Sony today has officially announced the new FE 35mm f/1.8 lens (SEL35F18F), the US price is $748, pre-order options at B&H Photo Video/Adorama, release date in early August, 2019. The FE 35mm f/1.8 lens is a fast medium wide-angle lens for its full-frame a7 and a9 cameras, which fills a hitherto gaping hole in the company’s full-frame lens lineup.
The metal and plastic-bodied FE 35mm F1.8 bears a close family resemblance to the older FE 28mm F2 and 85mm F1.8, but costs substantially more than both, at an MSRP of $750. It lacks the ‘G’ or ‘GM’ designations of other FE lenses, which denotes its positioning as an accessible, relatively inexpensive option for enthusiasts rather than professionals. Construction is rated as ‘dust and moisture resistant’, but we would not expect this lens to offer the same durability as one of Sony’s premium G Master-series optics.
At 280g (~10 oz) this is the lightest lens of its kind
Optical construction is relatively straightforward, comprising 11 elements in nine groups, with one aspherical element.
At 280g (~10 oz) this is the lightest lens of its kind, and offers fast autofocusing thanks to a linear focus motor, and a close focus distance of just 0.22m (~9 inches). Linear focus response in MF mode will be welcomed by video shooters. In our initial testing, the FE 35mm F1.8 has shown itself to be a sharp, versatile lens which is capable of rendering very pleasant background blur.
Sony FE 35mm F1.8 specifications
Principal specifications | |
---|---|
Lens type | Prime lens |
Max Format size | 35mm FF |
Focal length | 35 mm |
Image stabilization | No |
Lens mount | Sony FE |
Aperture | |
Maximum aperture | F1.8 |
Aperture ring | No |
Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
Optics | |
Elements | 11 |
Groups | 9 |
Special elements / coatings | 1 aspherical element |
Focus | |
Minimum focus | 0.22 m (8.66″) |
Maximum magnification | 0.24× |
Autofocus | Yes |
Motor type | Linear Motor |
Full time manual | Yes |
Focus method | Internal |
Distance scale | No |
DoF scale | No |
Physical | |
Weight | 280 g (0.62 lb) |
Diameter | 66 mm (2.6″) |
Length | 73 mm (2.87″) |
Materials | Aluminum, composite |
Sealing | Yes |
Colour | Black |
Filter thread | 55 mm |