Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS Lens Review

Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS Sample Photos

At f/1.8, sharpness is already very good in the centre of the frame | 1/60 sec | f/1.8 | 35.0 mm | ISO 125 High-Res	This lens is quite resistant to flare and retains good contrast when shooting into the light | 1/125 sec | f/3.5 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
A fast maximum aperture allows backgrounds to be blurred effectively | 1/100 sec | f/2.5 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Sharpness is outstanding across the frame with the lens stopped down | 1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
1/100 sec | f/6.3 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	1/125 sec | f/2.8 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
1/60 sec | f/3.2 | 35.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	1/60 sec | f/1.8 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

Value for Money

Although £400 for a standard prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 may seem a little steep, especially to owners of SLR cameras, who may compare this lens to a 50mm f/1.8 equivalent, it still represents good value so long as the excellent optical performance of this lens is taken into account. The ace up it's sleeve is the addition of optical image stabilisation. Whether this is truly necessary at this focal length is open to debate, but this feature comes into it's own when longer shutter durations are called for.

As an alternative, Sony NEX system camera owners may also consider Sony's A-mount 35mm f/1.8 SAM lens, which costs around £150 and can be used with a NEX camera with the correct adapter. This route may only suit those who already own a variety of A-mount optics to make the extra cost of the adapter, and extra bulk of the system as a result, worthwhile.

If the fast f/1.8 aperture isn't absolutely necessary for your style of shooting, and you're on a budget, Sigma's 30mm f/2.8 EX DN lens may make a suitable alternative. It's much cheaper too, retailing for around £150.

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