Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical

The bottom line

These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.

Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if…

  • You like close-focus work — 0.24x magnification vs 0.15x.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical if…

  • You value portability — at 185g (6.5 oz) it's lighter than the 280g (9.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Weight: the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical is 185g (6.5 oz) vs 280g (9.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical better?

These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.

Who should choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?

Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if you like close-focus work — 0.24x magnification vs 0.15x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical?

Choose the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical if you value portability — at 185g (6.5 oz) it's lighter than the 280g (9.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical?

Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 Aspherical's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements109
Optical Groups97
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades910
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View63°63°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorXD Linear
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesNo
Min Focus Distance22 cm35 cm
Max Magnification0.24x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$749$749
Filter Size55mm52mm
Diameter73mm65.6mm
Length73.7mm70mm
Weight280g (9.9 oz)185g (6.5 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo