Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 versus the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›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 NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 versus the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4?
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4?
Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 22 cm | 35 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 73mm | 65.6mm |
| Length | 73.7mm | 68mm |
| Weight | 280g (9.9 oz) | 274g (9.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
