Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM vs Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G
Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM vs Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G
When comparing Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G and Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM is the winner with a weight of 524 g compared to the 1390 g that Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G weighs.
Winner: Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
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 35mm f/1.4 GM has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.4 compared to the 3.1 aperture of Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
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 C 16–35mm T3.1 G or Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM 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. Focus Distance Comparison
Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM features a minimum focus distance of 27 cm while Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G has a minimum focus distance of 28 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM might be a better choice.
Winner: Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Regarding minimum focus distance: The minimum focus distance of a lens is the smallest distance from the lens to the subject you want to be in focus; subjects closer than the lens' minimum focus distance will not be in focus. Whether or not this is important to you is up for you to decide, but some want to take close photos and videos and in those cases it's important to have a lens with a low minimum focus distance.
6. Lens Type Comparison
The Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM is a Prime lens while the Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G 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.
7. Aperture Blade Comparison
Both Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM and Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G have 11 aperture blades, which means they should both have a similar bokeh shape and roundness.
Winner: Tied
Regarding aperture blades: The number of aperture blades makes a difference because the bokeh is smoother the more aperture blades the lens has. Of course, this does not mean the lens is better in other regards, but it can be an interesting aspect when deciding of a lens.
8. Stabilization Comparison
Neither Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM or Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G feature built-in image stabilization.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
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.
9. Parfocal Comparison
Both Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G and Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM are parfocal, which means that you may choose any one of them in that regard.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding parfocal: The term "parfocal" means that the lens will keep the focus point in focus while you zoom the lens. This feature is more common in cinema lenses and more expensive photography lenses, and is not featured in all zoom lenses. It is, however, not required if you're not shooting video and zooming while filming. If you are zooming and require the focus to be kept regardless, then a parfocal lens might be worth it for you.
10. 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.
11. Macro Comparison
Neither Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM or Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G 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.
12. Weather Seal Comparison
Both Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM and Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G feature a weather sealed design, making them both great in that aspect.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
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 35mm f/1.4 GM and Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G:
| Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM | Sony FE C 16–35mm T3.1 G | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Weight | 524 g | 1390 g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 35 mm | 16 - 35 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.4 | 3.1 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 27 cm | 28 cm |
| Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Aperture Range | Missing | 3.1 - 25 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | Missing | 114 mm |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Lens Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Lens Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | No |
| Weather Seal | Yes | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |