35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Artvs FE 85mm f/1.8
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35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2012)
Starting from £499 new
Best for Street, documentary & low-light photography
View 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street, Documentary & Low-Light Photography — 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2012): The lens that proved third-party glass could beat first-party — world-class optical quality at a significantly lower price than Nikon equivalents.
Portraits & Headshots — FE 85mm f/1.8: The best-value portrait prime in the Sony E-mount ecosystem. The 85mm f/1.8 produces images that are often indistinguishable from the much more expensive GM version. An essential lens for anyone who shoots portraits seriously on Sony.
Who should buy what
FE 85mm f/1.8
- Portrait photographers who want premium bokeh without the G Master premium
- Wedding and event photographers shooting on Sony E-mount
- Anyone using an APS-C Sony camera wanting a 127.5mm equivalent lens
- Video creators who shoot close-up talking-head content
Quick take: The 35mm f/1.4 dg hsm art is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2012) | FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £499 | £549 |
| Sensor | f/1.4 (max aperture) | — |
| Video | 30cm minimum focus distance | Compatible with all Sony E-mount cameras |
| Autofocus | HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) — fast and near-silent with full-time manual override | Linear AF motor — fast and near-silent for stills and video |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body VR if available) | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | — |
| Battery Life | N/A | — |
| Weight | 665g | 371g |
| Dimensions | 77mm diameter × 94mm length | 78mm × 82mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | N/A | — |
| Screen | N/A | — |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (FX / DX) | Sony E-mount (full-frame compatible) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | — |
| Connectivity | N/A | — |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | — | |
| Video | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
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