I recently upgraded to the Sony a7 IV, and while I love the versatility of my zooms, I’m really craving a simpler 'one lens, one camera' setup for daily use. I’m looking for that perfect all-around prime that can handle everything from street photography to casual portraits of my kids. I’ve been torn between the classic 35mm and 50mm focal lengths—specifically looking at the 35mm f/1.4 GM versus something more compact like the 40mm f/2.5 G. I want great autofocus and sharpness, but portability is also key so I actually take it out with me. If you could only keep one prime on your a7 IV for everyday shooting, which one would it be and why?
Seconding the recommendation above. This^ Also wanted to add that from a technical perspective, while the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is the gold standard, it’s literally 524g... that’s gonna feel like a brick for 'daily' use on your Sony a7 IV. > specifically looking at the 35mm f/1.4 GM versus something more compact like the 40mm f/2.5 G If ur looking to save cash but want great AF, check out the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8. It’s basically half the price of the GM (usually around $600-$650) and weighs only 280g. It still has the dual linear motors for snappy tracking. Ngl, the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is the king of portability at 173g, but f/2.5 might be tight for dim indoor shots. If ur really budget-conscious, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE is like $350 and performs surprisingly well for the price...
^ This. Also, you might want to be careful about jumping straight to the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if you really care about those portraits. Its super tiny and reliable, but f/2.5 can feel a bit limiting when you want that background to melt away. Basically, the consensus here is that the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is the king of quality but a pain to carry, while the smaller ones are better for daily use. I would suggest the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 as a middle ground. Its reliable, has a dedicated focus hold button, and doesnt feel like a literal rock on your a7 IV. Make sure to consider if you actually need f/1.4 before spending the extra cash, cause the weight really does change how often you'll grab the camera. If it's too heavy, you wont use it... simple as that.
Same here!
Just wanted to say thanks for everyone chiming in. Super helpful discussion.