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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 price

Released Sep 2019

vs

Sony

FE 50mm F1.4 GM

Sony E Mount

FE 50mm F1.4 GM — 50mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$1,799

Launch price

Released Mar 2025

FE 50mm F1.4 GM is 5.5 years newer.

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Wins

3categories

FE 35mm F1.8

Sports & ActionPortrait

Wins

2categories

FE 50mm F1.4 GM

PortraitSports & Action

3 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

FE 35mm F1.8 wins 3 categories·FE 50mm F1.4 GM wins 2 categories
  • AFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Weight (279 g vs 580 g)
  • AFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Length (89 mm vs 131 mm)
  • BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/1.8)
  • BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/1.8)
  • AFE 35mm F1.8 has lower Diameter (70 mm vs 81 mm)

Key specs at a glance

FE 35mm F1.8FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Focal Length35 mm50 mm
Max Aperturef/1.8f/1.4
MountSony ESony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight279 g580 g
Min Focus30 cm30 cm
Filter Size67 mm77 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseFE 35mm F1.8FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Portrait
6.0Good
8.5Excellent
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
3.5Limited
4.5Fair
Landscape
4.0Fair
4.0Fair
Travel
6.0Good
3.5Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
1.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the FE 35mm F1.8

  • Weight

    279 g vs 580 g — lower is better

  • Length

    89 mm vs 131 mm — lower is better

  • Diameter

    70 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.4 GM

  • Special elements

    Adds ED

  • Control ring

    Only FE 50mm F1.4 GM supports it

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 50mm F1.4 GM supports it

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/1.4 vs f/1.8 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/1.4 vs f/1.8 — lower is better

Shared specifications

Min focus distance

Both 30 cm

Max magnification

Both 0.15 ×

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

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

FE 50mm F1.4 GM

Pros

  • Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
  • Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the FE 35mm F1.8 and FE 50mm F1.4 GM at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

FE 35mm F1.8
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Focal length (Min)
35 mm
50 mm
Focal length (Max)
35 mm
50 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8
f/1.4+0.7 stops wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8
f/1.4+0.7 stops wider
Elements
10
14
Groups
8
11
Special elements
Aspherical
Aspherical, ED
FE 35mm F1.8
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Min focus distance
30 cm
30 cm
Max magnification
0.15 ×
0.15 ×
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
FE 35mm F1.8
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
FE 35mm F1.8
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Weight
279 g−301 g less
580 g
Length
89 mm−42 mm less
131 mm
Diameter
70 mm−11 mm less
81 mm
Filter thread size
67 mm
77 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
11
11
FE 35mm F1.8
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.