p.3 #1 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
I’ve had the 35/1.4 GM since it was launch and I still consider it one of the best Sony lenses.
That said I’ve been looking for a lighter version for my smaller travel kit based on the A7CII and A7CR bodies. I do own the 40/2.5 G but unfortunately sold my Sony Zeiss 35/2.8 ZA when I got my 35/1.4 GM not thinking about smaller bodies that were not available yet. Fast forward and since I like 35mm focal length I’ve now acquired the Sigma iSeries 35/2 DG DN Contemporary and the Sony FE 35/1.8 but always interested in looking at small lighter lenses for travel.
I was surprised at the introductory sales price of the Viltrox AF 35/1.8 II FE that B&H had of only $315 so I bought one and took delivery already. Unfortunately it’s no longer available at that price I think.
Personally I’d keep my GM unless your really looking at something smaller and lighter since the AF speed of the Sony really can’t be beaten or you want to recover some money from your GM by selling it. That would not be my choice but do what you think works best for you. Take care.
p.3 #2 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
After getting the 35GM, I found it too big and heavy for casual family photography. I then bought the 35F1.8 which has linear motors, so it focuses super fast - it’s a core requirement for me with a toddler. The 1.4 vs 1.8 question is not important to me - for my use cases, it will never make the difference between a good and bad photo.
I’m quite interested in the Viltrox but it looks like it’s heavier than the F1.8 and slower AF - I wonder if anyone can shed light on does AFC + eye-AF work in practice with the Viltrox. Minor differences in image quality are not important to me.
p.3 #3 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
milend wrote:
After getting the 35GM, I found it too big and heavy for casual family photography. I then bought the 35F1.8 which has linear motors, so it focuses super fast - it’s a core requirement for me with a toddler. The 1.4 vs 1.8 question is not important to me - for my use cases, it will never make the difference between a good and bad photo.
I’m quite interested in the Viltrox but it looks like it’s heavier than the F1.8 and slower AF - I wonder if anyone can shed light on does AFC + eye-AF work in practice with the Viltrox. Minor differences in image quality are not important to me.
Well I own both the Sony 35/1.4 GM and the Sony 35/1.8 and the reason I bought the Viltrox was for the extra buttons and aperture ring just like the GM has and weather protection. It’s not as light as the Sony 35/1.8 and I’ve only had it for one day but at its sale price I thought I would give it a try. Weight wise I think it’s only 50 grams more like 330 grams vs 280 grams. And the lack of a gasket on the lens mount for the Sony 35/1.8 has at times caused me to question its weather protection. I will have to do more testing to see what it’s true AF speed is.
p.3 #4 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
Apologies for the late reply, my notifications didn’t work. Thank you for all the great replies. It seems the general consensus is don’t do it! I will wait and see if I can get hold of one but I do like the idea of a smaller lens. My main concern is the AF performance. I suspect optically I’ll be satisfied but who knows.
I used to take my 35mm more for travel but with my son around it’s a much less frequent luxury.
p.3 #6 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
I would never replace a GM with a third party lens. Ever. The focusing is vastly superior and the images are beautiful, and it’s 1.4.
So,no, I would never do it or recommend anyone else do it.
darrenhaken wrote:
I’ve owned the 35mm GM for a while and it’s a great lens but most of my photography these days focuses around EDC, street photography, travel and family. I have a 5 year old son so life centers around family!
I also have the Sony 40mm G but my wife uses that as well with her Sony A7C (I have an RV).
I am considering selling the 35mm GM for the Viltrox 35mm EVO 1.8 II. It’s receiving great reviews and I’m sure I’ll get it for a great price when they arrive on AliExpress.
The Viltrox EVO range looks great but it is heavier than I expected.
p.3 #7 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
KarmaKramer wrote:
I would never replace a GM with a third party lens. Ever. The focusing is vastly superior and the images are beautiful, and it’s 1.4.
So,no, I would never do it or recommend anyone else do it.
Don't you feel a bit, just a little maybe, narrow-minded when you write things like that?
“Never” is a strong word. I can recommend to many people that they ditch their expensive, big, and heavy 35mm f/1.4 lenses if they really don't need the aperture or the best autofocus.
Maybe some people value a lens that's smaller, lighter, almost as fast, and that pretty much eliminates chromatic aberration.
p.3 #9 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
RoamingScott wrote:
The 35 GM is neither big nor heavy.
Yes and no.
Words like “big” and “heavy” are comparative. If you compare something smaller and lighter—like the EVO35 for example, with the 35GM—then the latter is big and heavy.
It’s not as if a single person decides for everyone else what is big or heavy.
p.3 #10 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
Jonas B wrote:
Don't you feel a bit, just a little maybe, narrow-minded when you write things like that?
“Never” is a strong word. I can recommend to many people that they ditch their expensive, big, and heavy 35mm f/1.4 lenses if they really don't need the aperture or the best autofocus.
Maybe some people value a lens that's smaller, lighter, almost as fast, and that pretty much eliminates chromatic aberration.
Sony 35GM is good optical quality, excellent handling and bulletproof compatibility with camera (also future cameras). Very compelling arguments for someone who can afford the lens and wants of concentrate on photography.
Right now, as someone who has used 35GM for years, I see no point in selling it a buy a third part lens for replacement. However, if I was shopping for a new lens. I might go with new Sigma f/1.4 as a 35GM replacement. There are also many third part alternatives at better price that as as good or better than Sony 35/1.8. I consider also the 40G an overall better lens than Sony 35/1.8.
For family, travel and street photography the old Zony 35/2.8 is still worth thinking about. It is very small and sharp enough. As a second hand purchase it is also fairly economical. I sod mine to fund X100V, and I still regret selling it.
p.3 #11 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
tuomkok wrote:
Right now, as someone who has used 35GM for years, I see no point in selling it a buy a third part lens for replacement. However, if I was shopping for a new lens. I might go with new Sigma f/1.4 as a 35GM replacement. There are also many third part alternatives at better price that as as good or better than Sony 35/1.8. I consider also the 40G an overall better lens than Sony 35/1.8. [...]
As you replied to me I'll get back and say I agree with about everything you say.
It should also be possible for any 35GM-fan to see it is perfectly doable to switch to something else, at least if it is good and cheap, if not in need of f1.4 and the AF speed. Then everyone can make their own decision.
Please note that I’m not suggesting that everyone owning a 35GM should immediately go out and sell it to buy another lens. ;-)
p.3 #12 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
Just buy the Viltrox, try it out. It's almost 25% of the price of the GM. Hardly a huge outlay.
I can understand selling a GM400 to buy a GM600, or vice versa. In this case, I just don't get the sell idea. Sell once you don't need to ask others if you like the replacement, or sell the replacement.
p.3 #13 · Sell Sony 35mm Gm for the new Viltrox 35mm Evo 1.8 II - thoughts?
darrenhaken wrote:
I’ve owned the 35mm GM for a while and it’s a great lens but most of my photography these days focuses around EDC, street photography, travel and family. I have a 5 year old son so life centers around family!
I also have the Sony 40mm G but my wife uses that as well with her Sony A7C (I have an RV).
I am considering selling the 35mm GM for the Viltrox 35mm EVO 1.8 II. It’s receiving great reviews and I’m sure I’ll get it for a great price when they arrive on AliExpress.
The Viltrox EVO range looks great but it is heavier than I expected.
