 GM II. Do also own the Loxia 35/2.0 but admit because of its MF it doesn’t get much love any more since 35mm really wants to be an auto focus do everything lens for me personally.
Jun 30, 2026 at 11:53 AM
p.3 #10Is there a 35GM little brother?
swldstn wrote:
This has been a real interesting read. I currently own the FE 35/1.8, Sigma 35/2.0 I-series, the Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO II, and FE 35/1.4 GM. Add to that my 40mm lenses at FE 40/2.5 G, Batis 40/2. Then there are my FE 24-50/2.8 G, and FE 28-60/4-5.6. Also used to own the Zeiss 35/2.8 ZA and Zeiss 35/1.4 ZA and all the 24mm, 25mm, and 50mm in most of these families as well. It’s really hard to find a great 35/2.0 that is small and light but like most people here I keep searching for one to use on my...Show more →
That’s a lot of experience with so many of the options! Since you brought up the 24-50G, do you like that lens? I’ve been considering getting one…the size is very appealing to me for a fast zoom. And, more to the thread’s subject, which of the smallish 35mm primes do you prefer most?
This has been a real interesting read. I currently own the FE 35/1.8, Sigma 35/2.0 I-series, the Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO II, and FE 35/1.4 GM. Add to that my 40mm lenses at FE 40/2.5 G, Batis 40/2. Then there are my FE 24-50/2.8 G, and FE 28-60/4-5.6. Also used to own the Zeiss 35/2.8 ZA and Zeiss 35/1.4 ZA and all the 24mm, 25mm, and 50mm in most of these families as well. It’s really hard to find a great 35/2.0 that is small and light but like most people here I keep searching for one to use on my...Show more →
That’s a lot of experience with so many of the options! Since you brought up the 24-50G, do you like that lens? I’ve been considering getting one…the size is very appealing to me for a fast zoom. And, more to the thread’s subject, which of the smallish 35mm primes do you prefer most?
Jun 30, 2026 at 12:25 PM
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p.3 #11Is there a 35GM little brother?
One lens I don’t think anyone has brought up yet is the SG-Image 35mm 2.2 pancake lens. Cheap and small, so you can’t expect it to compare with the 35GM. But at least deserves mention as the smallest sub-2.8 autofocus 35mm for Sony.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1928086/0
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1928086/0
Jun 30, 2026 at 01:14 PM
p.3 #12Is there a 35GM little brother?
darbo wrote:
That’s a lot of experience with so many of the options! Since you brought up the 24-50G, do you like that lens? I’ve been considering getting one…the size is very appealing to me for a fast zoom. And, more to the thread’s subject, which of the smallish 35mm primes do you prefer most?
What focal length are you drawn to the most?
-50mm: it is a great prime that you can zoom out when you need something wider
- 24-28mm: you might get annoyed at having the lens be its longest at those lengths, since it starts at 50 and zooms out to 24, and I believe that is its weakest image quality too
- 35mm: then it is basically the same size as the GM (a bit lighter), and I think you’d be better served with 1.4 at 35, and then cropping in to get a smaller res 50mm f2, and stepping back or stitching to get 24mm. That’s why I all but never touch mine, except in situations where I’m taking photos for other people and will need wide angle shots.
- All of the above and rarely anything tighter: You can’t do much better.
You might also look at the Tamron 20-40. Not as good as the Sony 24-50, but a similar size, and the quality is not a big enough loss if it better aligns with your focal length preferences. I also had the Tamron 28-75 in the past, and while a great lens, you do notice the size savings of these more compact 2.8 zooms.
Only other thing to note is that the 24-50 relies a lot on image correction to fix distortion. As long as you have the in camera corrections turned on and use them when processing the RAWs, it isn’t a big deal. But for some people, that is a dealbreaker.
That’s a lot of experience with so many of the options! Since you brought up the 24-50G, do you like that lens? I’ve been considering getting one…the size is very appealing to me for a fast zoom. And, more to the thread’s subject, which of the smallish 35mm primes do you prefer most?
What focal length are you drawn to the most?
-50mm: it is a great prime that you can zoom out when you need something wider
- 24-28mm: you might get annoyed at having the lens be its longest at those lengths, since it starts at 50 and zooms out to 24, and I believe that is its weakest image quality too
- 35mm: then it is basically the same size as the GM (a bit lighter), and I think you’d be better served with 1.4 at 35, and then cropping in to get a smaller res 50mm f2, and stepping back or stitching to get 24mm. That’s why I all but never touch mine, except in situations where I’m taking photos for other people and will need wide angle shots.
- All of the above and rarely anything tighter: You can’t do much better.
You might also look at the Tamron 20-40. Not as good as the Sony 24-50, but a similar size, and the quality is not a big enough loss if it better aligns with your focal length preferences. I also had the Tamron 28-75 in the past, and while a great lens, you do notice the size savings of these more compact 2.8 zooms.
Only other thing to note is that the 24-50 relies a lot on image correction to fix distortion. As long as you have the in camera corrections turned on and use them when processing the RAWs, it isn’t a big deal. But for some people, that is a dealbreaker.
Jun 30, 2026 at 01:26 PM
p.3 #13Is there a 35GM little brother?
everphotos wrote:
What focal length are you drawn to the most?
-50mm: it is a great prime that you can zoom out when you need something wider
- 24-28mm: you might get annoyed at having the lens be its longest at those lengths, since it starts at 50 and zooms out to 24, and I believe that is its weakest image quality too
- 35mm: then it is basically the same size as the GM (a bit lighter), and I think you’d be better served with 1.4 at 35, and then cropping in to get a smaller res 50mm f2, and stepping back or stitching...Show more →
I’ve got a nice set of GM primes, so I’m well covered on specific focal lengths…I just need to add a good general purpose (preferably lightweight) 2.8 zoom to my kit appropriate for my a7C II. Sigma 28-70mm looks small and light too, but not sure about the optics.
Apologies to the OP…don’t mean to hijack a 35mm focused thread into a zoom discussion.
darbo wrote
That’s a lot of experience with so many of the options! Since you brought up the 24-50G, do you like that lens? I’ve been considering getting one…the size is very appealing to me for a fast zoom. And, more to the thread’s subject, which of the smallish 35mm primes do you prefer most?-50mm: it is a great prime that you can zoom out when you need something wider
- 24-28mm: you might get annoyed at having the lens be its longest at those lengths, since it starts at 50 and zooms out to 24, and I believe that is its weakest image quality too
- 35mm: then it is basically the same size as the GM (a bit lighter), and I think you’d be better served with 1.4 at 35, and then cropping in to get a smaller res 50mm f2, and stepping back or stitching...Show more →
I’ve got a nice set of GM primes, so I’m well covered on specific focal lengths…I just need to add a good general purpose (preferably lightweight) 2.8 zoom to my kit appropriate for my a7C II. Sigma 28-70mm looks small and light too, but not sure about the optics.
Apologies to the OP…don’t mean to hijack a 35mm focused thread into a zoom discussion.
Jun 30, 2026 at 01:40 PM
p.3 #14Is there a 35GM little brother?
darbo wrote:
That’s a lot of experience with so many of the options! Since you brought up the 24-50G, do you like that lens? I’ve been considering getting one…the size is very appealing to me for a fast zoom. And, more to the thread’s subject, which of the smallish 35mm primes do you prefer most?
I’m really enjoying the FE 24-50/2.8 G lens a lot. It’s my default on my A7CII, A7CR, and A7V.
As far as smallish 35mm primes it’s a tie between the Sigma I-series 35/2.0 DG DN Contemporary and the FE 40/2.5 G even though it’s not a real 35mm. With the Sigma I can at least save 199 grams over the 35/1.4 GM.
swldstn wrote
This has been a real interesting read. I currently own the FE 35/1.8, Sigma 35/2.0 I-series, the Viltrox 35/1.8 EVO II, and FE 35/1.4 GM. Add to that my 40mm lenses at FE 40/2.5 G, Batis 40/2. Then there are my FE 24-50/2.8 G, and FE 28-60/4-5.6. Also used to own the Zeiss 35/2.8 ZA and Zeiss 35/1.4 ZA and all the 24mm, 25mm, and 50mm in most of these families as well. It’s really hard to find a great 35/2.0 that is small and light but like most people here I keep searching for one to use on my A7CII or A7CR. On my larger bodies like the A7V, A7RV, A1, and A1 II I just go with the FE 35/1.4 GM , the FE 24-50/2.8 G, or 24-70/2.8 GM II. Do also own the Loxia 35/2.0 but admit because of its MF it doesn’t get much love any more since 35mm really wants to be an auto focus do everything lens for me personally.I’m really enjoying the FE 24-50/2.8 G lens a lot. It’s my default on my A7CII, A7CR, and A7V.
As far as smallish 35mm primes it’s a tie between the Sigma I-series 35/2.0 DG DN Contemporary and the FE 40/2.5 G even though it’s not a real 35mm. With the Sigma I can at least save 199 grams over the 35/1.4 GM.
Jun 30, 2026 at 02:07 PM
p.3 #15Is there a 35GM little brother?
I agree—there is a point where an f4 do-it-all zoom when wanting a trio or so of lighter weight focals makes a lot more logical sense than a second set of lighter, smaller, slower primes. I get the je-ne-sais-quoi of shooting with primes, but then for me my initial set is typically the lighter, slightly slower optical options, precisely due to their convenience to have in the bag.
Been there, done that with fastest primes, primes where often only one of the 4 I owned was ever actually in the bag, and then I usually wanted a different one. When I let go of f0.95 50’s, 1.2 50’s and 85’s and finally the entire raft of 1.4 primes plus the 1.8 135, my photographic joy quotient jumped dramatically.
My .02 and respect YMMV, but f1.8 or f2 is plenty fast for me today simply because they make it into the bag. In fact I have 4 of those primes plus a zoom in my shoulder bag right now, and not only do they all fit nicely, all 4 primes weigh about what a single 85/1.2 would have — probably my total cost for the 4 was similar to a single fast prime as well. Again YMMV.
Been there, done that with fastest primes, primes where often only one of the 4 I owned was ever actually in the bag, and then I usually wanted a different one. When I let go of f0.95 50’s, 1.2 50’s and 85’s and finally the entire raft of 1.4 primes plus the 1.8 135, my photographic joy quotient jumped dramatically.
My .02 and respect YMMV, but f1.8 or f2 is plenty fast for me today simply because they make it into the bag. In fact I have 4 of those primes plus a zoom in my shoulder bag right now, and not only do they all fit nicely, all 4 primes weigh about what a single 85/1.2 would have — probably my total cost for the 4 was similar to a single fast prime as well. Again YMMV.
Jul 01, 2026 at 07:57 AM
p.3 #16Is there a 35GM little brother?
OK. Maybe it’s good to restate the original context.
Initially, I’m looking for a compact 35 mm f/2 lens to put on my A7 IV. Typical use cases:
- Walks
- Casual birthdays/family gatherings
- Travel, as a complement to the 20‑70 f/4. Typically the 20‑70 f/4 is used for hiking, landscapes, etc. This new 35 mm would take over for casual urban situations when the backpack is not being taken out.
In short, I’ve investigated the i35, and it is out of stock here in Switzerland for at least a month. Time to think…
The GM will be used for all other serious/heavy work.
Initially, I’m looking for a compact 35 mm f/2 lens to put on my A7 IV. Typical use cases:
- Walks
- Casual birthdays/family gatherings
- Travel, as a complement to the 20‑70 f/4. Typically the 20‑70 f/4 is used for hiking, landscapes, etc. This new 35 mm would take over for casual urban situations when the backpack is not being taken out.
In short, I’ve investigated the i35, and it is out of stock here in Switzerland for at least a month. Time to think…
The GM will be used for all other serious/heavy work.
Jul 01, 2026 at 09:00 AM
p.3 #17Is there a 35GM little brother?
tuxounet wrote:
OK. Maybe it’s good to restate the original context.
Initially, I’m looking for a compact 35 mm f/2 lens to put on my A7 IV. Typical use cases:
- Walks
- Casual birthdays/family gatherings
- Travel, as a complement to the 20‑70 f/4. Typically the 20‑70 f/4 is used for hiking, landscapes, etc. This new 35 mm would take over for casual urban situations when the backpack is not being taken out.
In short, I’ve investigated the i35, and it is out of stock here in Switzerland for at least a month. Time to think…
The GM will be used for all other serious/heavy work.
Makes 100% sense. Myself, I am waiting for Viltrox to release a 35 “air.” If it’s like the 50 and 14 I have, it will be a winner. I liked the Viltrox 35 evo, but being all metal was heavier. If I needed a smaller 35 right now and the Sigma wasn’t available, I’d get the Samyang 👍
OK. Maybe it’s good to restate the original context.
Initially, I’m looking for a compact 35 mm f/2 lens to put on my A7 IV. Typical use cases:
- Walks
- Casual birthdays/family gatherings
- Travel, as a complement to the 20‑70 f/4. Typically the 20‑70 f/4 is used for hiking, landscapes, etc. This new 35 mm would take over for casual urban situations when the backpack is not being taken out.
In short, I’ve investigated the i35, and it is out of stock here in Switzerland for at least a month. Time to think…
The GM will be used for all other serious/heavy work.
Makes 100% sense. Myself, I am waiting for Viltrox to release a 35 “air.” If it’s like the 50 and 14 I have, it will be a winner. I liked the Viltrox 35 evo, but being all metal was heavier. If I needed a smaller 35 right now and the Sigma wasn’t available, I’d get the Samyang 👍
Jul 01, 2026 at 09:16 AM
p.3 #18Is there a 35GM little brother?
I would check the used sites in CH to see if you can pick up a minty used i35, or call a few camera stores that are authorized Sigma dealers, I'm sure you can find one.
Jul 01, 2026 at 10:46 AM
p.3 #19Is there a 35GM little brother?
B&H Daily Deal has the Viltrox 40/2.5 for, umm, $118—I jumped on that sucker tout suite. You have 2hrs to catch that price. Not the exact FL being sought by OP but close enough, and it weighs 167g. I also own the fabulous 50 Air in Z mount, so am expecting decent performance from the 40mm. Dustin Abbott review is very positive, too. Just say no to computational optics, buy Viltrox.
https://dustinabbott.net/2024/10/viltrox-af-40mm-f2-5-e-mount-review/
https://dustinabbott.net/2024/10/viltrox-af-40mm-f2-5-e-mount-review/
Jul 01, 2026 at 07:38 PM
p.3 #20Is there a 35GM little brother?
Hi,
Thanks again for all your advice—it’s really helpful (though sometimes it confuses me).
After comparing the Viltrox EVO and the Sigma a bit, I don’t really see any advantage for the Viltrox in terms of weight or size.
I did another test of the 35mm f/2.8 ZA, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Test photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157813725@N07/55369841078/in/album-72177720334507289/
Zoom in on the right and left edges: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157813725@N07/55369692391/in/album-72177720334507289/
Is it off-center?
Thanks again for all your advice—it’s really helpful (though sometimes it confuses me
).After comparing the Viltrox EVO and the Sigma a bit, I don’t really see any advantage for the Viltrox in terms of weight or size.
I did another test of the 35mm f/2.8 ZA, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Test photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157813725@N07/55369841078/in/album-72177720334507289/
Zoom in on the right and left edges: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157813725@N07/55369692391/in/album-72177720334507289/
Is it off-center?
Jul 02, 2026 at 01:23 AM