Sony FE 35mm f1.4 G Master vs Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary
If you’re after a 35mm prime for Sony, there are a ton of options, both from Sony and third parties. While I personally can’t test them all, I have picked up two of the best offerings (in my opinion) to see which one is the best. The term ‘best’ is of course subjective and it will depend on your specific needs. In this blog, I will compare the Sony 35mm f1.4 GM with the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary prime lens. For full clarity, I purchased both of these lenses with my own money and I don’t have any contact with either company.
Why?
While there are many options, I feel these two will be the most popular choices for most people. The Sony is the gold standard fast prime but at a premium price. The Sigma is a smaller, lighter, and better-looking competitor that is still plenty fast enough for most people. While there will be a small cohort that would want both, I suspect most of you only need one 35mm prime; therefore, in this blog, I aim to help you decide which of these lenses is right for you. I’ve also written about them separately, and you can check that out below:
Why 35mm?
35mm is an incredibly versatile focal length and is best suited to travel, street photography, and even portraiture. While this focal length won’t give you the classic portrait look like a 50mm can, it’s far superior for environmental portraits where the environment is just as important as the person. This is an amazing focal length for travel, allowing you to capture the entire scene without the need to be right in the middle of the action. If I had to pick one focal length for the rest of my life, it would be the 35mm.
Common Strengths
They are built very well and feel premium.
Both offer a wide enough aperture for low-light shooting.
They both have aperture and focus rings.
Both come with an AF/MF switch on the side.
Both have good AF systems.
Both have good image quality.
Common Weaknesses
None.
Key Differences
While both feel premium, the Sony feels more modern, and the Sigma feels more retro. The Sigma feels more mechanical with a solid all-metal build. While the Sony is also a metal construction, it’s coated and has a different finish. Other than that, both feel about the same in terms of build quality.
The Sigma is substantially smaller and lighter than the Sony.
The Sony has full weather sealing. The Sigma is only partially sealed at the base (lens mount).
The Sony has a customisable function button on the lens as well as an option to de-click the aperture dial. The Sigma doesn’t have these features.
While both have good image quality, the Sony is noticeably better, especially when wide open.
At f/1.4, the Sony allows more light in, thus making it an ideal choice for night shooting.
While both have good AF, the Sony is noticeably better given its linear motors.
The Sony firmware can be updated through the camera. The Sigma required a pain in the arse process through a laptop.
The Sigma is nearly one-third of the price.
Why Pick The Sony
If you want the best low-light performance, the best image quality, the best autofocus, and the best integration with a Sony camera, this is your choice. If you need full weather sealing because you plan on shooting in wet and dirty conditions, I would go for the Sony. Finally, if you really need the custom function button on the lens, then this is the clear winner.
Why Pick The Sigma
The two biggest factors why someone would pick the Sigma are cost and size. A difference of around £900 can’t be sniffed at. You can buy a 35, 50, and 90 from Sigma and not pay much more than what the Sony costs. Secondly, is the size, as the Sigma is bordering on APS-C form factor, and for many people, this alone will be what seals the deal. Having shot with both lenses extensively, the difference is very noticeable. If you plan on shooting in low light, then f/2 is still plenty for 90% of scenarios.
SONY 35MM F1.4
SONY 35MM F1.4 300% ZOOM
SIGMA 35MM F2
SIGMA 35MM F2 300% ZOOM
What I Recommend
Whilst I have been objective about these two lenses, at the same time I can’t stress enough how small the difference in image quality and AF performance is. You need to be looking for it and paying attention to notice it at all. If you really need the best, no questions asked, then sure, go for the Sony. However, for 99% of people, the Sigma will be perfect.
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!