Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA

Sony

Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA

Released March 2015

A full-frame E-mount F1.4 wide-angle prime with Zeiss T* coating, DDSSM autofocus and a switchable-click aperture ring.

Mount
Sony E
Focal length
35 mm
Max aperture
f/1.4
Stabilisation
No
Weight
630 g

What reviewers say

Both praise solid construction, smooth controls and strong centre sharpness, with improved corners after stopping down. Photography Blog finds fast autofocus and smooth blur on the Alpha 7 II; OpticalLimits finds autofocus ordinary, softer wide-open corners, rougher blur and more fringing on the Alpha 7R II. Both acknowledge substantial size and weight; their optical assessments differ.

From photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and opticallimits.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
35 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.4
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Twelve elements in eight groups
Special elements
Three aspherical elements in total, including one AA advanced aspherical element
Coatings
Zeiss T* coating
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
63° full frame; 44° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony E
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame coverage; 52.5 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.3 m
Maximum magnification
0.18×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) piezoelectric ultrasonic focus drive
Focus distance detail
0.3 m minimum focus distance
Magnification detail
0.18× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detail
No optical stabilisation
Video features
Aperture click switch permits continuous adjustment without click sound

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
72 mm
Maximum diameter
78.5 mm
Length
112 mm
Weight
630 g
Controls
Manual-focus ring and aperture ring with click on/off switch
Weather resistance
Dust and moisture resistant design; not guaranteed to prevent all ingress
Dimensions detail
78.5 mm maximum diameter × 112 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 630 g lens; separate hood and caps excluded
Lens hood
ALC-SH137 petal bayonet hood, supplied
In the box
ALC-SH137 hood, front cap, rear cap and soft case
Release detail
Sony Singapore release dated 5 March 2015 reproduced in full by Shutter Journey gives this exact lens availability from March 2015 onwards. Sony Japan announcement gives June 2015 and Sony US gives April 2015; main release retains earliest regional maker month, exact first day unconfirmed. Announcement 3 March 2015 is the Sony US release reproduced by DPReview. Full independent reviews read: Photography Blog Jack Baker on Alpha 7 II and OpticalLimits Klaus Schroiff on Alpha 7R II. Different wide-open corners, blur, fringing and autofocus judgments retained. Blog incorrectly adds one AA to three aspherical elements; exact maker states three total including AA

Pros and cons

Pros

  • F1.4 maximum aperture
  • Aperture ring with click switch
  • Dust and moisture resistant design

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • 630 g lens weight

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony E35 mmf/1.4No524 gFeb 2021
Sony E35 mmf/1.8No280 gAug 2019
Sony E50 mmf/1.4No778 gJul 2016

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL35F14Z/spec.html
  2. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL35F14Z/feature_1.html
  3. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/201504/15-0406
  4. ourshutterjourney.com/2015/03/05/spoiled-for-choice-sony-%CE%B1-e-mount-family-…
  5. dpreview.com/articles/1547306358/sony-releases-28mm-35mm-and-90mm-macro-full-fr…
  6. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_distagon_t_fe_35mm_f_1_4_za_review
  7. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_distagon_t_fe_35mm_f_1_4_za_review/sharpness_1
  8. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_distagon_t_fe_35mm_f_1_4_za_review/conclusion
  9. opticallimits.com/sony/zeiss-fe-distagon-t-35mm-f-1-4-za-sel35f14z-review

Photo: sony.jp

Spot a mistake? Tell us