Has Sony made a serious mistake with its new 35mm f / 1.8 lens?

After years of waiting, Sony's fans have finally learned that the Japanese manufacturer had launched a top-notch 35mm f / 1.8 lens, thus bridging a huge gap in its lineup of lenses. You can get your pre-orders now, but many are hesitant about this price.

At $ 748, this lens is not expensive compared to the G and GM lenses that Sony has produced for its solid-frame mirrorless cameras. However, if you consider that Sony's fifty owl costs only $ 248 (and that it's often reduced – I've packed it for $ 180 just before Christmas), and that the 85mm f / 1.8 is incredibly affordable at $ 598, many potential buyers are a little disappointed the price is so high. Added to this is the existence of the Sigma 35mm f / 1.4 to $ 774, an objective twice as heavy but with a slightly thicker aperture.

The 35mm f / 1.8 format was a weird hole in the Sony product line, which I documented in detail last year. Samyang seemed to have an open goal in front of them, more than able to fill that void, but instead opting to produce a great little pancake f / 2.8 and then a f / 1.4 much more meaty for $ 528. You wonder if there was an agreement in place that forced Samyang to fire on one or the other side of the poles.

Comparing the new f / 1.8 to the nifty budget is probably a bit unfair: the new 35mm has a "dust and moisture resistant construction", nine blades and a customizable button. The ZEISS 55mm f / 1.8 is probably a more honest comparison and this lens will take you a step further. For other manufacturers, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f / 1.8 is even more expensive at $ 847. Nikon is now about to launch the professional glass instead of professional glass, there was no question of whether the price was too high.

That said, the vast majority of Sony fans seem a bit surprised, expecting something closer to $ 550. Personally, I would gladly give up the customizable button if it meant saving $ 100 or more. For me, Canon has set the bar high: its 35mm RF f / 1.8 is $ 499, one of the few affordable lenses of their new mirrorless range. I have always considered the f / 1.8 prime numbers as intended for shooters who want something small and lightweight, who do not need and can not justify the price of huge openings and who can stay without being choked. For those who move from APS-C to the full frame, having a range of affordable premiums alleviates the shock and makes the transition more attractive. Sony offered the options 50 mm and 85 mm and the new 35 mm now seems slightly moved.

Considering that most camera makers are looking to take advantage of lens sales to compensate for dumped camera bodies, it's no wonder that Sony is offering this lens at a price relatively high. In addition, costs may decrease in a timely manner, with other reductions available at certain times of the year. That said, you may have to be incredibly patient since the Sony 24mm f / 1.4 GM lens was launched last September and it's still impossible to obtain it. Sony may have realized that this lens was too expensive – it now seems strangely affordable – and now makes sure not to make the same mistake with the 35mm f / 1.8.

Will you be doing a pre-order? When will you receive it? Or, after you resist, will you now pull the trigger on the Sigma 35mm f / 1.4 or the Samyang 35mm f / 1.4 instead? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.