30/05/2026 11:25 am
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I've been researching primes for my a7 IV and I'm stuck between the 35mm GM and the Sigma 1.4. The GM is way over my $1200 budget, but I'm worried the Sigma is too heavy for street shooting here in Seattle. My logic was maybe just get the Sony 1.8... is that a huge step down?
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11
30/05/2026 11:50 am
Jumping in here... Re: "Building on the earlier suggestion, Im satisfied with..." - honestly, you don't need to spend two months of rent to get killer shots on the a7 IV. Street shooting is all about portability anyway.
- Take a look at the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE. It is basically a featherweight compared to the Sigma. I have been using it for street stuff around the city and it is plenty sharp for what you need.
- The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 FE is another solid one if you want a more premium metal feel without the GM price tag. It is super budget friendly and the autofocus is surprisingly snappy.
- if you are dead set on that 1.4 bokeh, the Rokinon AF 35mm f/1.4 Series II FE is much easier on the wallet and the back than the older heavy glass. Going with a cheaper prime means you have got extra cash for a nice strap or some extra batteries. I am very happy with my Samyang and never felt like I was missing out on the GM features for day-to-day shooting... definitely not a step down in real world results.
10
30/05/2026 12:00 pm
Maybe think about the Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 if you are on a tight budget. Its way cheaper than the GM and very light for street stuff. Just be careful with the autofocus speed tho, it can be a bit slow for moving subjects. Make sure to check the warranty info too... its a safe, reliable pick for the price.
4
30/05/2026 11:50 am
Building on the earlier suggestion, Im satisfied with the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary. The 325g weight is perfect for Seattle streets and MTF performance is stellar for the price tho...
1
30/05/2026 11:26 am
I'm very satisfied with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle Prime. It balances weight and sharpness better than the Sigma, plus those linear motors track street movement perfectly. It isn't a step down.
1
30/05/2026 12:10 pm
Regarding what #4 said about "Maybe think about the Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2..."
- I actually messed around with that one for a bit! It's a fun little lens, but I found the AF just couldnt keep up with my dog running around Pike Place Market. Seattle streets move way faster than people think! I am a total gear nerd and I have spent way too much time comparing the rendering styles of these different brands. Sony usually has that clinical, perfect glass while Sigma feels a bit more soulful but way chunkier. Honestly, picking the wrong one can totally ruin the experience of a day out shooting. Before you drop your hard-earned cash, I gotta ask...
- Are you gonna be shooting much video, or is this strictly for stills?
- Do you usually shoot wide open at f/1.4, or are you stopping down for street scenes anyway? Knowing those two things makes a massive difference! I love the a7 IV but it can feel unbalanced with the wrong glass.
