Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Prime Lens Announced

Lens News

by Olaf von VossJanuary 13^th, 2021

For this year’s virtual CES show, Sony has just announced a brand new prime lens that offers some nice tricks for videographers: Meet the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM prime lens.

There isn’t too much information about this new lens, but what we know so far is this: It’s a fast (f/1.4) 35mm prime lens for Sony E-Mount, intended primarily for still photography. However, since almost all Sony mirrorless cameras can also shoot decent video, this lens is also suitable for videographers since it sports a dedicated switch for de-clicking the iris.

Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM prime lens

Since this lens has an aperture ring and that very ring can be set to steplessly control the aperture, this lens seems to be a photo/video hybrid of sorts.

On the inside, it sports two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one aspherical element, which together “ensure outstanding resolution in this f/1.4 prime lens“.

The circular 11-blade aperture should ensure nice circular background bokeh defocus effects, especially when shooting wide open at f/1.4. Two XD linear (extreme dynamic) motors help with accurate focusing

Furthermore, Sony has applied its latest Nano AR Coating II, which Sony claims minimizes internal reflections to avoid flares and ghosting effects.

Pricing and availability

The new Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM prime lens will be available later this month and it will retail for €1,699 ($1,398). This is about $800 less than the already existing Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM which, since it’s a zoom lens, offers quite a range in terms of focal length but it’s slower (f/2.8) and doesn’t come with a dedicated aperture ring. Your choice!

What do you think about this new lens? Is a fast wide angle prime something you would consider for your kit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!