Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJune 09, 2021A7R IV review, Sony A7R IV sample images, Sony A7R IV sample photos, The Sony A7R IV in Action, Sony A7R IV Image Quality, Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM sample images, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM sample photos, Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA sample images, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM review, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM vs. Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - Handling and Build Quality, The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM in Action, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Image Quality2 Comments

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Review

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens shown on the Sony A7R IV

A Fujifilm Photographer’s Review of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

For years I have been attracted to the 35mm focal length in the full-frame format. The dream of one day traveling the world with a Leica M of sorts with a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 is permanently cemented in my sub-conscience.

Back in the day when I shot Canon EOS full-frame digital SLRs, I borrowed the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L from CPS for a couple of weddings where I wanted the best possible quality. I was looking for a creamy bokeh and the ability to shoot in low-light situations without increasing my ISO too much.

For my Canon AV-1 SLR film camera, I recently purchased and did a review of the Canon FD 35mm f/2.

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens shown with the lens hood — The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM shown with the lens hood

After my switch to the Fujifilm X Series, I have been relying on the XF 23mm f/1.4 R to cover the 35mm full-frame equivalent focal length. The XF 23mm f/1.4 R accompanied me to almost all of the 50 countries we visited in a period of 50 months and I have been using it for pro gigs and private projects.

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM was my first lens choice when it came time to review the Sony A7R IV.

At the time this article was written the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM retailed for $1,398.00.

A lifeguard row boat is stand by at Second Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM — Second Beach, Vancouver. Sony A7R IV, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM @ f/2

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - Introduction

Sony has been busy releasing several GM prime lenses that all look rather promising. This group of lenses counts the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM, FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, FE 50mm f/1.2 GM, and FE 135mm f/1.4 GM.

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM close up of the aperture ring, focus ring and lens hood — The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, showing the aperture ring, focusing ring, and lens hood

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - Handling and Build Quality

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is of good build quality and the weight of 1.2 lb / 524 g should not scare too many people off, myself included.

This is a very reasonable weight for a full-frame 35mm f/1.4 lens. In comparison, the old Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L weighs more at 1.67 lb / 760 g, and my XF 23mm f/1.4 R is less at 10.58 oz / 300 g but it covers a smaller APS-C sensor only.

A new feature jumps out right away. The fact that the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM has a physical aperture ring is awesome. Especially coming from Fujifilm where almost all lenses have an aperture ring, I appreciate this.

On the Sony lens, you will find a switch on the side of the lens barrel where you have a choice to turn the “click” on or off. For photography, you typically want the clicks, and for video, de-click it for a smooth transition of aperture values.

It is impressive that the lens has 11 rounded diaphragm blades which should ensure nice bokeh.

Here are some of the other Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM specs:

Two XA elements, one ED element
Nano AR II and fluorine coatings
Dual XD linear AF motors with internal focus
Focus hold button, AF/MF switch
Weather-resistant
Dimensions: 3 x 3.8" / 76 x 96 mm
Filter diameter: 67mm
Min. focus distance: 9.8" / 25 cm

Overall I really dig the looks and feel of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM. Features such as the subtle rubber ring on the lens hood are well thought out and well-executed.

It may be overkill to mention but when you are on a gig shooting an event and make frequent lens changes, you often place the lens on a table or any flat surface. Then you can easily attach or remove your rear lens cap with one hand without the lens shifting or gliding all over the place as it would with a plastic petal-shaped hood.

The pond by the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. Sample image from a Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM — Stanley Park, Vancouver. Sony A7R IV, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM @ f/7.1

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM in Action

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is well-balanced on the Sony A7R IV and the combination does not feel too heavy. I was surprised to learn that it is only 0.44 lb / 200 g heavier than my Fujifilm X-Pro3 with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R.

The aperture ring is pushed out on the lens barrel and I found this a comfortable position for it. Autofocus is fast and silent with the dual linear AF motors and the internal focusing is nice as the lens does not protrude when focusing.

A size comparison between a Sony A7R IV with the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM with a Fujifilm X-Pro3 with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Size comparison between a Sony A7R IV with the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM and a Fujifilm X-Pro3 with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - Image Quality

My first adventure into Sony territory was a good exercise and in large I give the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM credit for that. Images were sharp, even wide open, and the bokeh was quite dreamy as well. I did not see any noticeable vignetting either.

The ability to separate your topic from the background is very pronounced shooting at f/1.4 and is something I like to do with landscape photos to put emphasis on certain aspects.

This works great in street photography also and you can make a person or object a focal point and blur out the rest. The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM exceeded my expectations in this regard.

Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

For my Sony A7 R IV review, I also had the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA but didn’t use it nearly as much as the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM. I won’t be doing a separate review of the Sonnar 55mm but only share a few observations.

The two main drawbacks of the Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA were the missing aperture ring. I would normally never complain about low weight, 9.9 oz / 281 g, but when trying these two lenses side by side the 55mm had an airy almost low quality feel to it in comparison with the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM.

I did get a few sample images I can share below. I found sharpness great and bokeh wide open quite pleasing. See also size comparison to my X-Pro3 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R below.

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - Conclusion

It irks me a bit that I really liked the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM as I inevitably compare it to my current setup with a Fujifilm APS-C-based camera and lens. I admit that the Sony setup yields a desirable combination with an excellent f/1.4 option at 35mm, full-frame.

With that out of the way, it is, however, not an apples-to-apples comparison. The Sony A7R IV and FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is a significantly costlier option priced more than 60% higher than the X-Pro3 and XF 23mm f/1.4 R combination.

As a more affordable alternative, you could opt to go with the Sony A7 III and still get that shallow depth of field look and now the price difference would be within a few hundred dollars. Interesting, and certainly worth mentioning.

The Sony FE 35m f/1.4 GM front element — Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM front element

Fujifilm has clearly stated that they are not interested in entering the full-frame market. It is a very competitive segment and instead, Fujifilm is devoted to either the APS-C X Series or the larger-than-full-frame GFX Series.

I cannot help to beg the question. Would I purchase a similar setup as the one I have just tested with the Sony A7R IV and FE 35mm f/1.4 GM had it been executed with Fujifilm’s usual finesse? The answer is; probably, yes!

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - B&H Photo

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