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SONY SEL35F14Z Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

Originally, SONY's E-mount system has been compact, and even though the EF-mount covering the full frame, the majority of the lenses are smaller and slower. So, the addition of this F1.4 high-speed lens is great news for the E-mount shooters. And, when we hear it's a Carl Zeiss Distagon with the T* coating, it's hard not to be excited. In order to enjoy the benefits of the high speed, I took many shots wide open. Let's see the world this lens draws.

( Photography : T.Nakanishi / Text : Serow48 )

In fact, the first time I feel the power of a lens is before I press the shutter button. And, just by looking into the viewfinder, I could tell this must be a pleasing lens. Actually, as I expected from Zeiss brand, the clarity and the contrast are high. And, because of the high resolution of the leaf veins and the 3D popping from naturally blurred background, I got so excited by this first shot.

I stopped down on this landscape. And, because it's so sharp, it never wastes the high resolution of the Alpha 7R and it resolved the rapeseed field perfectly. In addition, I like that it's sharp and contrast without becoming hard.

The short 30cm minimum focus distance is convenient. And, because of the 35mm focal length, it captures the shape of subjects naturally. The texture reproduction is of Zeiss quality which delivers breathtaking images even if it shot ordinary subjects. And, thanks to the F1.4 brightness and the beautiful bokeh, it's easy to take care of the background.


Indoor shots tend to better explain the minute depiction of texture. It reproduced the tranquil atmosphere with the wood table and chairs lit by the natural light from the window, the seasoned floor, and the tatty fabric. The bokeh of the outside looks sweet, too.

The lens is big for a FE-mount lens, but I could use it naturally by supporting it with my left hand. I figure it's extremely difficult to realize such high specifications with E-system which is designed to be compact. While it's fun to shoot wide open because of its character, you want to stop down a bit if you want more sharpness. Also, I noticed a slight distortion, but whether it's a fault or not depends on the usage.


What a delicate reproduction of the atmosphere. Sometimes, we encounter a lens whose image quality is beyond description and this one is a great example. A good lens makes you shoot more and teaches how to find subjects with good lighting.

I do notice some faults such as aberration when I enlarge the images, but they have an undeniable appeal. I captured the bright space under the light filtering through the trees with a nice softness. When you shoot this lens, check the distance to the subject, aperture, exposure, and so on before shooting. Take your time and it will reward your with impressive images.


This fascinating lens teaches you the depth of photography.

In my experience, it has always been the F1.4 lenses that opened someone's eyes to the importance of optical performance. And, those who started using a full frame system with SONY FE-mount cannot ignore this lens. The difference of aperture, the distance to the subject, the direction and mount of light, and other elements in the scenes will let you realize the depth of photographic expression. If we define the Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA (SEL55F18Z) as an honor student, I'd say this lens is a unique student who reminds us of the world's legendary lenses. And, it's easy to imagine that this lens will surprise lens experts and acquire the fans.

With the expansion of high-speed lenses, the full frame E-mount has become attractive more than ever.
And, this lens is a great starter lens for new Alpha 7 users.

( 28.06.2015 )