Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS (SEL-35F18) - Review / Lens Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Sony NEX
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

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Sample Images & Verdict

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Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/4000s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/400s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/4000s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/4000s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/4000s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/200s
Make SONY
Model NEX-7
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/125s

Verdict

The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is certainly one of the more interesting prime lenses in the Sony NEX lineup. Even when ignoring performance aspects, the very high speed in conjunction with the optical image stabilizer (OSS) are exciting value propositions for users who are intending to go beyond snapshots. The good news is, however, that the lens is also capable of producing quality images. At f/1.8 the contrast is a bit reduced although the resolution is already decent even at the image borders - albeit with a slight penalty from field curvature. If you stop down a bit, the image quality gets visibly snappier and it's downright superb at medium apertures. Distortions are essentially non-existent and CAs are very well controlled. Unfortunately light falloff is an issue at large aperture settings. The quality of the bokeh is nice albeit not perfect with respect to out-of-focus highlights and bokeh fringing.

There are no surprises in terms of build quality - it follows the traditional NEX concept of using aluminum for the lens body combined and an inner lens compartment made of plastic. This combination also explains the extremely low weight of just 155g. The AF speed is not the best in class but it's worth to point out that AF operations are essentially silent.

Now you may debate whether the price tag is too high. e.g. It is much more expensive than Sony's Alpha mount 35mm f/1.8 DT but this is a "plastic" lens without image stabilizer. On the other end of the scale, there's the new Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 which costs almost twice as much. Thus given the performance characteristic, speed, OSS and build quality the price seems fair from our perspective ... if you can find a decent sample.

Optical Quality:
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?

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