Sony 40mm 2.5 G as small compact alternative to my 35mm GM?

sidius_wolf · May 9, 2022

I own the 35mm GM but looking for a small compact "every day" lens to put on my A7 IV as an alternative. This would be an "every day lens" when I'm not intensionally out shooting.

I had considered the Sony 40mm 2.5 G/50mm or one of the cheap Samyangs - 35mm/45mm.

Does anyone have advice?

This could of course be GAS madness and feel free to call that out!

Its worth mentioning I might buy an A7C mark 2 if that ever comes out for my wife and she could use this lens as well. All very speculative future thinking of course but she's due a new camera soon.

ricktachtig · May 10, 2022

In your gear list it says you also have the 35mm f1.8 and the 55mm f1.8. Both lenses seem small enough for your A7 IV. What is it you hope to gain with the 40mm f2.5?

sidius_wolf · May 10, 2022

I haven't updated that for a while! I don't have either lens anymore but I could pick up the Zeiss 55mm 1.8 again. For some reason I hadn't thought about that.

QuietOC · May 10, 2022

I prefer the Sigma 45/2.8 and 35/2 to the Sony 1.8/35 and 2.5/40 G and Samyang 35/1.8 and 45/1.8. The former has some very nice rendering. Some complain about it's AF-C. The Samyang 35/1.8 is pretty close to the Sigma 35/2. I'd get the 2.5/40 G over the Samyang 45/1.8.

The 1.8/55 ZA is considerably narrower.

sidius_wolf · May 10, 2022

Would your preference be the Sigma 35mm f2 followed closely by the Samyang 35mm 1.8 then?

QuietOC · May 10, 2022

Probably. It is the last lens I've bought, so I haven't used it a lot. I was kinda disappointed it wasn't that different from the Samyang. It doesn't have the specialness of the 45.2.8. It will probably be disappointing compared to the GM. It is also quite wide. So if you want something closer to normal it might not be what you want.

carlosvitor · May 10, 2022

Why don't you use your X100V as a compact alternative to your 35mm GM?

UncleVanya · May 10, 2022

While buying a new toy is fun, this sounds like one too many primes in a similar range to me. What about getting the FE 28-60 as the lens to have on the camera while not really certain you’re going to take photos? That lens is the perfect, light, small… “everyday lens “.

Martin_99 · May 10, 2022

If you already have 35GM as probably best 35mm in Sony world, I would personally go for maximum compactness of Zeiss or Samyang 35mm f2.8 lenses.

Filmore Eastman · May 10, 2022

Yes, it's a small compact alternative. The 40mm f/2.5 G is a great lens if you like the focal length. It's a beautiful design too. If you prefer 35mm, then go for the small Samyang or Sigma 35mm lenses.

sidius_wolf · May 10, 2022

This camera is shared within the household - I don't always have access to it.

Having said that, through reading the responses in this thread I might be best served by not investing in a new lens and working with the tools I do have available.

I still love using the GM lens, after all, it's amazing.

101Colors · May 10, 2022

Tl;dr The 40 2.5 g is not a technical marvel but for its size , feature set AND aperture ring makes for a nice ‘every day’ lens. However if you already have 35GM the only advantage the 2.5G would have is perhaPs the reduction in size.. //endtldr

’Ive just recently purchased the 40 2.5G so I’m still in the honeymoon phase but can offer some limited advice. Absolutely love the aperture ring and manual focus is very nice.. Precise without the slop of some others.

I also have the Rok/Sam FE 45 1.8 and recently sold the 35 2.8 ZA.

Compared to the Rokinon, the 2.5g is ahead in features and overall image quality IMO and several furlongs ahead in build quality. F1.8 on the Rokinon is rather soft into the corners . Some like that I personally don’t find it pleasing at that aperture. Otherwise the Rokinon is priced much better.

The 35ZA is a fun little lens which is outdone by the above but even at today’s used prices it’s outclassed by either fore mentioned lenses.

I’ve never owned the 35GM

So that’s my hazy view from a 100 feet

--
//////// Sometimes it's better to be kind than to be right. \\\\\\\

f1point4andbethere · May 10, 2022

I relate to your situation, as I went through basically the exact same conundrum. I had the A1+35mm GM, but just found myself never using it outside of work. I ended up getting an A7C+35mm Zeiss, and it basically comes with me to any family outing or personal excursion.

sidius_wolf · May 10, 2022

Thanks! Isn't the Zeiss lens roughly the same size as these newer G series trio?

Lichtspiel · May 10, 2022

The Samyang 35/1.8 was my first Sony lens, and it still is one of my favorite ones. It doesn't stand out with anything in particular, but it is relatively small and light, has good sharpness even wide open, pleasing rendering, and can often be had for very little money.

It does not have the "solid feel" of the Sony G or GM lenses. But then again, you're looking for an alternative to your GM, so why not go the other direction.

Martin_99 · May 10, 2022

Roughly yes, Zeiss is about 50g lighter and 8mm shorter. And Samyang is even smaller, about another 30g and 4mm in comparison with Zeiss. At least acc. DPREVIEW

f1point4andbethere · May 10, 2022

Very close indeed, yes. Though I have to admit, a part of the reason I went with the Zeiss is the aesthetics; I love the streamlined, sleek, all metal look and feel of it

someguy50 · May 10, 2022

I considered the same with my Sony 35/1.8. I bought the 40/2.5 as a more compact option. I love it - I actually ended up selling the 35/1.8. I also considered Samyang options, but their AF is less than perfectly reliable, so it was a hard pass.

The Ryantist · May 10, 2022

I have both the 35 GM and the 40 G for the same reason you state. I use both, and they're both great. 35 GM is for lower light, 40 is when I want the smaller size.

If you don't need the GM, another option could be to sell it and get the Sigma 35 mm f/2. It seems like it's a middle ground in terms of size and aperture. But Sigma autofocus isn't quite as fast as Sony.

Mike Fewster · May 10, 2022

The 40mm 2.5 has on barrel aperture control. Whether this is a plus or not depends on your shooting style. For me, barrel aperture control, especially on a lens I'd probably be using for street shooting, is a major plus.

Sony 40mm 2.5 G as small compact alternative to my 35mm GM?

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