Sony 40mm f2.5 G First Impressions
In this blog, I will share with you my first impressions of the Sony 40mm f/2.5 prime lens. I’ve been using this lens for a few weeks, so this blog is an initial look and not a full review. The full review will come later after more extensive use in different conditions. For clarity, I purchased this lens with my own money, and I have no affiliations with Sony.
Purpose
This lens serves three key purposes. The first one is to provide a tiny, lightweight package for travel photographers or those wishing to have the camera on a neck or shoulder strap. Secondly, this lens can be a fantastic backup option if you’re travelling. Perhaps your main lens is a zoom, and should something happen to it, the 40mm f/2.5 can serve as a backup option without taking space in your bag. Lastly, this is a great street photography lens due to the focal length and compact size.
Focal Length
40mm is an incredibly versatile focal length and is best suited to travel, street photography, and even portraiture, although I haven’t used it for the latter personally. For street and travel photography, 40mm is ideal because it allows you to get everything in without having to be too close to the subjects. It’s also a focal length that closely resembles what your eyes see, so if you found a 35mm too wide, this could be a great alternative. Equally, if you love shooting at 50mm but want some extra breathing room, the 40mm can be great for that. Some of my favourite photos are somewhere between 35mm and 50mm.
Build Quality
The lens feels solid with a sturdy all-metal build. The focus dial is smooth and well damped. The aperture dial has solid, distinct clicks. Overall, the build quality seems great; however, this is something that will require time and heavy use to fully evaluate.
Size & Weight
Aside from the focal length, this would be the primary reason one would look at the 40mm. At 173 grams, it’s one of the lightest full-frame lenses out there, and you can really feel it when you have a camera around your neck. On a cross-body strap, you can barely notice the camera, even if fitted to the bigger A7R. If fitted to a smaller A7C, the total package is lighter and more compact than many APSC alternatives. As mentioned before, due to the size and weight, this is a lens I will bring with me on every single trip as a backup.
Features
Despite the size, the lens packs quote a few features. The primary one is environmental sealing, and while Sony never discloses how much it can withstand, I’ve never had any issues with any of their products in the rain. The second feature, which isn’t unique to this lens, but was a deciding factor in my purchase, is the custom button on the side. I program it to temporarily enable manual focus while being pressed. This allows me to press it with one finger, while using the other to adjust focus manually. As soon as I let go, the camera is back in AF. You get a click on/off switch which allows for a smooth aperture adjustment, and an AF/MF switch. The aperture ring is easy to use, and all the markings are clear to see. The lens comes with a lens hood, however I personally don’t use it.
Image Quality
All modern lenses have fantastic image quality, and I feel we’re at the point where any modern lens above £500 will produce good results. I can’t say anything specific about the 40mm f2.5. The image is tack sharp, the bokeh is nice, and the colours render as they should. No issues at all.
AF Performance
The AF is top-notch thanks to two linear motors. It’s silent, fast, and reliable. However, just like image quality, this is hardly a surprise. Nothing specific I can say about the AF, it works every single time exactly how you’d expect.
Summary
I don’t often do blanket recommendations for gear because what you shoot with is very specific to you and your style. However, I can make an exception for the 40mm f2.5. This is a must-have lens for all Sony shooters due to its size, weight, and performance. It makes for a good backup option or as your primary street photography tool. I only wish I got mine sooner.
Full Specification
Focal Length - 40 mm (≈60 mm APS‑C)
Maximum Aperture - f/2.5 (Physical ring, click/de-click)
Optical Design - 9 elements/9 groups; 3 aspherical + 1 ED; Nano AR II + fluorine coating
Aperture Blades - 7 rounded blades
Autofocus - Dual XD Linear Motors; internal focus; focus hold button
Minimum Focus Distance - 0.28 m (AF), 0.25 m (MF)
Max Magnification - 0.20× (AF), 0.23× (MF)
Filter Thread - 49 mm, non-rotating
Size & Weight - 68 mm × 45 mm; ~173 g
Construction - Metal alloy, weather sealed, compact and lightweight
Instead of telling you how these will change your life, I would rather be practical and answer the most common questions that people tend to have when buying presets.
What are presets?
They are editing settings that are saved in a file and can be applied to any image.
Why do people buy presets?
Sometimes because they like the work of the photographer and want that style for their own photos. Mostly because they would like to see how other people edit and learn by reverse engineering the presets. Other times it’s just to support their favourite photographers, thank you!
What’s the overall style of these presets?
- Filmic
- Warm
- Soft
- Bright
What are these presets suitable for?
Street & Travel Photography
Some Nature (with further editing)
Some Portraits (with extensive editing)
Do I actually use these?
Yes. This is the same pack I use right now for all my editing. This isn’t a pack made just to sell.
Do these presets get updated?
Yes, as my style changes, these presets will also be updated. Any time a new update is available, you will get a free update via email. Of course you also keep all the old presets in case you prefer the older looks. Only presets purchased from 2025 onwards will receive the updates.
What file types are these presets for?
- All RAW files
- JPEGs & TIFFs (not recommended)
What camera brands are these presets for?
These were designed around Fujifilm, Sony, and Leica sensors. With that said, they will work with all camera brands. While there might be differences due to individual camera colour science, the overall feel of the preset will carry over.
Will these work with JPEG files?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the intensity and make further edits. I strongly recommend editing RAW files.
Are these one click edits?
95% No. You would need to do some basic adjustments as each image is different. These adjustments can include exposure, colour balance etc. In 5% of cases you can just apply and leave it alone.
Do I need to know how to edit?
You need to have a basic understanding of adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, etc. A more comprehensive editing skillset will let you get the most out of them.
How many presets are included?
10 in the main pack and 24 in the extras pack
Why two packs?
The main pack is what I use for 99% of my edits and is kept small to reduce wasted time scrolling through presets. The extras pack is everything I don’t use often.
What software do I need?
These presets will work with any of the following:
- Photoshop (adobe camera raw)
- Lightroom Classic
- Lightroom Desktop
- Lightroom Mobile
Will these presets work with free versions of the above software?
You need to research and double check before buying. These presets were designed for the full paid versions.
Will these presets work with very old versions of the above software?
You need to research and double check before buying. These presets were designed on and for the latest software.
What file type do I get?
XMP
What else do I get?
- Comprehensive PDF guide
Can I modify these and turn them into my own?
Yes! In fact I encourage you to modify them and play around. Use these to help you get your own style.
I have more questions…. What do I do?
Make a cup of tea and drop me an email on hello@snapsbyfox.com
Please note that due to the nature of digital products, refunds are generally not accepted. However, if you experience any issues, feel free to contact me and I’ll review your situation individually. You are welcome to use this product for personal or commercial projects, but you may not copy, distribute, or resell the files in their original or modified form.
Finally I want to say a massive thank you for supporting me. Buying these presets is the most direct way you can support my work.
Thank you!