Sony
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II — 16–35mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
Sony
FE 35mm F1.8
Sony E Mount
FE 35mm F1.8 — 35mm f/1.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$749
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 4 years newer.
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Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
FE 35mm F1.8
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Weight (279 g vs 547 g)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
- BFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Length (89 mm vs 127 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 70 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 35mm F1.8
- ✓
Weight
279 g vs 547 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
89 mm vs 127 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 35mm F1.8
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and FE 35mm F1.8 at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony FE 35mm F1.8
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.