FE 35mm f/1.8vs FE 85mm f/1.8
Sony
FE 35mm f/1.8 (2019)
Starting from £549 new
Best for Street, travel & everyday photography
View FE 35mm f/1.8
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GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street, Travel & Everyday Photography — FE 35mm f/1.8 (2019): The everyday Sony prime — weather-sealed, compact, and optically excellent for the price. The lens most Sony full-frame shooters end up with.
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: Only the fe 35mm f/1.8 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | FE 35mm f/1.8 (2019) | FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £549 | £549 |
| Sensor | f/1.8 (max aperture) | — |
| Video | 22cm minimum focus distance | Compatible with all Sony E-mount cameras |
| Autofocus | XD linear motor — ultra-fast, near-silent, with eye and subject tracking | Linear AF motor — fast and near-silent for stills and video |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body IBIS) | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | — |
| Battery Life | N/A | — |
| Weight | 280g | 371g |
| Dimensions | 65.6mm diameter × 73.5mm length | 78mm × 82mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | N/A | — |
| Screen | N/A | — |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony E-mount (full-frame compatible) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | — |
| Connectivity | N/A | — |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | FE 35mm f/1.8 | FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Travel | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Video | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
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