Sony today introduced the FE 35mm F1.8, the third 35mm prime in Sony’s FE line for full-frame mirrorless.

FE 35mm F1.8
Sony FE 35mm F1.8

In terms of maximum aperture, it lands between the Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA and the Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA, both of which are Sony Zeiss lenses. Of the three, it has the shortest minimum focusing distance for compositions with prominent foreground objects. As you’d expect based on the maximum aperture of each of these lenses, it also falls between the two Zeiss lenses in size and weight (see comparison chart below).

Current Sony 35mm Primes For Full Frame

FE 35mm F1.8 Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA
Max. Aperture ƒ/1.8 ƒ/1.4 ƒ/2.8
Min. Aperture ƒ/22 ƒ/16 ƒ/22
Min. Focus Distance 0.73 ft. 0.98 ft. 1.15 ft.
Weight 9.9 oz. 22.3 oz. 4.3 oz.
Size 2–5/8 x 2–7/8 in. 3-1/8 x 4-1/2 in. 2-1/2 x 1-7/16 in.
Price $750 $1,600 $800

Comparing the three lenses, the Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA is a good choice if minimum size and weight is more important than a larger maximum aperture. Choose the Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA if you need the fastest maximum aperture available. The new FE 35mm F1.8 is a great balance between the two, considering price, performance and size/weight.

The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 will be available in August. For more info, see the press release below.

Check out the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 on B&H!

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Sony Electronics Boosts Full-frame Lens Line-up with Introduction of FE 35mm F1.8 Lightweight Prime

SAN DIEGO —July 9, 2019 —Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the latest addition to its E-mount full-frame lens line-up with the introduction of the FE 35mm F1.8 wide-angle prime lens, model SEL35F18F.

The compact dimensions and lightweight of this full-frame, large-aperture lens provide mobility and convenience for shooting a wide range of subjects, such as everyday snapshots, food photography, landscapes, night scenes and more. The new lens provides outstanding corner-to-corner image quality, while its quiet autofocus and tenacious tracking performance make it a great choice for both stills and movie shooting. Additionally, its compact form makes it an appealing choice for both APS-C body users, offering a 52.5mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras.

“Our E-mount lens lineup now includes 34 full-frame models and 52 lenses in total,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The new 35mm prime combines outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness with a compact design, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of shooters. Sony will continue to develop and expand its imaging lineup, giving creators more options than ever before to realize their vision.”

 Product Highlights

High-resolution and large-aperture, full-frame performance in compact and lightweight lens

  • Large F1.8 maximum aperture, weighing in at just 280 grams and measuring 65.6 mm (diameter) by 73.0mm (length); this new lens sets a new standard for portability
  • Advanced optical construction, including an aspherical element to suppress aberration and deliver high resolution throughout the entire image frame; 9-blade circular aperture enhances beautiful bokeh
  • Minimum focus distance of 0.22m and maximum magnification of 0.24x offer easy access to the world of close-up photography

Versatile control and handling for a wide range of imaging needs

  • Conveniently placed, customizable focus hold button and a focus mode switch for instantaneous switching between auto and manual focus
  •  Linear Response Manual Focus for fine, responsive manual focus control
  • Dust- and moisture-resistant design add to the versatility and reliability of this new lens and invoke a feeling of confidence in the user

Quiet AF with excellent tracking for movies as well as stills

  • Fast, precise and quiet linear-motor AF drive system for both stills and continuous focus control

Pricing and Availability

The FE 35mm F1.8 will ship in August 2019 for approximately $750 US and $800 CA and will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

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