Comparison
Sony FE 35 mm f/1.8 vs. FE 35 mm f/1.4 GM: is it worth spending twice as much?
I compare two popular Sony 35 mm lenses. Where the GM brings a real benefit and when the cheaper version is all you need.
When you're deciding between these two lenses, it mostly comes down to one thing: is the price difference justified by real-world performance? Both offer excellent sharpness and faithful colors, but they differ in character and in how they behave in practice. I'll go through exactly how.
Optical quality
Both lenses are among the best in their class, each in its own way. The FE 35 mm f/1.8 is surprisingly sharp even wide open, so you don't need to stop down for sharpness. Expect some vignetting in the corners, though, which is easy to fix in post-production.
The 35 mm f/1.4 GM offers higher contrast and suppresses chromatic aberration better in the far corners. If you print large formats or need maximum corner-to-corner detail, the GM has a slight edge. When viewing on a screen, though, the difference between them at f/1.8 is often imperceptible.
Bokeh
Here things are clearer. The 35 mm f/1.4 GM has more aperture blades, so the aperture opening stays almost perfectly round. The result is very smooth, creamy bokeh that strongly separates the subject from the background.
The 35 mm f/1.8 also has nice bokeh, but when stopped down the opening can turn slightly polygonal, which gives the background a certain texture. For portraits and strong background blur, the GM is the clear winner. For street and documentary work, where you want to keep the atmosphere of the surroundings, the f/1.8 may actually suit you better.
Autofocus
Both lenses focus with linear motors, quickly and quietly. The FE 35 mm f/1.8 is a bit slower than the GM when tracking moving subjects, but it's enough for most situations, including sports and action.
The GM has an f/1.4 aperture, so in low light the AF system gets more light and in practice focuses faster and more reliably. If you often shoot indoors or in the city at night, the GM is the safer choice.
Weight and size
Here the f/1.8 clearly wins. It weighs only about 280 g and is compact, which makes it ideal for trips where you want the camera always at hand without being weighed down.
The 35 mm f/1.4 GM is heavier (about 525 g) and longer. With a smaller body like the A7C or the A6xxx series, the f/1.8 is therefore often more practical.
When the GM is worth it
The GM version makes sense mainly in these cases:
- you shoot portraits and want the smoothest possible background
- you need the highest possible optical quality for print
- you do professional work where you don't want compromises in contrast or optical aberrations
For most photographers, including street photographers and travelers, the FE 35 mm f/1.8 is perfectly sufficient. Thanks to its lower price and weight, it's the more sensible investment.
Conclusion
Neither lens is bad – the difference lies in what character and performance you need. The FE 35 mm f/1.8 is an excellent, light and sharp everyday companion. The 35 mm f/1.4 GM is a professional tool with outstanding bokeh and top-tier optics. Choose based on what suits your hands and your wallet.
Objektiv
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8