Sony FE 35mm 1.4 GM (SEL-35F14GM)

The FE 35mm f1.4 G Master is Sony’s best 35 to date, exploiting their latest lens technologies to deliver superior results not only to the earlier 1.4 Zeiss version, but also more recent rivals including Sigma’s 35mm 1.2 DG DN. Details toward the centre are bitingly crisp, while the rendering of blurred areas is satisfyingly smooth with minimal outlining or textures in bokeh blobs. There’s little to no fringing, and the geometry is well-behaved even without compensation. Focusing is fast, accurate, consistent and operates in virtual silence, and the whole feature-set packaged in a compact weather-sealed barrel with a de-clickable aperture ring. I can’t think of anything to complain about and it’s a perfect example of how far lens design and construction has come in even the last five years since the Zeiss 35 1.4 which, lest we forget, most of us including myself were rather fond of. As such the 35 1.4 G Master confidently takes the crown as the best quality 35 in the Sony mount, although there are of course a multitude of alternatives if you’re happy with a slower aperture or have less to spend - for example Sony’s own 35 1.8 and Sigma’s 35 f2 DG DN are both great options at roughly half the price.