Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 vs Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓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.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 274g (9.7 oz) it's lighter than the 371g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm, Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is $599, $100 under the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 is 274g (9.7 oz) vs 371g (13.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 or the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander NOKTON classic 35mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 274g (9.7 oz) it's lighter than the 371g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 85mm 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 85mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 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 | 29° – 29° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | DDSSM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 80 cm | 35 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 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) | $599 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 78mm | 65.6mm |
| Length | 82mm | 68mm |
| Weight | 371g (13.1 oz) | 274g (9.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
