Sony AF 35 F1.4 G   reviews

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: a850   review date: January-23-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 35/1.8 DT
Minolta 50/1.7
Sony-Zeiss 16-35/2.8CZ
Sigma 85/1.4

price paid:

GBP900 new

positive:

That 1.4 aperture is so useful
Close focus capability
Small and light(ish)
Never mis-focuses

negative:

Lens hood design is stupid
Filter thread is dumb too
Focus ring isn't amazing

comment:

I registered with Dyxum primarily just to leave a review of this lens.

I went back and forth for AGES about whether to buy it or not. All the reviews say that it's terrible and soft. Most owners and users say that they love it. I didn't know who to believe, and when I found it in a store for gbp900 new (normal retail is 1300-ish) I tried it out. I took my a850 to the store, took the pictures home to look at on my computer, and the next day I went to buy the lens.

The lens is NOT soft at 1.4. Let's get that clear. It does have spherical abberation though, which can smooth out some areas, particularly highlights. For instance, shooting a test chart or a which sheet of paper, the image quality at 100% will look poor, because the white paper kinda "bleeds" into the text, softening it. But for skin, it looks amazing - it adds a warm glow but leaves plenty of sharpness.

Also, I needed a microadjust of -6 on my a850. At the default setting it *was* soft, but that was slight mis-focus and not the optical faults of the lens. With a depth of field this thin, the slightest mis-focus will ruin your image.

The lens IS sharp and it DOES capture a lot of detail at f1.4. Therefore it responds well to sharpening in Lightroom. I gave the lens 4.5/5 for sharpness.

Compared to the Zeiss 16-35/2.8 (which I also own), I think the Sony G is sharper at 2.8 than the Zeiss at 35/2.8. F2 is comparable. F1.4 is softer, as you would reasonably expect.

The good:
TWO more stops, even compared to an f2.8 lens. That's ISO800 instead of 3200. That means your flash can work at 1/16 instead of 1/4. Less noise. More battery life. More rapid shooting. The usefulness of this focal length and speed cannot be understated. If you're upgrading from an f4 lens, the difference is extraordinary. I know this is obvious stuff, but those extra stops are useful - from f4 you're talking ISO 400 instead of 3200. Now imagine what you can shoot back at iso3200!

Almost no distortion as far as I can tell. I don't shoot architecture, but the insides of rooms look natural to me. The Zeiss 16-35/2.8 has considerable distortion at 35mm.

Resistant to flare. I certainly haven't had any problems with bright inside lights, or the sun.

The bokeh. Very smooth. Circular highlights. The transition between in and out of focus is very nice.

Stopped down between f4-f11 it is extraordinarily sharp.

The focus is decisive. It's the screw-drive, so it isn't quiet like SSM, but it generally zips to the target and locks straight away. With moving targets it performs well. Occasionally it judders back and forth before locking, but that's rare.

The bad:
Vignetting. Heavy at 1.4. Moderate at f2. Gone by 2.8. I guess this isn't always a bad thing, but for city shots or hand-held low light landscape shots, it is noticeable. For portraits, wedding reception shots etc it isn't a problem.

The lens hood is stupid. It attaches in front of the filter thread, instead of around it. You can't use a polariser with the hood reversed, which is very annoying if you want to take the filter off and use the hood later in the day.

The manual focus ring isn't amazing. At least it doesn't rotate during focusing, but for the occasional bit of manual focus or video (a580), the Zeiss 16-35 focus ring is FAR better.


Compared to the Sony 35/1.8DT, the G is around the same sharpness wide open at 1.4 as the DT is at 1.8. This is great. The DT lens vignettes even more, and on full frame it is totally un-useable. Even if you tape over the contacts and manually focus it, the corners are black because the image circle is not large enough. The DT also has more purple fringing.

I already compared to the Zeiss above

Compared to the Sigma 85/1.4, the sigma is pixel level sharper, and has less spherical abberation. The 35 vignettes more too. But the 35 is a more versatile focal length, so I use it more than 85.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: gouldina   review date: October-11-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZJ Flektogon 35mm
Minolta 35-105mm f3.5-4.5
85mm ZA
Minolta 100mm f2.0

price paid:

£675 (used)

positive:

Lovely 3D rendering
Great bokeh
Great colour

negative:

Expensive
CA when used open

comment:

I used this lens for a while before I decided to review it because I was initially a little disappointed especially when compared to my Zeiss 85 IQ - it doesn't have the same microcontrast or uber-sharpness wide open but this is to miss the point of this lens. Apart from obviously having a totally different focal length, it has totally different qualities as a lens. I love the rendering and bokeh and the colours are great. I find it's a great "people lens". It can be used in extremely low light (ISO permitting) with great results. Always in my bag with either the 85mm ZA or the MinO 100mm. It does get cyan fringing wide-open but most ultra-wide aperture lenses suffer from this to some extent. I haven't found flare to be a problem.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: lionking   review date: September-30-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1300

positive:

wonderful dreamy bokeh,3D feel, fast AF, light weight, great colors !

negative:

expensive

comment:

bought and used this lens for wedding assignments, the results are great ! the f1.4 creates the feel of isolation in the pictures, 3D feel effect obtained, this is a great lens for a wedding photographer.

was initially offered a Minolta copy but picked up Sony instead for warranty and support, such a good lens so must buy it with Sony support !

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: mob81   review date: April-30-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1100 USD (demo)

positive:

Great Bokeh, portrait lens, Build quality, Fast Focus.

negative:

Price

comment:

I used my friend's copy, which was wonderful on my Dynax 7. Man this lens has an old zeiss Sonnar Rendering wide open..I JUST LOVED IT. it's my next purchase for sure.
I find it draws its best at F2 or F2.8 and from 5.6 it's Sharp all over.

On a700 I only tried for few shots which was also great but not that wide due to crop factor.

This lens will shine on 35mm Film or Full Frame camera like no other.

I finally bought it.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ERH   review date: February-19-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1200 USD (new)

positive:

Colors are excellent
Very useful focal length
Perfect bokeh (in my opinion)
Perfectly built
Short MFD

negative:

Not razor sharp (until f/2.8)

comment:

One of my favorite lens. (other ones- Minolta 85/1.4, CZ135/1.8, Minolta 200/2.8G APO HS)
This lens is always in my bag - I like portraits and street photos, landscapes and even pseudo-macro...
Perfect in everything, produce photos with volume even if there is no any volume in real life.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: napo   review date: November-17-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1100Euro

positive:

Color, Bokeh, build, sharp

negative:

expensive

comment:

I have this lens quite some time and I can say it is a good friend indeed. Great color, sharp with pleasant bokeh, this lens has its own "stamp" when looking at the photos taken with this lens. Little bit soft at 1.4 - 1.7 , but still usable pictures. At 2.8 sharper than my 16-35CZ. Love this lens.....

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: ibordas   review date: November-08-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony CZ 16-35mm f2.8 SSM
Sony CZ 24-70mm f2.8 SSM
Minolta 35mm f2
Sony 50mm f1.4
Sony CZ 85mm f1.4
Sony CZ 135mm f1.4

price paid:

€ 700 (2nd hand)

positive:

3D effect
Bokeh
Sharp
Color rendition

negative:

None as far as I'm concerned, well.. ok the price maybe.

comment:

I had a Minolta 35 f2, a great lens but oh boy this 35 f1.4 G is so much better and therefore worth the money.

People usually report this lens as "soft" at 1.4 and so was in doubt. I have always lusted this lens, now that I have it I’m really happy.

My lens is sharp at 1.4 (not the sharpest one), gets better as you stop down, but between f1.4 and f2.8 this lens is magical, produces a 3D effect and bokeh that is worth each single $

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bahudda   review date: July-04-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Min 35mm f2.0
Sony 50mm f1.4
Min 85mm f1.4
ZA 135m f1.8 Sonnar T*

price paid:

$741 USD

positive:

Tonality, painterly, color, sharpness and misleading contrast

negative:

Price & CA wide open [fixable in post]

comment:

This lens has such shallow DOF that it is easy to miss the target, which leads one to believe it is not sharp wide open. I may have gotten lucky here? It is not as contrasty or sharp as the 35f2. It presents very similar in color and contrast to the Sony 50f1.4 and Minolta 85f1.4 [original].

This is a most excellent portrait lens! It compares quite well to the Sony 50f1.4 and the Minolta 85f1.4. These three are the Magic Trinity! If you want lush supple yet powerful portraits these three will deliver! On the other hand I would use the 35f2 with the Minolta 100 f2 as they present more closely than would the 35G and 100f2 would in terms of color, sharpness and contrast.

This lens is not for everyone. If you like people pictures with lush colorful bokeh backgrounds then this is what you are looking for and I highly recommend it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Skarpen   review date: May-25-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

35/2
28/2
24-70CZ

price paid:

1000 euro

positive:

- Colours
- Tonality
- Sharpness

negative:

- When using CPL hood is hard to fit

comment:

My most used lens. 35mm on full frame is very versatile. Colour and tones are absolutely fabulous. I have read some reviews where sharpness is questioned. My copy is sharp wide open at f1.4 - but the depth of field is extremely narrow - and the rendering of what is out of focus is obviously soft.
I have previously had the 35/2. Sharp wide open as is raved about in the reviews, but not as good in the corners as 35G.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: leo3   review date: March-31-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1200 $

positive:

Color
image quality
build

negative:

price
Soft at f/1.4

comment:

A must have on FF (a900), a good replacement for 50mm on APSC (a700). Very sharp from f2 and soft f1.4.
The lens makes sense only on FF !!!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: brian33   review date: March-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50/1.7
50/1.4

price paid:

1300 EUR

positive:

very sharp
excellent bokeh
gorgeous color
short MFD

negative:

none

comment:

If you must know:

- Shots lack a little contrast at 1.4. This is highly recoverable in PP.
- Bokeh improves between 1.4 and 2

The main thing to know about using the lens at f1.4 is it is difficult to get focus right because DOF is so thin. That's why people have a problem with it at 1.4: it's not the lens, it's the technique. The lens is not perfect right from 1.4 but it is highly usable. I use this lens primarily for low-light people pictures and this lens at 1.4-2 and ISO3200 will give you shots that are loaded with atmosphere. The bokeh of this lens is indescribably unique. Shoot at low ISO and you'll want to plunge into the photo and bathe in the beautiful color.

EDIT: as I continue to use this lens I must repeat the bokeh really is special. Every time I try to use the 50/1.4 like I use the 35, I look at the bokeh on it and think, man, why must it be so busy???

35G = butter in your bokeh.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: AlphaMan   review date: February-23-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 35/2
Sigma 50/1.4
Minolta 80/1.4

price paid:

L675 used

positive:

Image quality
Bokeh
Weight/build

negative:

none

comment:

I had a Minolta 35/2 original. This is a great lens and I was unsure of whether the 35/1.4 was so much better and therefore worth the money.

I had read that this lens is "soft" at 1.4 and so was worried. All I can say is that as far as my copy is concerned, it is sharp at 1.4. Yes, it gets better as you stop down, then they all do, don't they?

I want to reassure readers that the softness reported isn't a problem and may well be missed focus, subject motion blur or camera shake. I think this lens is comparable to the Minolta 85mm and Sigma 50mm at f1.4.

I have always wanted this lens, now I'm happy.

Update: I have sold this lens and gone back to the 35/2 purely for reasons of size/bulk in my camera bag. I'm not sure this is the best decision I've ever made, but it would be beyond my means to have both lenses.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: walti   review date: January-08-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

800 EUR (new)

positive:

Almost everything

negative:

Pricey
Soft at f/1.4

comment:

A must have on FF, a good replacement for 50mm on APSC
Very sharp from f2, soft @ 1.4 but it's normal.

Very recommended

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: markc   review date: December-05-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm f/1.4
Minolta 50mm f/1.7
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8

price paid:

700 GBP new

positive:

Colours, fast AF, really bright, sharp from f/2

negative:

Soft at f/1.4

comment:

My walkaround / do anything lens, pretty much only comes off the camera if I'm attending a sports event and need a telephoto

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Opus1966   review date: November-20-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm F1.4

price paid:

900 CAN (used)

positive:

- Fast lens

negative:

- pricey
- Sharpness drops slightly at 1.4

comment:

This is my new favourite prime.

I bought this lens used a couple of months ago and am very impressed. It replaced my 24-70CZ as the main lens on my camera and I love this lens.

I like to take a lot of available light shots, especially of the kids, indoors so I was attracted to it for its speed. When I got it and started to use it, I was in heaven.

It focuses fast (and apparently much faster on an a700) and the focal length (50mm equivalent) is great for taking shots indoors.

Yes, I wish it wasn't so expensive, but I do not consider that a negative. Quality costs and this lens IS quality.

The bokeh on this lens is wonderful. Just astounding.

One day, when the wife will let me, I wold love to get an a900 and see what this would do. FF wide angle with creamy bokeh……. yummy.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: stamper   review date: October-15-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 16-80 F3.5-4.5
(no direct comparison but within focal range)
CZ 85 F1.4 (my other prime)

price paid:

1300 USD (approx)

positive:

Available light capability
Good focal length for indoor

negative:

Expensive
Heavy

comment:

This was my first prime lens after starting out with a 18-200 F3.5-6.3 on an a100. My goal was to have better indoor available light capability to take photos of my young kids. The combination of bright aperture and short focal length (50mm in full-frame terms) seems very well suited for that purpose, and this lens performs very well for my intended goal. I have since moved to an a700 and the lens is just as capable on that body, and focuses faster. I have not tried it on a full-frame body.

I like the capability to shoot at F1.4 or F1.7, but I must say that it's very hard to do so with a moving target that's relatively close, such as kids in action. The DOF is incredibly shallow and any misfocusing results in blurry results. But boy, when the focus is correct, the results are outstanding. Great sharpness in the center, lovely bokeh in the background, nice popping 3D effect and very realistic skin tones.

Stopping the lens down to F2.5, F3.2 or so makes things a bit easier and still produces great results, perhaps a tad less spectacular but a bit more reliable.

Although the build quality of the lens is solid, it is not quite as good as the CZ 85 F1.4, which is in roughly the same price range. The 35 doesn't have the nice metal hood, and the rubber zoom ring doesn't have the same feel as the metal one on the 85.

I never use this lens outdoors in anything approximating bright conditions. When stopping the lens down to F6 or beyond, I just don't see the advantage of using it over my CZ 16-80, which is also sharp and gives me zoom capability. So in my case, the 35 F1.4 is a special purpose lens and I really enjoy its qualities.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ihlbcn   review date: June-15-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

20mm f2.8.
CZ 24-70 f2.8.

price paid:

1000 USD

positive:

Almost everything!!!
Build.
Sharp from f2.
Excelent contrast.
Amazing colors.
Almost no distorsion or flare.

negative:

Coma wide open.

comment:

t f1.4 the colors and transitions are just amazing, good contrast and lower shapness but very sustained in all the frame on a FF. The way this lens captures colors and light is just amazing, photos really look different.

The lens makes sense only on FF.

Build is superb, as a G should be, only Hood should be improved.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ajnaphoto   review date: March-25-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

$1300ish

positive:

Brings in so much light.

negative:

Can be a little soft closest to 1.4 but I can't complain

comment:

I absolutely love this lens. I use it for photographing children mostly and is perfect for that. I have also used it for a couple of wedding closeups. I do all natural lighting and is just amazing for that. Love, love, love it!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: NetQwik   review date: March-10-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 85/1.4 G (D)
Minolta 17-35/3.5 G
Minolta 28-70/2.8 G
Minolta 80-200/2.8 G
Minolta 16/2.8 FE

price paid:

830 USD as new

positive:

Sharp
Fast
Accurate

negative:

Build
Case
Price

comment:

I've been eyeballing this lens for quite some time. I wanted it as a normal lens for indoor use shooting at APS-C and for indoor WA at full frame. I had been deferring purchase due to the price but I was able to snipe a perfect copy from eBay for such a low price I had to buy it. For indoor use, this lens and the 85/1.4G (D) are the best you can do. I would have got the Minolta version of the 35/1.4 if it was flash compatible. My fine Minolta glass is the whole reason I bought the a900. This lens is terrific in terms of functionality, performance and image quality but I have to take a shot at Sony here. This is my first Sony lens and compared with my bag full of classic Minolta G glass, it doesn't measure up. This lens is very pricey at full retail. The build is fair at best. There's too much plastic and it comes with a cheesy soft vinyl case. The Sony focus ring is acceptable but the old Minolta style seems more resistant to dust and oil from fingers. Holding it next to my 85/1.4G (D), the old Minolta construction quality is just not there on the Sony but they've jacked up the price considerably. If you're going to give this lens a 5 for build then the old Minolta G's deserve a 7 or better. The old Minolta A lenses like the beer can and fisheye are built better. NOTE - I noticed another contributor lamenting about fitting the hood over a CZ filter. My filter is an old Minolta AC L37 slim profile UV and the hood slides over it perfectly.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: takumar   review date: March-08-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- CZJ Flektogon 35mm/2.4 (m42)
- Takumar 3.5/35mm

price paid:

1000 EUR (new)

positive:

- sharp and contrasty
- "classic" / normal focal length on FF
- fast AF
- great colors
- nice bokeh
- good flare control
- build is excellent
- somehow smaller than a zoom

negative:

- some vignetting wide open
- sort of bulky for a prime
- plastic shade
- chromatic aberrations

comment:

This lens was initially sold for film, and is therefore very adapted to full frame digital.

Very good lens. I have been using this lens only on full frame, I guess it is a different kettle of fish with APS sensor. As a full frame lens, the 35mm is a very nice and useful focal length. I use it in conjunction with a 85mm and do 90% of my shots with either of these two lenses. It is nice to have the possibility to shoot at large apertures, which helps isolate the subject.

Difficult to focus wide open because of the very shallow DoF. It can feel soft wide open, sometimes, and certainly is to some extent, but the majority of times the picture feels soft because the focus is off.

It has a tendency to show CA with some high contrast (e.g. sunlit) subjects, even closed down a bit, which is annoying. This can be corrected in post-production, but still is a pain.

Lens build is excellent, but the plastic hood is clearly not the same league.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: jbtwin   review date: January-28-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50mm 1.7
CZ 85 1.4
105 Sigma Macro
17-50 Tamron 2.8

price paid:

1200 USD NEW

positive:

Sharp even wide open. Fast 1.4 aprature. Solid build near 50 mm on aps-c.

negative:

Tends to be a little bright in broad day light, have to stop bown a bit at times

comment:

Almost as good as the as the 85 CZ. Great out of focus areas the only problem I have is in day light I have to ev of stop down a bit. Even with that small draw back I still think this is a great lens but it is not as good as the CZ.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: siglo   review date: January-19-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1400 USD (new)

positive:

Build quality
Bokeh
Colors
Focus hold button

negative:

Hood hard to fit with filter on
expensive

comment:

Great lens with amazing bokeh. The build quality is top notch. My only complain is that I have a sony CZ protector filter on the lens and it makes fitting the hood really hard.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: borjomi   review date: November-10-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Mir-24N 35/2 (M42)
Minolta 24-85/3.5-4.5 new
Tokina 20-35/3.5-4.5 II
Sony 18-70 kit
Sony 20/2.8
Minolta 50/2.8 macro I
Minolta 85/1.4G

price paid:

1200 USD (like new)

positive:

Great bokeh
Colors
Build

Equivalent to 50 mm on APS-C
Focus hold button
Focus ring does not move in AF mode

negative:

No.

comment:

Excellent lens. Very compact for such large aperture, but bit heavy. Simply wide angle brother of 85G. Amazing 3D picture - bokeh is outstanding.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: September-30-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

minolta 24
sony 50
minolta 85
sigma 50
cz 24-70
cz 16-35

positive:

Bright!!
Micro contrast
Versatile with close MFD
Detail, colours & bokeh are A1

negative:

I worry about damaging it.
Not the best for sunny landscapes.

comment:

So versatile - focus hold is excellent. AF is fast. Hood weak but not always necessary. Softer at 1.4 (usefully so) but sharp above f/2. Bokeh machine at 35mm!! Some bokeh can be a bit edgy but on the whole the effect is very pleasing, like a wide 85G. Unbeatable indoors and focuses in low light easily. Detail and micro contrast in dark areas tremendous. I don't know what goes on inside that dark dense barrel, but it's pretty clever!

It gives a standard lens on A700 with close focus and hauls light in like a black hole. Often outdoors it will blow out the whites and I'll notice that the camera is working at 1/8000 sec, ISO 100, and I have to stop down a bit - no other Sony lens is brighter. I reduce the EV a bit as a default. Sometimes I get a paler circle (ghosting? sensor reflection?) in the centre of the image when shooting with the sun low in the frame but I guess this is not designed as a landscape lens primarily. Flare is actually well controlled though, it rarely washes out. Works well polarized.

The colours are just plain amazing and this is the most versatile, accurate prime of this length I could wish for. Very satisfying to own.

*UPDATE*
I spent some time setting up the AF on my A700 and got SHARP pictures at f/1.4. Every time, sharp pictures wide open. I sold the lens when I switched to A900 and replaced it with a Sigma 50/1.4 HSM, which only beats the Sony in one way - contrast wide open.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Cejes   review date: August-28-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

35mm f2
28mm f2
24mm f2.8

price paid:

1000 Euro

positive:

All...

negative:

...but sharpness @1.4

comment:

This lens gives an outstanding 3D effect even on digital cameras. On film id perfect.
The sharpness is low @1.4 but increases @f2.
Not really contrasty but the bokeh is at the same level of 85mm f1.4 G and Planar... Simply wonderful.

The lens is perfect for difficoult light situations and indoor shooting.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: willielam   review date: June-01-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

canon 35mm 1.4L,minolta 50mm 1.4.

positive:

Great Minolta colors.
Incredible bokeh.
No distortion.
No flare problems.
Focus limiter.
Easy to use manual focus ring.

negative:

price

comment:

The best Minolta lens I owned;G-series build;an outstanding optical design and good coatings.
I'm glad Sony release this lens. It is a real gem in the Minolta legacy.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: OG   review date: May-31-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1400 Euro (new)

positive:

near everything

negative:

No SSM

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gigo   review date: March-29-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SIGMA 24/1.8EX DG
SONY 50/1.4

positive:

Bokeh(able to capture atmosphere.)

negative:

Expensive. Slightly heavy.

comment:

Although expensive, worthy balancing or more.
I do not know the lens which otherwise reproduces atmosphere this much.
The minolta's one anchored me with A-mount in unfortunate long period. And I replace SONY's one for hope of next generations.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hotwire   review date: February-18-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50/1.4

price paid:

1420 CAD (new)

positive:

Build quality
Bokeh
Heavy (I like confident weight in my glass)

negative:

Devil sold it to me for my firstborn child.

comment:

This lens is as far as I can tell, very sharp wide open. The shallow depth of field at f/1.4 is not the sort of thing you can use "focus lock and recompose" easily with. Mind you I figured out how to use all my focus points thanks to this.

The lens is built like a tank. Focuses fast on the a700, and the AF focus ring clutch on this lens is awesome.

Finally I have a fast normal prime on APS-C.

But I have to admit: damn... G lenses are addictive. Bet you can't get just one!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mediman30   review date: February-03-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

L498.00 brand new

positive:

sharpness, bokeh, build...I love this lens to pieces!

negative:

none (maybe price if I bought it without the 50% discount!)

comment:

A must have lens! I like the sharpness and bokeh I'm getting with this lens, colours are really good too! I will definitely keep this lens for a long time. If you have a spare cash, buy it! I want to make it clear, people might ask how did I get this lens for that price, L498!...there was a story behind this. I purchased it from Amazon UK through Calumet Photographic as the seller, I knew there might have been a mistake when I spotted it on Amazon's website for L498. I ordered it straight away that night and the lens arrived after three days. The price was back to its normal UK price after a day I ordered it online. I think I was just being lucky!!! Thanks Amazon and Calumet, you made my 30th bday really special!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: jensenholmes   review date: October-03-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1500.00 (new)

positive:

Gorgeous professional-level portrait and low light shots
Fantastic color and light
Great for hand-held users

negative:

Price
Not ideal for landscapes

comment:

I've owned this lens for 2 months and I love it! I've had my Sony A100 for about 10 months and used the kit lens for awhile. This lens was a big investment but a marked improvement over the kit lens. I rarely use anything else now unless I switch to my macro or telephoto lens for specialized shots. This is my "everyday" lens.

Before my Sony I had a compact Olympic. The Sony boosted my picture quality a great deal, but this lens boosted it into what is sometimes (on those lucky shots) pro or near pro quality. I wanted something that would work well hand-held in ambient light indoors or in dim light outdoors and also something for nighttime shots. This lens is great in these conditions. The combination of a fast lens like this with the Sony A100 anti-shake makes it possible to get nice shots hand-held even at night or in poor lighting indoors. It's also very compact and light, as light as my kit lens. This means a lot to me as I prefer the spontaneous photo feel and don't like to lug around a tripod.

The color and bokeh on this lens is really sweet. It does beautiful portraits and macro shots. The macro shots have an artsy tone with a very pretty hazed depth of field compared to my Sony Macro lens. The macro lens is nice but gives a sharper, more precise and 'logical' effect. I find I use it only when I want to get REALLY close in or want a 'wall to wall' sharpness.

With the AF 35MM F1.4 G I've also gotten fanastic results on portraits of family members and pets. Soft (in a good way) and very, very flattering. And no flash!

My next purchase will be a wide-angle lens for landscape shots. I find the AF 35 F1.4G not ideal for sunny day landscapes, even when I set it to f/11 or f/16. The lighting tends to get blown out if ambient light is too bright. Even my kit lens produces better results. On the other hand, on cloudy/rainy days this lens produces briliantly colorful and dreamy shots that are to die for.

In sum, I HIGHLY recommend this lens. I put a lot of photos in the sample image gallery. Hope this is helpful!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: samsonlo   review date: July-11-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

HKD$9750

positive:

Sharp
nice color
Beautiful bokeh
very useful range for snap
short min. focus distance
well build quality

negative:

expensive
a bit heavy for its range

comment:

very very very good lens.....
go and get it if you are still thinking.....
you won't disappoint

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ab012   review date: April-11-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M35/2 M28/2

positive:

Colours
Bokeh
Bokeh
and Bokeh

negative:

Price

comment:

Bokeh Bokeh Bokeh. Simply outstanding!!!!!

Sharpness/resolution
Could be a bit better at 1.4 I guess but in use I havnt felt limited by sharpness considerations. In other words the choice of aperture is purely based on desired DOF not required sharpness so that to me this lens has great sharpness. (The only reason it is not a 5 is that in comparison to the 85 the 1.4 is not as razor sharp - but, as mentioned - very useable))

Part of the reason is probably also due to the fact that the colours and bokeh is so nice. All thoughts of any resolution good/bad is secondary when the whole pic looks so nice!

A900 note: The cost of the lens become much more justifiable (if it can be at all [:)] on FF: wide angle with 1.4 with beautiful bokeh ... fantastic!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: aarif   review date: March-25-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

1700$

positive:

Fast lens with lovely silky bokeh and good colors

negative:

Expensive and soft under f/2

comment:

The only disappointment for me is its softness @ 1.4, 1.6, 1.7 sharp @ f/2 and very sharp @ f2.8 and above, the CZ is much sharper @ 1.7 and the Minolta 85 1.4 G is also much sharper wide-open


Edit: just what to add that soft under f/2 I meant for an expensive prime lens so it’s not that soft that it cannot be used

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: paulobro   review date: March-13-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Bright viewfinder, very fast and accurate AF.
Superb build and image quality.

negative:

Purple fringing.
Price.

comment:

Rno.'s review, below, had me concerned for I had already ordered me a copy...

After some preliminary tests I'd echo all of his comments, except the sharpness issue. I'm not really a perfectionist and I don't have a KM35/2 for comparison, but on my 5D even at f/1.4 I find my copy delivers, as far as sharpness and contrast are concerned, pretty acceptable images (I've placed a couple images on the Sample images forum, for your evaluation).

Only negative issue I could find so far is very noticeable purple fringing. Easy to remove, sure, but I took 1 point off from color rating for it...

sharpness: 2 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Rno.   review date: February-19-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 35/2
KM 28/2

price paid:

1400USD (new, B&H)

positive:

Conveys quality.
Very good haptics.

negative:

Not sharp below f/2.8!
Heavy for the size.
Expensive.

comment:

This lens is dense! 510g heavy in such a small package--that must be quality.
The Sony design is minimalist par excellence, and I like it. The rubber insert is at the right spot, not conspicuous, but highly functional (almost feels sticky in a good way). The focus ring feels the same, and it does not rotate in AF operation. Nice!
The finely machined mount oozes of precision.
The extra f-stop expands creative control over bokeh, which is oh-so-sweet and creamy!

That was the good. Now the bad: it is very expensive and the price is only justifyable for a perfectionist like me. If it were sharp (wait for the ugly!), it could well qualify for a one-lens-only setup, but its weight is the hair in that soup.

The ugly, and it is very ugly: both of my copies were miserably soft. Not only at f/1.4 but also at f/2, and just about getting nice at f/2.8. What hurt was that at every f-stop below f/4, the "cheaper" 35/2 was sharper! Significantly sharper.
My original hope to have caught a bad copy was destroyed with the very consistent second copy. Both were returned.

I didn't test for distortion, and only secondarily for flare, but I didn't notice any major problems, so I'll give it the benefit of doubt.

ETA: There was a third copy in my lineup, later. I just couldn't get beyond what the lens had produced, and that only became clear after I had returned the second copy. So, the third was just as bad in terms of sharpness, but I started to accept that, because the produced images made me forget the flaw. It became like a handicapped child that you love just as much, or even more, than your healthy children.

The sad end of the story is that it got stolen, together with my A700 on which I had it as the only (!) lens on a trip to Italy, and together with the images I recorded. Today, after insurance handled it very fairly, the lost images are the most painful part of this.

Fast forward to the replacement body after the A700, an A850. I had to try it again and bought a used copy from hooni who had claimed it was sharp from 1.4. Well, that turned out not to be true, so it was just the same old 35/1.4, but on FF, it had lost its FL effect for me. I sold it again. My new Sigma 50/1.4 is taking over that FL role, with a convincing color and bokeh magic that made the 35/1.4 so desirable.
End of story