Sony 35mm options

alex66

Regular
I intend to get at some point a better 35mm, I have the Samyang 2.8 which is nice and small but woud ike something better. I do not want to go down the 1.4 and faster route, preffering to keep size down. What is the general order of 35mm iq wise 1.8 and slower?
 
Several options in the Sony range:

- Sony Zeiss 35mm 2.8 - very small, compact, excellent IQ (similar to the Samyang you have)

- Sony 35mm 1.8 - compact, lightweight, sharp but also sterile, close min focus

- Sony 35mm 1.4 GM - cream of the crop in terms of build, IQ, and price :)

The other highly regarded native lens are the Sigma lineup:

- 35mm f2 contemporary - top level build, great IQ with nice rendering

- 35mm 1.4 DG DN - almost Sony GM level, but more affordable in a bit larger size

- 35mm 1.2 DG DN - monster lens with monster IQ

Then you have the Samyang, Tamron, and all MF options…
 
Thanks, I think it is between the Sony 1.8 the Sigma 2 and the Batis, will look for images from each to see what renders in the most desirable way. The Sigma does look like a luxury product though.
 
- Sony 35mm 1.8 - compact, lightweight, sharp but also sterile, close min focus
I do have to disagree here somewhat. The FE 35/1.8 is sharp - in the middle, that is - but I don't find it particularly sterile. But this is subjective of course. Of the 35mm lenses I've owned, which amounts to a paltry three pieces, I really find the Sony the most pleasing to the eye, with the Tamron SP 35/1.8 a strong second place. Anyhow, I've described the the FE 35/1.8 as somewhat "analogue" in rendering; it's sharp but not harsh.

But the problem here is that what competition there is is very strong. The much cheaper Samyang isn't a bad lens by any means, the Sigma looks good too and so on... The Sony does focus quick and close, though.
 
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