Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm
What Buyers Say
Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount
The Sony/Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 FE lens is praised for its exceptional optical quality, delivering tack-sharp images with smooth bokeh and minimal chromatic aberration. Users love it for wedding and portrait photography, but note it is very large and heavy for a mirrorless lens, making it less ideal for casual walk-around use. The build quality is rock-solid, and the aperture ring with de-click option is a nice bonus, though the price is high and the lens is specialized.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness wide open
- Smooth and pleasing bokeh
- Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion
- Rock-solid build quality
- Aperture ring with de-click option
Cons
- Very large and heavy for mirrorless
- Expensive price point
- Not ideal for casual walk-around use
- Focus-by-wire system
- Heavy for long carry
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is widely praised for outstanding image quality, with edge-to-edge sharpness and beautiful color rendering that rivals much more expensive lenses. Its near-zero focus breathing and customizable focus ring make it a hit for videographers and photographers alike. A few users on older DSLR bodies note compatibility issues with autofocus, but most agree this lens delivers exceptional value and performance for the price.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition
- Minimal focus breathing
- Customizable focus ring
- Great low-light performance
Cons
- No optical image stabilization
- Autofocus compatibility issues with older DSLRs
- Some users find it too clinical
- Screw-drive AF loud on older D lenses
- No included hood on some versions
Scores
Specifications
| Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 7 |
| Groups | 10 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.52 kg | 0.18 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | SSM | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 35 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x★ | 0.15x |
Pros & Cons
Sony FE Distagon T-Star 35mm f/1.4 ZA Full-Frame E-Mount
- Strong bokeh (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Below average bokeh (30th percentile)
- Below average macro (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.