Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens

The Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens from Sony is a fast, precise, and technologically advanced option for full-frame E-mount photographers. It provides a traditional wide-angle focal length, delivering outstanding optical quality and rapid performance. This lens is well-suited for a diverse range of subjects, particularly in street, landscape, and lifestyle photography, and its bright design makes it perfect for working in available light and achieving selective focus.

ZEISS Optical Design

Drawing from the ZEISS Distagon optical concept, this lens features a configuration of 12 elements arranged in eight groups, facilitating a substantial maximum aperture of f/1.4 while effectively reducing vignetting and spherical aberrations. The optical design includes one Advanced Aspherical (AA) element and two additional aspherical elements, which work together to proficiently manage astigmatism, field curvature, coma, and various other spherical aberrations.

Each lens surface has been treated with ZEISS T* anti-reflective coatings to reduce reflections, thereby enhancing image clarity, contrast, and color accuracy. The fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is advantageous for operating in challenging lighting environments and provides extensive control over focus placement when utilizing shallow depth of field methods. Additionally, the rounded nine-blade diaphragm enhances the aesthetic quality of bokeh when applying selective focus techniques.

Autofocus and Handling

The Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor autofocus system, along with the internal focus mechanism, ensures rapid, silent, and accurate autofocus capabilities, while also enhancing the ease of manual focus control. The AF/MF switch is conveniently positioned on the lens barrel, allowing for tactile adjustment of the focusing mode. Additionally, the physical aperture ring can be de-clicked, facilitating smooth and silent aperture transitions, which is advantageous for video production. The design is sealed against dust and moisture, making it suitable for use in adverse weather conditions, and the rubberized control rings improve handling in colder environments.