Sony FE 35mm 1.4 ZA

The Sony FE 35mm f1.4 ZA is a wide-angle prime lens for Sony's mirrorless cameras and corrected for full-frame sensors. It’s one of several 35mm options for the e-mount, including Sony’s own dimmer but smaller f2.8 model as well as alternatives from Sigma, Samyang and Zeiss. In my tests the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 ZA left a mixed impression: It’s pretty sharp in the center but loses definition in the APS-C-corner, while its control of coma and longitudinal color aberrations is not the best. It may not be the largest, heaviest wide-angle prime but is still far from compact. It has thorough weather-sealing throughout the body, a large f1.4 focal ratio and a de-clickable aperture-ring but it has no rubber grommet at the lens mount and it's also pretty expensive. In Sony’s own range, the FE 35mm f1.4 ZA may be the best at its focal length, but its rivals are tougher competition: Sigma corners the lens with its 35mm and 40mm Art lenses which are either much cheaper with comparable performance or better quality at a similar price. And Sony's more recent 24mm f1.4 GM sets a high bar regarding size and performance; indeed you have to wonder if an improved G Master version of the 35mm f1.4 is in the pipeline. But nonetheless the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 ZA is a clear step-up over its smaller f2.8 ZA sibling with a two stops greater light gathering power, much superior Bokeh, and the de-clickable aperture-ring. It may miss out on our top award, but still earns a recommendation.