Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS
When comparing Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS and Sony FE 35mm f/1.8, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is the winner with a weight of 281 g compared to the 2115 g that Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS weighs.
Winner: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
Regarding weight: The weight of a lens is something you need to consider, since you have to carry it around on the camera as long as you're shooting. It adds to the total weight of your camera and it's important to keep the weight low if you get tired in your arms when taking photographs or filming.
2. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Sony E. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
3. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.8 compared to the 5.6 - 6.3 aperture of Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
4. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS or Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
5. Lens Type Comparison
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is a Prime lens while the Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS is a Zoom lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
6. Stabilization Comparison
Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS features built-in image stabilization and Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS instead of Sony FE 35mm f/1.8.
Winner: Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
7. Autofocus Comparison
Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
8. Macro Comparison
Neither Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS are macro lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding macro: Macro lenses can focus much closer to your subjects and might be suitable when photographing flowers, insects, wildlife and nature.
9. Weather Seal Comparison
Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS features a weather sealed design while Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 does not. This means that Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS is a much better choice if you know that you'll use the lens in harsh environments, where moist, rain or dust is present.
Winner: Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS
Regarding weather seal: A lens that is weather sealed will perform better over time if you're using the lens in harsh conditions where it's wet or dusty. It may not matter if you're merely using your lens in a studio or in your home.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS:
| Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | Sony FE 200-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Weight | 281 g | 2115 g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 35 mm | 200 - 600 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.8 | 5.6 - 6.3 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 22.1 cm | Missing |
| Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Aperture Range | 1.8 - 22 | Missing |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 55 | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | Missing |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | No |
| Weather Seal | No | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |
| Stabilization Type | Missing | Sony Optical SteadyShot (OSS) |