Sony Alpha Blog

Viltrox 35mm F1.4 Pro

Published by

Marc Alhadeff

on

A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a mounted lens featuring a black design, visible camera controls, and a sleek, modern aesthetic.

in blue english / en noir en français

Table of Contents / Table des matières hide
1 Presentation
1.1 Specifications
1.2 AF performance / Performances AF
2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques
2.1 Sharpness / Piqué
2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortsion, flare, sunstars
2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles
2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs
3 Video
4 Comparison with other 35mm F1.4 / Comparaison avec d’autres 35mm F1.4
5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos
6 Conclusion (English)
6 Conclusion (Français)
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All photos , taken with Sony A7RV and without post processing are available in full size (61Mpix) in the following Flickr album suivant : Viltrox 35mm F1.4 Pro

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Toutes les photos de l’article, prises avec le Sony A7RV et sans aucunes retouches sont disponibles en pleine résolution (61Mpix) dans l’album flickr suivant : Viltrox 35mm F1.4 Pro

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1 Presentation

1.1 Specifications

  • Weight : 760g
  • Price : 859 euros
  • Aperture : F1.4 – F16
  • Length : 111mm
  • Filter : 77mm
  • 11blades aperture
  • Aperture ring click/clickless
  • AF/MF switch
  • Focus hold button
  • Minimal focusing distance : 30 cm
  • Max magnification : 0,18x
  • Lens hood included
  • Weather sealing

Overall the build quality is very good , the lens is quite big and heavy, Ergonomics are excellent with all possible controls

A Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.4 FE camera lens displayed against a plain white background.
A high-quality camera lens with a smooth black finish, featuring a focus ring, autofocus/manual focus switch, and aperture markings.
Close-up view of a camera lens featuring focus and aperture settings, with a sleek black design.
  • Poids : 760g
  • Prix : 859 euros
  • Ouverture : F1.4 – F16
  • Longueur : 111mm
  • Filtre : 77mm
  • Diaphragme à 11 lamelles
  • Distance minimale de mise au point : 30 cm
  • Rapport de grossissement 0, 18x
  • Bague d’ouverture avec ou sans clics
  • Bouton AF/MF et maintien de mise au point
  • Pare soleil inclus
  • Protection tout temps

La qualité de construction est très bonne , l’optique est assez imposante et lourde , l’ergonomie est excellente

A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a 35mm f/1.4 lens attached, showcasing a sleek black design and various controls.
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a Viltrox lens attached, featuring a sleek black design and a lens hood.

1.2 AF performance / Performances AF

  • The AF was very good , fast and precise , I did not had any issue for portrait or burst mode
  • L’AF était très bon , silencieux , rapide et précis, aucun problème en rafale ou en portrait
Two cyclists riding on a pedestrian street with modern buildings in the background.
Two cyclists riding on a city street with shops and outdoor seating in the background.
A person riding a green bicycle in an urban area, with shops and outdoor seating visible in the background.
A person riding an electric bike on a city street, wearing a green hoodie and black pants, with a bicycle basket in front.
A person riding a bicycle through a city street with pedestrians and shops in the background.
A person riding an electric bike on a city street with shops in the background.
A street scene featuring a mostly empty pedestrian area with people walking, lined by restaurants and shops. A large historical building is visible in the background, along with outdoor seating areas and advertisements.
A street scene in a city with a mix of pedestrians walking, a motorcycle riding by, outdoor dining spaces, and a background of various buildings and restaurants.
A person riding a delivery scooter in an urban setting, with shops and pedestrians in the background.
A delivery rider in a blue jacket and helmet, riding a Yamaha N-Max scooter with a black delivery box attached, on a city street.
A person wearing a helmet and turquoise jacket riding a scooter with a delivery box, passing by a storefront in an urban area.
A busy urban street scene with a delivery scooter leaving and pedestrians walking, shops visible in the background.
A person riding a blue and black electric scooter on a city street, wearing a navy jacket, gray pants, and white shoes. In the background, there are buses and shops visible.
A person wearing a hooded jacket riding a blue and red electric scooter on a city street, with a lottery shop in the background.
A person riding a blue scooter down a mostly empty urban street, with shops and restaurants visible in the background.
A busy urban street scene featuring pedestrians, cyclists, and a person riding an electric scooter. The background includes stylish buildings, an outdoor restaurant, and advertising banners. Skyscrapers and construction are visible, indicating a lively city atmosphere.

2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques

The tests were made on a Sony A7RV  with its 61Mpix

Les tests ont été effectués sur un A7RV avec ses 61Mpix

2.1 Sharpness / Piqué

A table displaying ratings for various camera settings (F1.4, F2, F2.8, F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16) categorized by 'Centre' and 'Corners' with performance levels ranging from 'Good' to 'Outstanding'.
  • Performances are very good at F1.4 and excellent as of F2 in the centre
  • Corners are one grade lower but also reach excellence at F2.8
  • Globally a very good performance.
  • Les performances sont très bonne au centre dès la pleine ouverture et excellente à F2.
  • Les coins sont un grade moins bon mais atteignent l’excellence à F2.8
  • Globalement une très bonne performance.

Centre / Centre

A white wooden bookshelf with glass doors containing a variety of books, decorative items, and a small gnome figurine. The shelf is situated next to a wall with a floral design and a vase of flowers on a nearby table.
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Corners / Coins

A wooden bookshelf filled with books, with a decorative gnome figurine in front of several titles and a carved mask on the wall beside it.
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Close Distance / Mise au point rapprochée

Performances are significantly less good at close distance you need to close to F4 or even F5.6

LE performance sont moins bonnes a courte distance il vaut mieux fermer à F4 voir F5.6

A shelf filled with various cookbooks, including titles in French and a visible Euro banknote in front.
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8

Sharpness for distant subject / Piqué en mise au point lointaine

  • Although very good in the centre , long distance subjects really benefits from closing to F2.8 to have excellence across the framers
  • Bien que très bon au centre les sujets lointains méritent qu’on ferme l’ouverture à F2.8 pour avoir de l’excellence sur tout le champ
Abstract view of intersecting architectural beams and glass panels, showcasing modern design elements.
centre F1.4
Close-up of a modern building facade featuring geometric window patterns.
corner F1.4
Close-up of angular architectural structures featuring sleek lines and surfaces with a modern aesthetic.
centre F2.8
Close-up view of a modern building facade with large windows and a gray exterior.
corner F2.8
Close-up view of architectural beams and panels intersecting in an artistic design beneath a translucent ceiling.
centre F5.6
Close-up view of a modern building facade featuring geometric window arrangements.
corner F5.6
A modern urban landscape featuring a large, futuristic canopy structure and a prominent building with an artistic mural. In the foreground, pedestrians walk along a busy street, and bicycles are lined up near a transportation station.
centre f1.4
Close-up view of a modern building facade featuring curved glass panels and metal framing.
corner F1.4
Close-up of the curved glass facade of a modern building, featuring multiple blue-tinted windows arranged in vertical sections.
centre F2.8
Close-up view of a modern glass building facade with curved design and reflections.
corner F2.8
Close-up view of a modern building facade featuring curved glass windows and sleek architectural lines.
centre F5.6
Close-up view of a modern building featuring large glass windows and a curved architectural design at the top.
corner F5.6
centre
A serene urban park scene featuring a pond surrounded by lush greenery, with a modern glass building in the background reflecting the sky.
corner
Close-up of ornate architectural details featuring golden accents and decorative elements around windows, showcasing the letters 'AN' and 'NO' on a historical building.
centre F1.4
A golden statue of a female figure holding a ribbon and standing on a spherical base against a blue sky.
corner F1.4
centre F2.8
A golden statue of a figure holding a staff and a bow, standing atop a decorative dome against a blue sky.
corner F2.8
Close-up of ornate architectural details on a building facade, featuring gold and red inscriptions and decorative moldings.
centre F5.6
A golden statue of a figure holding a ribbon in one hand, standing on a spherical base against a blue sky.
corner F5.6
Historic buildings in Brussels' Grand Place, showcasing ornate architecture and vibrant decorations, with people strolling in the foreground.

Sharpness for portraits / Piqué pour les portraits

  • Sharpness for portraits is very good wide open , excellent at F2, excellent rendering for skin tones and the right level of contrast
  • Le piqué pour les portraits est très bon à pleine ouverture, et excellent à F2 excellent rendu des tons chairs et le bon niveau de contraste
F1.4
Close-up of a brown eye with long eyelashes and smooth skin around the eyelid.
F2
Close-up of a human eye with detailed eyelashes and skin texture.
f2.8
Close-up of a human eye with a natural makeup look, showcasing the eyelashes and eyelid texture.
A young woman wearing a brown jacket and cap, standing in a bustling pedestrian area with shops and outdoor seating in the background.
F4
Close-up of a human eye showcasing the iris and eyelashes.
A smiling woman wearing a beige jacket and glasses, standing in a bustling indoor shopping area.
F1.4
Close-up of a human eye with dark brown iris, showing detailed eyelashes and skin texture.
Close-up portrait of a young woman wearing a beige jacket, with sunglasses resting on her head, smiling while standing in a busy shopping arcade.
F2
Close-up image of a human eye, featuring detailed textures of the eyelid and eyelashes.
F2.8
Close-up of a human eye showing details including eyelashes, eyelid, and iris.
A young woman in a beige trench coat poses with a playful expression, standing in a busy indoor shopping arcade with people in the background.
F4
Close-up of a human eye highlighting its brown iris, eyelashes, and skin texture around the eye.
F1.4
Close-up of a person's eye with visible eyelashes and subtle details of the eyelid.
F2
Close-up of a human eye with long eyelashes and a light blue iris, showcasing subtle details of the skin around the eye.
A young woman with long, wavy hair smiles at the camera, wearing a white top and a green cardigan. She has sunglasses resting on her head and is standing in front of a building with decorative features.
F2.8
Close-up portrait of a smiling young woman with long hair, wearing a white blouse and a green cardigan, in front of a historic building.
F4
Close-up of a person's eye, showcasing detailed eyelashes, a subtle hint of color in the iris, and skin texture around the eye.

2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortsion, flare, sunstars

  • Vignetting is strong at F1.4 , and disappears around F2.8
  • Distortion is moderate in barrel  
  • Chromatic aberrations are very low
  • LoCA are moderate
  • Resistance to flare is very good
  • There are excellent sunstars with aperture closed down
  • There is not yet a Lightroom Lens profile for this lens but this should come

2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles

  • Le vignettage est très présent à F1.4 et disparait à F4
  • La distorsion est moyenne en barillet
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont très faibles
  • Les AC longitudinales sont modérées
  • La résistance au flare est très bonne
  • De très beaux effets d’étoiles peuvent être obtenus vers F16
  • Il n’y a pas encore de profil Lightroom pour cet objectif mais cela devrait venir dans les prochains mois
A white bookcase with glass doors displaying various books, decorative items, and a small gnome figurine.
not corrected
A white bookshelf with glass doors filled with various books, a small gnome figure, decorative shells, and other items on display.
corrected
A street scene showing two pedestrians walking along a sidewalk, with a bus traveling in the opposite direction and buildings in the background. Sunlight filters through tree leaves, creating a warm atmosphere.
F1.4 CA / AC
Sunlight filtering through green leaves, creating a soft glow in a natural setting.
crop 100% F1.4 CA / AC
A street view at sunset showing a park in the background, street signs, traffic lights, and a brightly colored information kiosk near a sidewalk.
F1.4 CA / AC
F16 flare
A street scene at sunrise, featuring a graffiti-covered utility box and a bright sunburst illuminating the area, with a mixture of trees and buildings in the background.
F16 flare
An open book with pages showing printed text, resting on a flat surface.
F1.4 LoCA
Close-up of printed text discussing architectural techniques used by the Toraja people, focusing on gables and internal structure.
crop 100% F1.4 LoCA

2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs

  • The Bokeh balls are excellent : well circular at F1.4 and even when closed down
  • The background blur is very soft
  • Color rendition is very good , natural and with a very good good balanced contrast
  • Les ronds de Bokeh sont excellents: bien circulaires à F1.4 et le restent même quand on ferme l’ouverture
  • Le flou d’arrière plan est plaisant et très doux
  • Le rendu des couleurs est très bon: naturel avec un très bon contraste
A Playmobil figure dressed in a vest and tie, standing on a small base with a blurred bokeh background of colored lights.
F1.4
A Playmobil figure wearing a suit, standing on a base, with a blurred background featuring colorful bokeh lights.
F2
A Playmobil figure dressed in a formal outfit stands on a black base, with a blurred background featuring colorful bokeh lights.
F2.8
A Playmobil figure dressed in a suit stands on a black base, with blurred festive lights in the background.
F4
A Playmobil figurine dressed in a suit and tie stands on a black display stand, with a blurred background featuring fairy lights and a room setting.
F5.6
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.4
  • F2
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
A padlock secured with a chain on a wooden fence, surrounded by green ivy leaves.
Close-up of green leaves with water droplets on them.
Close-up of lush green leaves with water droplets on them, showcasing a rich texture and vibrant colors.
A colorful display of various handmade soap bars in a retail shop, featuring bright pink raspberry-shaped soaps prominently on a pedestal, with price tags for each product.

3 Video

  • Excelent results in term of sharpness , bokeh, background blur smoothness and color rendition in video, very nice rendering for portraits
  • Ergonomics are excellent with a clickless aperture ring
  • AF works well
  • Focus breathing is low
  • Excellents résultats en vidéo avec un très bon piqué un flou d’arrière plan doux, de très beaux ronds de Bokeh et un rendu des couleurs très naturel, globalement de très beaux portraits peuvent être obtenus
  • L’ergonomie est très bonne avec une bague d’ouverture sans clics
  • L’AF fonctionne bien
  • Focus breathing faible

Focus Breathing

A Playmobil figure dressed in a vest and tie stands on top of a red cylindrical object, with a blurred bookshelf in the background.
A white bookshelf filled with various books, some with visible titles, items like decorative skulls and a plant on the bottom shelf, and a floral wall decal in the background.

4 Comparison with other 35mm F1.4 / Comparaison avec d’autres 35mm F1.4

There are many 35mm for E Mount (more than 20) , if we concentrate on the ones F1.4 with AF we have

Il y a beaucoup de 35mm pour la monture E (plus de 20) , si l’on se concentre sur ceux conçus pour les hybrides avec AF on a

If you are looking for more compact and affordable options then the best other 35mm (<700 euros) are in my order of preference

Si vous recherchez une option plus abordable tout en restant compact alors voici d’autres 35mm (<700 euros) par ordre de préférence

Three camera lenses arranged side by side on a white background, showcasing different designs and features.
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a 35mm lens mounted on it, featuring a sleek black design and various controls on the body.
Two camera lenses side by side: a Sigma lens on the left and a Sony FE lens on the right, both featuring focus rings and numerical markings.
Sigma DG II vs Sony GM
Two camera lenses side by side on a white background, one with a round hood and the other labeled 'FE 1.4/35 GM' with focus controls.
Sigma DG II vs Sony GM
Two camera lenses side by side on a light background. The left lens is a black Sony FE 1.4/35 GM, while the right lens is a Samyang AF 35/1.4 P FE. Both lenses feature distinct designs and labeling.
Two camera lenses side by side, one labeled FE 1.4/35 GM on the left and the other labeled AF 35/1.4 P FE on the right.

Viltrox 35mm F1.4 ProSigma 35mm F1.4 DG IISirui 35mm F1.4 AuroraSamyang 35mm F1.4 PSigma 35mm F1.4 DG DNSony 35mm F1.4 GM
Price / Prix829$ / 859 euros999 euros589 euros600 euros849 Euros1700 euros
Weight / Poids760g530g490g470g704g524g
Length / Longueur111mm96mm102,9mm99,2mm111mm96mm
AF++++++++++++++++
Buttons / RingAF/MF Focus hold button Click/Clickless Aperture ring AF/MFBouton focus hold bague d’ouverture clics/sans clicsAF/MF Focus hold button Click/Clickless Aperture ring AF/MFBouton focus hold bague d’ouverture clics/sans clicsAF/MFFocus hold buttonClick/Clickless Aperture ringAF/MFBouton focus hold Bague d’ouverture clics/sans clicsNoneAF/MFFocus hold buttonClick/Clickless Aperture ringAF/MFBouton focus holdBagued’ouverture clics/sans clicsAF/MF
Focus hold button
Click/Clickless Aperture ring
AF/MF
Bouton focus hold
Bague
d’ouverture clics/sans clics
Min focusing distance / Distance min de mise au point30cm28cm35cm30cm30cm27cm
Build Quality / Quality de construction++++++++++++++++++
Aperture blades / Lames de diaphragme11111391111
Filter / Filtre776762676767
Weather Sealing / Protection tout tempsYesYesYesYesYesYes

From a specifications perspective, the Samyang 35mm F1.4 P is the lightest and one of the most compact, closely followed by the Sirui. The Sirui is the cheapest of the F1.4 and on par with the best tin term of ergonomics. The Samyang Prima Ergonomics are very basic

The Sigma DG II is significantly smaller and lighter than V1 it match the GM in term of size, weight and ergonomics. The Sony GM is only a tiny bit better in term of AF being also the only one compatible with the 120fps of the A9III

The Viltrox 35mm F1.4 Pro is quite big and heavy

D’un point de vue spécifications, le Samyang 35mm f1.4 AF P est le plus léger, suivi de près du Sirui . Le Sirui est le moins cher suivi du Samyang. L’ergonomie du Siri est parmi les meilleur alors que celle du Samyang est parmi les plus basiques

Le Sigma DG II est significativement plus compact et léger que la version 1, il égale le Sony GM en taille, poids et ergonomie. Le seul point ou le Sony GM est légèrement meilleur est l’AF , le Sony est aussi le seul compatible avec les 120i/s du Sony A9III

Le Viltrox 35mm F1.4 est assez gros et lourd

Sharpness / Piqué

  • The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II and Sony 35mm F1.4 GM are extremely close , the Sigma a tiny bit better in the centre and the GM better in the corner. Then closely followed by the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN and then the Sirui/Viltrox F1.4
  • The Samyang 35mm F1.4 P is a little bit better than the V II but below the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN ans Sirui
  • The Viltrox 35 F1.2 is a tiny bit better than the 35 F1.4
  • Le Sony 35mm F1.4 GM et le Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II sont les meilleurs et très proches, le sigma légèrement meilleur au centre et le Sony légèrement meilleur dans les coins . Ensuite on a le Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN puis le Sirui et le Viltrox 35 F1.4
  • Le Samyang 35mm F1.4 P améliore légèrement les performances vis à vis de la v II mais reste en dessous des Sirui et Sigma
  • Le Viltrox 35 f1.2 est légèrement meilleur que le F1.4
Comparison chart of various 35mm camera lenses, displaying ratings for center and corner performance at different aperture settings.

Background Blur & Bokeh Balls / Flous d’arrière plan et Ronds de Bokeh

  • The Samyang 35mm F1.4 P , Sirui , Sony 35mm F1.4 GM, Sigma DG II & Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN , the Viltrox have very similar very high quality bokeh balls, smooth background blur and color rendition. In a blind test I can’t differentiate them in 80% of the cases
  • The Samyang 35mm F1.4 II is very good but a bit below the Sigma and Sony with some onion rings pattern and a little bit more busy background
  • The Samyang 35mm F1.4 P and the Sirui are maybe the ones with the smoothest background blur
  • The Sirui has a little bit long min focusing distance.
  • Le Samyang 35mm F1.4 P , Sony 35mm F1.4 GM, le Sigma DG II et le Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN , les Viltrox ont tous de très beaux ronds de bokeh, un excellent flou d’arrière plan très doux et un très bon rendu des couleurs. Dans un test à l’aveugle je ne peux les différencier dans 80% des cas
  • Le Samyang 35mm F1.4 P et le Sirui sont sans doute celui avec le flou d’arrière plan le plus doux
  • Le Samyang 35mm F1.4 II a aussi de très bons résultats mais inférieur aux Sigma et Sony : un peu plus de tranches d’oignons dans les ronds de bokeh et un flou d’arrière plan légèrement plus nerveux
  • Le Sirui a une distance min de mise au point un peu longue
A Playmobil figure dressed in a suit and tie standing on a stand, with a blurred colorful bokeh background.
Viltrox 35mm F1.4
A close-up of a Playmobil figure dressed in a suit, featuring a blue and black design, standing on a decorative base with a blurred background.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II
A Playmobil figure standing on a bottle cap with a blurred background of colorful lights.
Sirui 35mm F1.4
A Playmobil figure dressed in a formal outfit with a vest and tie, standing on a base, with a blurred background featuring colorful lights.
Samyang 35mm F1.4 P
Sony F1.4
Sigma F1.4
A close-up of a Playmobil figurine dressed in a formal outfit, standing on a black base with a blurred colorful background.
Samyang 35mm F1.4 II

Portraits / Bokeh

Viltrox 35mm F1.4 @F1.4
Viltrox 35mm F1.4 @F2
Sigma DG II – F1.4
Close-up view of yellow bike rear lights in a bike-sharing station, with a blurred background of bikes and a canopy structure overhead.
Sigma DG II – F2
Close-up of the rear view of yellow bicycles parked, showing the tail light and wheel details.
Sony F1.4
Close-up view of yellow bicycles with distinctive rear fenders parked in a row, showcasing their reflective lights.
Sony F2
Close-up of a yellow bike from the be.villo! bike-sharing program in Brussels, showing the branding on the rear fender.
Sigma F1.4
Close-up of a bright yellow bike from the be.villo! bike-sharing program in Brussels, with blurred background showing other bikes.
F2
Close-up of a yellow bicycle's rear section, featuring the tail light and part of the frame, with blurred bicycles in the background.
Samyang II F1.4
Close-up of the rear end of a yellow bicycle, featuring its tail light, with a blurred background of bicycles and a canopy structure.
Samyang II F2
Close-up of a yellow bike with a logo that reads 'be.villo! be.brussels' in a blurred background of more bikes.
Samyang P F1.4
A close-up view of a yellow bike with a logo that reads 'be .brussels', with a blurred background of more bikes.
Samyang P F2



  • The below portraits show the rendering difference between the lenses
  • Globally the Sirui offer a little more smoother rendering
  • The Sony GM and the 2 Sigma offer a more “pop up” effect for portraits
  • Les portraits ci-dessous montrent les différences de rendu entre les optiques
  • Globalement le Sirui offre un rendu un peu plus doux.
  • Les Sony GM et les 2 Sigma offre un effet 3D plus important
A smiling young woman wearing a brown jacket and cap, standing outdoors in a bustling urban setting.
Viltrox 35mm F1.4
Close-up of a person's eye with a natural makeup look, showing details of the eyelashes and eyebrow.
A young woman with long dark hair smiles confidently in a city square, wearing a dark top and a brown leather jacket, with blurred buildings and colors in the background.
Sigma DG II – F1.4
Close-up of a human eye showcasing detailed eyelashes and skin texture.
A smiling young girl with a ponytail, wearing a light blue shirt, stands in a busy street with blurred shop windows in the background.
Sirui 35mm @F1.6
Close-up of an eye with long, curled eyelashes and subtle makeup.
A young woman with long blonde hair wearing a white beanie and a black jacket, smiling softly with a blurred background of a lively urban setting.
Samyanf 35mm F1.4 P
Close-up of a person's eye with long eyelashes and a light-colored iris.
A close-up portrait of a woman with long, dark hair, wearing a black jacket over a white shirt, standing in a busy urban corridor with blurred figures in the background.
Sigma F1.4 @F1.4
Close-up of a human eye with brown iris, detailed eyelashes, and subtle makeup, showcasing a natural look.
Crop 100% Sigma F1.4 @F1.4
A young woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera while standing in a historic shopping arcade, blurred figures in the background.
Samyang 35mm F1.4 II
Close-up of a human eye showcasing brown iris, eyelashes, and skin texture.

Distortion / CA / Vignetting / Flare

  • The Sony 35mm F1.4 GM has the least distortion the Sigma DG II , Sigma 35 F1.4 DG DN follow, the Samyang 35mm f1.4 P and Sirui are the least good one on this criteria
  • The vignetting is strong on all the lenses
  • The CA level on the Sigma 35 F1.4 DG DN , Sigma DG II , Viltrox F1.4 and the Sony GM are the best ones. The Samyang 35mm F1.4 P the less good one. Sirui is in the middle
  • The resistance to flare is a better on the Sony GM and on the 2 Sigma 35 F1.4, The Samyang is less good on this criteria. Sirui and Viltrox are in the middle

Distorsion / AC / Vignettage / Flare

  • Le Sony 35mm F1.4 GM est l’optique qui a le moins de distorsion. Le sigma DG II et Le Sigma 35 F1.4 DG DN suivent puis viennent le Samyang 35mm F1.4 P et le Sirui avec une distorsion plus marquée
  • Le vignettage est marqué sur toutes les optiques
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont plus faibles sur le Sony GM et les 2 Sigma 35 F1.4 et le Viltrox F1.4 . Le Samyang 35mm F1.4 Prima est le moins bon. Le Sirui est dans la moyenne
  • La résistance au flare est meilleure sur le Sony GM et les 2 Sigma 35 F1.4,le Samyang 35mm f1.4 est moins bon sur ce critère. Le Sirui et les Viltrox sont dans la moyenne
A white bookshelf with glass doors featuring a variety of books, decorative items, and a gnome figure inside.
Viltrox 35mm F1.4 Pro
A white bookshelf with glass doors filled with various books, a small gnome figure, decorative items, and a few shells, located in a cozy interior space.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II
A bookcase filled with various books, featuring a decorative gnome and a golden orb on the shelves, and a mask on the lower shelf.
Sirui 35mm F1.4
A white bookshelf with glass doors, containing an assortment of books and decorative items, including a small gnome figurine, on a wall with subtle floral designs.
Samyang 35mm F1.4 P
A wooden cabinet with glass doors displaying various books, decorative items, and personal artifacts, accompanied by a colorful mask and a decorative figure on the side.
Samyang 35mm f1.4 II
A bookshelf with glass doors displaying a variety of books, decorative items, and a colorful hanging figure. The shelf has two drawers at the bottom and is situated against a wall with a floral design.
Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN
A wooden bookshelf with glass doors containing various books, decorative items, and a hanging traditional puppet, set against a wall with floral designs.
Sony 35mm f1.4 GM
Street view during sunrise with a graffitied electrical box, traffic signs, and an orange information kiosk in an urban setting surrounded by trees.
Viltrox 35mm F1.4 CA / AC
A sunny street scene featuring a utility box with graffiti, a light post, and an information display, with sunlight creating lens flare and casting shadows on the pavement.
Viltrox 35mm F16 flare
Sunlight shining through lush green leaves with a clear blue sky in the background.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II – F1.4 : no CA / pas d’AC
A sunburst shining through green leaves against a bright blue sky with a few fluffy clouds.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II – F16
Sunlight filtering through bare tree branches with historic buildings in the background.
Samyang 35mm F1.4 P : CA / AC
A sunburst peeking through bare tree branches, illuminating a scene with buildings in the background and a fenced area in the foreground.
Samyang 35mm F1.4 P – F16 flare
A bright sun shining through a flowering tree, with blossoming branches against a clear blue sky.
Sigma F1.4 @F16
A bare tree with a sun shining in the background, illuminating a winter scene with buildings and a park.
Sony GM F16 sunstars & flare
A sunlit winter scene featuring a bare tree in the foreground, with light flares from the sun. In the background, there's a glimpse of buildings and greenery.
Sigma F1.2@F16
Sunlight shining through the leaves of a tall tree against a partly cloudy sky, with a modern building partially visible in the background.
F16 resistance to flare
A barren tree with intricate branches in a winter scene, with a bright sun shining in the background and buildings partially visible in the distance.
Sony 35mm F1.4 CA / AC
A winter scene featuring a bare tree with a few snowflakes on branches, set against a backdrop of buildings and a bright sun in the sky.
Sigma 35mm F1.4
Close-up view of bright green leaves against a cloudy sky, with a building partially visible in the background.
Samyang V2 F1.4 CA / AC
A bare tree with intricate branches stands in a snowy landscape, with sunlight shining through the branches and a cityscape visible in the background.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 @F1.4 CA / AC

Autofocus

AF is excellent for all lenses for static subjects ; fast precise and quiet , but when it comes to fast moving subjects the Sigma and the Sony are clearly superior , Viltrox follow then the Sirui and the Samyang . Also the Sony GM is the fastest and the only one compatible with the 12fps of the A9III.

L’AF est excellent sur toutes les optiques sur les sujets statiques : très rapide, précis et efficace. Sur les sujets en mouvement les Sigma et Sony sont nettement supérieurs puis vient les Viltrox et après les Sirui et Samyang. Le Sony est le plus rapide et le seul compatible avec les 120 images/sec du Sony A9III.

Video :

All are excellent in video and most have the possibility of having a click less aperture ring. except the Samyang 35mm f1.4 P. The Samyang P is the best one in term of focus breathing, the Sony GM and the Sigma F1.4 V1 have quite strong focus breathing.

Toutes ces optiques sont excellentes en vidéo et la plupart offrent la possibilité d’avoir une bague d’ouverture sans clics sauf le nouveau Samyang P. Le Samyang 35mm f1.4 P n’a quasi pas de focus breathing, Sony GM et le Sigma 35 F1.4 V1 en ont beaucoup

Conclusion

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II is a clear upgrade over the v1 , lighter , more compact, sharper. For 1000 euros it gives same performances as the Sony which is priced at 1600 euros

The Viltrox 35mm F1.4 (859 euros) although very good is less sharp than the Sigma V2 , much heavier and bigger and only cost 15% less than the Sigma. It has however a softer background blur

At lower price, The Sirui is priced at 580 euros vs 830 euros for the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN which roughly equivalent for sharpness and ergonomics. The Sigma is a little bit better for AF, the Sirui is lighter and more compact

The Sirui has better sharpness and ergonomics vs the Samyang P

Le Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II est une mise à jour significative de la V1 : plus compact, plus léger, plus piqué. pour 1000 euros il offre les mêmes performances que le Sony GM qui lui vaut 1600 euros

Le Viltrox 35mm F1.4 bien que très bon globalement est moins piqué que le Sigma V2 , mais il est beaucoup plus lourd et gros et il n’est que 15% moins cher que le Sigma. Néanmoins le Viltrox a un flou d’arrière plan plus doux que le Sigma

Dans unn budget plus contenu, le Sirui est à 580 euros contre 830 euros pour le Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN pour un piqué et une ergonomie très similaire. Le Sigma est légèrement meilleur en AF. Le Sirui est plus léger et compact

Le Sirui est plus piqué et a une meilleure ergonomie que le Samyang pour un prix similaire

5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos

Very good results globally : sharpness is very good to excellent , background blur is soft and pleasant, excellent color rendering, skins are very well rendered,

Très bons résultats globalement: très bon à excellent piqué, flou d’arrière plan très doux , très beau rendu des couleurs, très naturel. Le rendu des peaux en portrait est excellent

Close-up view of fresh, ripe strawberries arranged in cardboard boxes
Postcards featuring images of Brussels, Belgium, displayed on a rack, showcasing famous landmarks and cityscapes.
A selection of delicious desserts featuring waffles topped with strawberries, bananas, and drizzled with chocolate, presented in white trays with colorful designs.
A colorful LEGO astronaut figure displayed on a circular stand in a toy store, with price signs in multiple languages around it.
A pedestrian crossing with rainbow stripes in the foreground, leading to a Starbucks store with a modern architectural design in the background. A person pulls a suitcase while walking and another person is seen standing by the entrance.
A bustling pedestrian street lined with modern shops and buildings, featuring people walking and enjoying the day under a bright blue sky.
A beautifully lit arcade with shop windows displaying various goods, featuring people seated at small tables and a person walking with luggage.
A street view showcasing a historic building next to modern cafes and restaurants, with outdoor seating areas featuring umbrellas. A large advertisement for Belchicken is displayed on a nearby building, while decorative yellow bags are arranged in front of the cafes.
Interior of a toy store featuring a colorful wall display labeled 'Pick & Build' with various round containers, and shelves filled with games and building sets.
A busy shopping street featuring storefronts like Five Guys, Subway, and McDonald's, with pedestrians walking along a cobblestone path and bicycles parked nearby.
A young couple walking in a cobblestone street, looking at something on their phone, with shops and people in the background.
A bustling cobblestone street lined with shops and cafes, with people walking and shopping, set against charming European architecture.
A bustling street scene with pedestrians walking along a cobblestone path. Shopfronts display signs for an ATM and various businesses, including a restaurant named 'Drug Opera.' The architecture features a mix of historical buildings and modern storefronts, with vibrant colors and overhead wires against a partly cloudy sky.
A lively street scene featuring outdoor dining at cafes with red umbrellas, surrounded by historic European architecture and a paved walkway.
Facade of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie featuring large banners with various phrases such as 'WE ARE OPERA' and 'WE ARE HUMAN', set in an urban square with people and pigeons.
A bustling gallery with shoppers walking through, featuring elegant shops on either side. A couple of tables with chairs in the foreground where two individuals are seated, enjoying their time. The architecture showcases large windows and a glass ceiling, adding a bright ambiance to the scene.
A colorful mural featuring abstract shapes and designs on a building wall in a narrow street, surrounded by brick and stone buildings.
A historic building with a cafe named Stella Artois on the ground floor, featuring outdoor seating and people dining. The architecture includes large windows and detailed stonework.
Two young women stand side by side in an elegant shopping arcade. One wears a brown jacket and cap, while the other is dressed in a light trench coat and white dress. The arcade is bustling with people, showcasing shops and outdoor seating.
Two women standing side by side in a stylish arcade, one wearing a brown jacket and jeans, the other in a beige jacket and white skirt, with outdoor seating and shops visible in the background.

6 Conclusion (English)

The Viltrox 35mm F1.4 Pro (859 euros) is a very good 35mm f1.4 but a bit heavy and bulky.

Build quality is very good and ergonomics is excellent. Sharpness is very good wide open and excellent as of F2, excellent bokeh , background blue and color rendering. AF is very good, very low level of CA

Alternatives

  • The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II (999 euros) more compact lighter, and sharper wide open
  • The Sirui 35mm F1.4 Aurora (580 euros) is offering excellent value for the price, very good to excellent sharpness, very good color rendering, excellent ergonomics, light and efficient AF
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Pros

  • excellent sharpness in the centre as of F2
  • Excellent sharpness on the entire field as of F2.8
  • Excellent Bokeh balls
  • Very good color rendition
  • Smooth background blur
  • Excellent rendering for portrait and skins
  • Very good AF
  • Very good build quality
  • Excellent ergonomics
  • Very good Sunstars
  • Very good resistance to flare
  • Very Low CA
  • Low Focus breathing
  • Weather sealing

Average

  • Very good sharpness wide open
  • Price
  • Moderate distortion
  • Moderate LoCA
  • Vignetting at F1.4 but gone at F4

Cons

  • Size and weight
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large lens attached, showcasing its design and features.

6 Conclusion (Français)

Le Viltrox 35 F1.4 Pro (859 euros) est un très bon 35mm F1.4 mais un peu lourd et gros

La qualité de construction est très bonne, l’ergonomie excellente. LE piqué est très bon à pleine ouverture et excellent dès F2 , excellent bokeh, flou d’arrière plan, et rendu des couleurs. Très bon AF faible niveau d’AC

Alternatives

  • Le Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II (999 euros), plus compact, plus léger et plus piqué
  • Le Sirui 35mm F1.4 Aurora (580 euros) offre un excellent rapport qualité prix ; très bon à excellent piqué, excellente ergonomie, très beau rendu des couleurs , léger et Af efficace
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Pour

  • Excellent piqué au centre à partir de F2
  • Pique excellent sur tout le champ à F2.8
  • Excellent ronds de Bokeh
  • Très bon rendu des couleurs et contraste
  • Excellent rendu pour les portraits
  • Flou d’arrière plan très doux
  • Très bon AF
  • Excellente ergonomie
  • Très bonne qualité de construction
  • Protection tout temps
  • Très faible niveau d’AC
  • Très bonne résistance au flare
  • Très beaux Effets d’étoiles
  • Focus breathing faible

Moyen

  • Très bon piqué (seulement) au centre à pleine ouverture
  • Prix
  • Distorsion modérée
  • Vignettage visible à F1.4 qui disparait vers F2.8
  • AC longitudinales modérées

Contre

  • Poids et Taille

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