Sony 35mm f1.4GM Review (vs 35mm f/1.8 & 35mm f/1.4 ZA): It's PERFECT!

Рет қаралды 115,116

Күн бұрын

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Tony Northrup tests the new Sony 35mm f1.4GM ($1,400 at sdp.io/s35gm) against the Sony 35mm f1.4 ZA ($1,600 new or about $1,100 used with a warranty at sdp.io/s35za) and Sony 35mm f/1.8 (available used with a warranty at sdp.io/s35f18). The results are SHOCKING. The Zeiss lens has always been considered very high quality, with remarkable scores at DxOMark... However, the new lens completely puts it to SHAME.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Why a 35mm prime?
1:52 Size/handling comparison
2:58 Contrast test
3:44 Chromatic aberration/fringing
4:11 Starburst effect at f/16 or f/22
4:54 BOKEH!
6:42 Macro/Minimum focusing distance/Max Magnification
8:07 Sharpness/microcontrast
9:51 Summary

Пікірлер: 301

@TonyAndChelsea 3 жыл бұрын

FAQ: The 35mm f/1.8 has a closer focusing distance than the 35mm f/1.4, so why did my test show the 35mm f/1.4 filled the frame with the camera more? It's the difference between maximum magnification and close focusing distance. The 35 f/1.4 has a min focus distance of 9.8", while the 35 f/1.8 is 8.7". So, yes, the f/1.8 can focus at a shorter distance - BUT - the focal length must shrink to 25mm or 30mm or so because of focus breathing (we have a video on this topic). The 35 f/1.4 has a max magnification of 0.26x, whereas the 35 f/1.8 has a max magnification of 0.24x. Thus, the 35mm f/1.4 fills the frame with the subject more, even though it's further away. It probably stays closer to a true 35mm than the f/1.8 lens does. You don't actually care about minimum focusing distance - you care about maximum magnification. Here's a video on the topic: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jrZlYMhltpaVcZc.html

@ytr8989 3 жыл бұрын

It’s good you explain things to make it easier to follow. However, I would like to see more Nikon lens reviews. The Nikon 35 f1.8 and the 35 f1.4 both have the same 0.16x maximum magnification. However, with Nikon the 35 f1.4 still seems to fill the frame with the subject better than the 35 f1.8. Nikon pretty much puts the magnification theory on the back burner again. Yes, the Nikon 35 f1.8 gets in closer than the 35 f1.4, so I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe because the 1.4 lens is bigger or it’s more about the apertures? That is really puzzling.

@jmackultra 3 жыл бұрын

@@ytr8989 the hood wants Sony and Canon chief. Nikon aint it.

@michaeltsui3435 3 жыл бұрын

@@ytr8989 Focal length of lens is always measured at infinity focus.

@uncruckus9345 Жыл бұрын

I think you got it mixed up, the Sony 35 doesn’t have focus breathing , the gm does

@hamdankamil955 7 күн бұрын

@@uncruckus9345 Thats I thought, the one's closer to a true 35mm is the f1.8, the gm has focus breathing problem and thats why it has tighter view, yet it zooms closer than the f1.8

@ImperiousImages 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for comparing the 1.4 GM against the 1.8! Most of the other KZfaqrs didn’t think to do that. That’s the comparison of new glass that matters the most. The 1.8 held up well for the price!

@PbVeritas 3 жыл бұрын

I am a professional wedding photographer and IMHO the Sony 1.8 series is a lot better option for most people. In the real world you will never see a difference (and most importantly: you clients certainly wont) but they are lighter, smaller and a lot cheaper for almost the same performace. Yes they are not weather sealed but in all those years I have never shot in conditions a normal lens could not handle. And yes they can not gather as much light, but this is also not a problem with modern cameras and high ISO values. Great work from Sony with the 35 1.4 GM though

@nilsditt7962 3 жыл бұрын

would like to see comparisons to other manufacturers, like sigma, samyang, tamron in your lens reviews, as those are hugely relevant to most people watching the videos.

@lsaideOK 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. Covered most things in a clear way. I would like to see some real world shots on a lower mp camera to show what differences I would see in my own photographs. The Zeiss flaws are probably obvious but the 1.8 may hold up very well.

@AsheshRajbansh 3 жыл бұрын

Selling the Ziess right away, no questions, thank you so much Tony.

@AnthonyJaya 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. I've been wanting to buy a prime lens and debating between the f/1.8 and f/1.4. Since I am an amateur, the f/1.8 has such amazing value and will probably be plenty powerful for my projects.

@patmat. Жыл бұрын

Great comparison, thank you. I particularly like the 240 Mpx test to really dig deep into the lens optical quality.

@imAnsar 3 жыл бұрын

Need to get my pre-order In. Happy new year Tony and Chelsea

@BobSchipper 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! I own the Sony Zeiss and sample variation is really high. A test by the guys from LensRentals showed this. My copy happens to be excellent. However, having the 24 GM definitely would sell anyone on the G Master line.

@EnormousSmartass 3 жыл бұрын

A comparison to the Sigma 35 1.4 would've been nice, as that one is already regarded as the higher quality alternative to the Zeiss. So is the GM worth it compared to the Sigma at basically double the price?

@kroomiester 3 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear the Z7ii review is coming soon

@bobsykes 3 жыл бұрын

Great review, and thanks for the KEH promo code. I really need to get going and clean my closet out. You're right, no reason to be a collector of unused stuff someone else my shoot with everyday. I owned the Sony/Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 several years ago, and while it did give a sort of "art" look to many images, one of the special looks in the way that Leica M lenses (other than the new APO series) can give. With a 42 megapixel sensor at the time (A7R III) is was for practical purposes pretty sharp in the center wide open, and very good stopped down to landscape type apertures. I didn't really care for it, as the poor contrast got in the way for me. This new lens looks like an incredible value for its price. Hopefully you'll shoot some actual photographs in a range of situations in a follow up review.

@easonwang3275 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mate for such detailed comparison review, i am comparing Sony 35gm and Sony 35 1.8 ,If I am a video maker and don’t really mind focus breathing issue. Wondering the video images quality gonna make any noticeable difference on FX3 ‘s 4K 10bit ? Consider the resolution is very low on 4K. My key consideration is image quality on video.

@RaphaelParvin 2 жыл бұрын

This was an excellent review and comparision! I guess I will be asking for a new 35mm GM for Christmas :)

@roderickwho1983 3 жыл бұрын

Crikey! You're garage is cleaner than my kitchen. I won't say how horrible my garage is.... Thanks for the video, happy newyear and stay safe.

@deebea6364 3 жыл бұрын

Seen a lot of great reviews of this new lens! I am keen for a 35 and excited for the RF 35 1.2 DS that should be releasing this year... not as much light but pairs so nicely with the 28-70 and 85 DS

@PavlosPapageorgiou 3 жыл бұрын

I used the Zeiss 35 1.4 for a while and liked the pictures I was getting, but didn't like the pictures I was missing because that lens focused quite slow. It would be interesting when reviewing primes to test how fast a lens focuses from power on, or when a subject pops into the frame.

@andgainingspeed 3 жыл бұрын

If 35mm is your favorite focal length, then this lens should be pretty compelling. I'm impressed by the size, price and performance. Wondering if the availability with follow other GM primes patterns. 🤔

@Gadrosful 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to see in this 2021. Much love from Nigeria

@RobBulmahn 3 жыл бұрын

I'm actually kinda shocked how bad the Zeiss performed. I always thought they were supposed to be the premium option.

@antistiolabeo8950 3 жыл бұрын

That's actually quite an old Sony-Zeiss lens. Lenses really made by Zeiss for their own lineups are on another level.

@TheKMov 3 жыл бұрын

Try Zeiss Otus 😂

@antistiolabeo8950 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheKMov Yeah that's what I meant...Zeiss branded lenses are not Zeiss lenses per se. Their original lineups (Otos but even the lesser Batis) are just superior.

@antistiolabeo8950 3 жыл бұрын

@Any RD I tend not to judge lenses according to Dxomark rankings. Most of the Zeiss lenses own are sharper than I need and have a lovely character and very nice color rendition. Something that some super-duper-sharp Sigma lenses for example don't have.

@rdog77 3 жыл бұрын

Great Review. I love the 35mm focal length. It's not super wide so you can tell a better story.

@joaomiranda9639 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Tony Thanks for yours videos. I have a nikon camera d850 and in you opinion wich sigma lens 150-600 are better for wildlife photography Sport or Contemporary? And between you advice and Tamron 150 -600 g2? Thanks and best regards

@JACKnJESUS 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and review. I have the Sony 135mm f1.8 Gm (amazing lens btw), and it also focuses much closer in manual than AF. Must be a Sony thing.

@cybernetennis 3 жыл бұрын

Your the man, man. Thank you for all the help over the years. People talk $; keep being a good person :)

@artmaltman 3 жыл бұрын

Test bokeh outside to see which lens do best at blurring out background and also smooth transitions. Thank you

@mystikmeg Жыл бұрын

Such a helpful video. I’m going for the 1.8 👍🏻

@eei6255 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fabulous video thanks a lot!

@MOMAT_ 3 жыл бұрын

this video is so well directed we need more like this!

@TonyAndChelsea 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@joshs7642 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. I would have loved to see the Samyang 35 f1.8 included in the comparisons.

@Tokyo_Views 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to get a hands on this baby! Thanks for the video.

@RockyMaiviaMiami 3 жыл бұрын

0:41 When you didn’t want to but you boss (Chelsea) grabbed you by your shirt told you get in there “make that video” 😂

@WilliamJohnston 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to see our warm, human and wonderful human Peter Gregg getting a mention!

@simsim6552 3 жыл бұрын

The GM images look very nice. Unfortunately it has focus breathing which makes it harder to use for focus stacking. If that wasn't the case I'd get it.

@redmanrubber 3 жыл бұрын

As a brand new photographer as in my camera gets delivered today, is it worth justifying the 1400 price difference for the gm lens, obviously i would love to have the gm but since im just starting out am i better off getting the 1.8 and getting 2 - 3 prines for the price of the one gm. And later one once im confident putting out the money for the top quality stuff. Or shoukd i go with the buy once buy right type idea. Any input appreciated. Ty

@sionglooi8170 3 жыл бұрын

Nice comparison, but I was hoping on how it will preform in astrophotography. Is it better than the 24GM. just seeing if it be my new 360 astropano lens

@sertacersin 3 жыл бұрын

Hi,can you make a comparison between sony 16-35 f2.8 and this new sony 35 mm f1.4. Which one is the sharpest at 35 mm?

@peterschwartz8226 3 жыл бұрын

Great video as always!

@sethqu9980 3 жыл бұрын

It seems that the new 35/1.4 is really good. I'd like to try this lens at Sony store tomorrow. Thanks a lot!

@Ba-qw4xj 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Tony. Did you already Made a review or did you try the z cam ?

@gladtal 3 жыл бұрын

While you were filming the Christmas tree bokeh portion it looked like the camera was "pulsating" for lack of a better term? What is that called? Is that a defect or expected?

@HeroShotz 3 жыл бұрын

I love that 60fps look of these videos

@cjf86811 3 жыл бұрын

good review thanks Tony :)

@jon112media 3 жыл бұрын

That moment when my favorite part was the Peter Gregg reference 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🎄🎄🎄🎄

@jimmymunuthi4324 3 жыл бұрын

Wow now that was effective, precise. Good job.

@ericsamuels6250 3 жыл бұрын

what about Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 vs this new lens what do you think ?

@misreb1 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to know how do you think it compares to the sigma 35mm 1.2

@Inuyashasoy 3 жыл бұрын

First stop on the Sony 35mm f1.4GM Review videos train, 6 more videos to go! I'll never buy this lens, but love the content

@daxshell242 3 жыл бұрын

i think considering the price for each, they all fit their range quite well. f1.8 is phenomenal and cheap. f1.4 zeiss increases the price incrementally for the extra aperture for a slight compromise on the IQ (seen videos in the past where it gives comparable results at f1.8), and the f1.4 gm gives no compromise at a price best suited for pros.

@mauricerijnders3507 3 жыл бұрын

Great review! 👍🏼

@zfisher 3 жыл бұрын

Why use the high res mode for the sharpness test? Since the camera is not actually taking one 240MP image the lens wouldn't have to resolve that much detail, right? Would the sharpness difference really be different than in just the 60MP images? Or does combining them amplify the sharpness differences? Also your model's expression makes me think I just asked her to give me a ride to the airport 🙃

@TiaHermana43 3 жыл бұрын

The stacking amplifies the demands on resolving power on the lens, if it can't resolve pixel level differences really well then you end up with a worse HR stack (think garbage in garbage out)... It seems counter intuitive at first, just need to think about it for a min.

@zfisher 3 жыл бұрын

@@TiaHermana43 thanks! I don't think it's counter intuitive at all, I had just never seen a comparison of two lenses using both methods, so I was assuming the sharpness differences would just carry over 1:1

@afonsosantos8364 3 жыл бұрын

Great 3-way comparison, I definitely must sell my 35ZA... but not to buy the 35GM, I will rather go wider to the 24GM and skip the 35mm focal length for now. Next is 50GM, next is A7M4 or A9R, and only then will I consider 35GM

@matty332010 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing the camera give away. I really enjoy all your content!!

@mramu6200 3 жыл бұрын

Sony 35mm Distagon is a great lens but its expensive , big and heavy....35mm 1.8 is ideal modest choice ....24mm 1.4gm great lens but too wide ....I ordered the 35mm 1.4gm and i am curious about it. Great Review thank you very much.

@MudvayneS10 3 жыл бұрын

The Samyang 35 1.4 is my most used lens (15k photos a year) for 3 years now - I guess i make the switch :)

@brankokosteski 3 жыл бұрын

why?

@nicksnicks6852 3 жыл бұрын

Tony, will be interesting to get comparison of 35 mm Sigma f2 vs Sony f1.8 lens and maybe Sigma f2 bokeh against Sony and Sigma f1.4 lenses. Thanks.

@rpgroome 3 жыл бұрын

I think that the only reason to pay more for the Zeiss version would be the name. I’m not saying that it’s a good reason, but vaunted names have value. It’s the same reason that Leica has overcharged for years on slightly modified Panasonic and Minolta products. Also the Zeiss name could help at resale.

@procare7036 Жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, What is the vintage lens on your vintage Russian camera?

@WilliamSpencer90 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review, although I can almost feel Casey warming up at the sight of all that bokeh ... lol!

@richinlukang7042 3 жыл бұрын

Taiwan filled preorders on the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM at the beginning of Feb. I've had mine for 2 weeks and love it. If you go budget and buy the f/1.8 lens, never pick up the GM lens and use it. You'll hate yourself for not spending the extra bit of cash to buy it. Is it worth twice as much as the Sony 35mm f/1.8? Most definitely! As for the Zeiss 35mm lens, forget about it.

@AgnostosGnostos 3 жыл бұрын

The full frame e-mount Sony Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 T* OSS ZA of 2015 is five year old. A very old lens which needs an update.

@bennyshaysevand5935 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Tony is it true Canon R1 flagship is coming soon?

@ianmagnuson1626 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely sold me on the 1.8 while the 1.4 is back ordered. Goal is to make enough money with that lens to justify the 1500 upgrade 😅

@edwardsblake3630 Жыл бұрын

Closets by design do your guys garage cabs?

@battindarno 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful lens ! Great review, thank you :-)

@juliatrotti 3 жыл бұрын

Great video guys, loved it!

@chirag4 3 жыл бұрын

love your videos JT

@wsanyal 3 жыл бұрын

Super video quality... love it ❤

@gurugamer8632 3 жыл бұрын

I have the SONY FE 35MM F/1.4 ZA ZEISS DISTAGON T* LENS worth upgrading and why ?

@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo 3 жыл бұрын

Please do a comparison of the 35mm GM vs Leica 35mm f1.4 Summilux on the same Sony body using an adaptor.

@zoltanszoke2676 3 жыл бұрын

What a coincidence that you absolutely unbiasedly (if thats even a word) reviewed this lens along with Lok, Jared and god knows how many reviewers and released the video at the exact same time.

@zionlion02 3 жыл бұрын

There are embargoes - and often they have to post on a specific day. Rules about when they can post and all have the same rules. There's nothing sneaky going on.

@liuby33 Жыл бұрын

Just got the GM to serve my R4 in situations where I don't need the 2470, and double as the astrophotography lens!

@gastropodahimsa 2 жыл бұрын

At various times during this video, a tripod extension can be seen holding the camera. It looks like something like s bsll head is built directly onto the extension. I might like to get one of those. Would you post its name here or send me that information directly? Thanks. Also, Thanks for this more technical video on these lenses.

@artistjoh 3 жыл бұрын

The 35mm f1.8 is the best bang for the buck. An impressive lens.

@kurtniznik8116 3 жыл бұрын

Lighted museum display case format for the power tools.

@ToonTVDerek 3 жыл бұрын

Idk what has been going on with Sony lately but damn they're almost doing everything right. The only thing I'd say that was underwhelming from them lately was the A7C but its still a great camera

@stuartschaffner9744 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! That was a great review. You covered the really important issues, not just sharpness. As an old guy, I am often blown away by even ordinary modern lenses. I have never had a GM lens from Sony that made me unhappy. It's so sad to see Zeiss falling so far behind. Do you know what's going on with the company? Have they been reducing R&D to cut losses? Are they getting out of the consumer camera business?

@stuartschaffner9744 3 жыл бұрын

OBTW, KEH rocks! I have bought and sold through them.

@touringband 3 жыл бұрын

Love the 1.8. 1.4 worth twice the price?

@jchen_tech 3 жыл бұрын

Such a great lens!!

@JamesBreitenstein 3 жыл бұрын

what about the focus breathing?

@TaylorHuston 3 жыл бұрын

Whatabout the Sigma 35 f1.2 that's about the same price?

@ramyaveeravatnam7651 3 жыл бұрын

How is it compared to 16-35 GM f2.8?

@bernardosilva7306 3 жыл бұрын

So, final conclusion for me was: the 1.8 lens is almost 80-90% as good as the new lens and cost less than 50% (and weights less)? Cool :)

@heathwirt8919 3 жыл бұрын

More like 40%.

@bernardosilva7306 3 жыл бұрын

@@heathwirt8919 Cost wise? :)

@heathwirt8919 3 жыл бұрын

@@bernardosilva7306 Performance.

@waawaaweewaa2045 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. All of these tests are imo, largely a waste of time. In real world use these differences with chromatic aberration and fringing are negligible. They are there, and they aren't a big issue. And if they do bother you enough, you can remove them in 10 seconds in post. All of these sony lens are very sharp, don't buy into the hype that you need to spend thousands for good optics.

@mirrorlessny 3 жыл бұрын

@@waawaaweewaa2045 very good point, especially considering that images/videos are largely viewed on smaller screens =cellphones/tablets/laptops

@robertocarmeli3289 3 жыл бұрын

I can clearly hear the AF motor while you're filming with the new 35mm, is it only me?

@gosman949 3 жыл бұрын

Be sure and compare the Nikon lenses you are using on your upcoming Z7ii review with these lenses!

@user-je9lg3pc5y 3 жыл бұрын

What camera and lens did Tony used to record himself in this video? 🤔

@tebazile24 2 жыл бұрын

What about the focus breathing?

@timbuktuanthor4838 3 жыл бұрын

At 8:06 I thought he would say "the sniff (or wind tunnel) test"

@ChrisParayno 3 жыл бұрын

Question: why upload in 1080p60?

@donstravelsandrants. 3 жыл бұрын

You looked a little bit like Billy Bob Thornton at the end of the video. 😆

@cfrates2703 10 күн бұрын

Curious why you did a comparison (at the 9:34 mark) by using 240 mp as in a laboratory situation when 99.9% of users don't shoot in a lab? I get that it will show the minute differences but why not also show a real world image scenario?

@davva360 3 жыл бұрын

Got to say the GM was amazing but I thought the F1.8 did a great job especially considering the price point

@jmackultra 3 жыл бұрын

That's exactly how I felt.

@ytr8989 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t see how GM can help Sony. 🙃

@AxelFoley-sb5re 3 жыл бұрын

In my honest opinion I think the f1.8 has a lot of swag/character

@arthurgphotography 2 жыл бұрын

@@ytr8989 GM has much better coma which is important as the 1.4 could be great for astro!

@benjaminhauschild7819 3 жыл бұрын

@tony & Chelsea:Did you realized this massive focus breathing in the second scene.Its from 40 seconds till 1 minute and 52 seconds.That looks really bad.

@NoName-rg3np 3 жыл бұрын

"Welcome to the Christmas room!"

@youuuuuuuuuuutube 3 жыл бұрын

That's one of your best reviews/comparisons. At 8:26, I said wow.

@TonyAndChelsea 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mirrorlessny 3 жыл бұрын

agree, it's very useful to see side by side comparison with other lenses, especially the bokeh 😵

@MargaretHarmer 3 жыл бұрын

Very glad I bought the f1.8

@networm64 3 жыл бұрын

Dammit...I was going to say that "perfect" world might be a little too much for this lens before watching the video, and now seeing that ridiculous sharpness at 240mp which shows this lens is even perfect for a much higher resolution sensor...hands down Tony, very good job man!