Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) is faster by 1.9 stops (f/1.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
- Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) is lighter by 40g.
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) goes wider (18mm vs 35mm).
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) reaches further (55mm vs 35mm).
- Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) is the newer design (2010 vs 2009).
| Spec | DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) | DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony A |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Focal length | 18-55mm (wider) | 35mm |
| Max aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Format | aps-c | aps-c |
| Groups | 7 | 5 |
| Af motor | SAM | SAM |
| Elements | 8 | 6 |
| Weight g | 210 | 170 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 55 | 55 |
| Length mm | 69.0 | 52.0 |
| Min focus m | 0.25 | 0.23 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.34 | 0.25 |
Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
The standard A-mount kit zoom for APS-C, offering a typical 18-55mm range in a very light package. It weighs about 210 g and uses a 55mm filter.
Pros
- Very light at about 210 g
- Close focus of 0.25 m
- SAM autofocus
- Compact kit zoom
Cons
- Slow aperture
- Plastic build
- Soft in corners wide open
Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)
A fast APS-C normal prime for A-mount with an f/1.8 aperture. At about 170 g with a 55mm filter size, it is a very small lens.
Pros
- Fast f/1.8 aperture
- Light at about 170 g
- Close focus of 0.23 m
- SAM autofocus
Cons
- APS-C only
- Plastic build
- 7-bladed aperture gives less rounded highlights when stopped down
More comparisons for Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Minolta AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM