Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G vs Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 16mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM for wide-angle.
Choose the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 394g (13.9 oz) it's lighter than the 524g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 16mm, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is $1,099, $300 under the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 394g (13.9 oz) vs 524g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G or the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 16mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G?
Choose the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 394g (13.9 oz) it's lighter than the 524g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM?
Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 107° | 63° – 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $1,399 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 78.5mm | 76mm |
| Length | 84.5mm | 96mm |
| Weight | 394g (13.9 oz) | 524g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
