Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G

Can it replace 35mm and 55mm focal lengths and serve as my second everyday lens?

Inspiration

I found inspiration from Mitch Lally’s YouTube video, where he paired the Sony ZV-E1 with a Samyang 35mm F2.8 lens for his everyday carry camera setup. Initially, I was about to acquire the Sony ZV-E1, but after contemplating for 10 hours, I made the decision to upgrade to the Sony α7 IV. Just a month before, I had purchased the Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G lens and was truly impressed by its compact size and sleek profile.

I researched the Samyang 35mm F2.8, known for its super-compact design. However, I discovered some significant drawbacks, including the absence of weather sealing, noisy autofocus, and a susceptibility to dust. Furthermore, I already had a 35mm focal length lens in my collection.

Subsequently, I learned about the Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G, which was available for 2,500 kr. In the end, though, I opted to purchase only the 24mm F2.8 G lens. This decision is one that I might come to regret in the future.

35mm Focal Length

I currently own the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens, and it has become one of my absolute favourites. Previously, I had the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 lens. Together with my Sony FE 55mm F1.8 lens, these two are my constant companions, finding their place in my bag, including my school bag. I’ve used them extensively, capturing photos of my classmates after lectures and shooting outdoor portraits. The versatility of the 35mm focal length is truly remarkable.

I’ve employed this lens during various occasions, including my department’s Christmas Lunch and the Annual Spring Gala. However, it does have its drawbacks; it feels a bit weighty in my hand, and I often switch to the 55mm lens when shooting portraits. With the recent addition of the 24mm lens to my collection, the 35mm has seen less time on my camera. Nevertheless, for gatherings where wide-angle or landscape shots aren’t a priority, I still find it convenient to bring along my 35mm lens, especially at parties like these:

My System

Returning to Mitch Lally’s story, I wholeheartedly concur that an ultra-compact lens can significantly enhance the photography experience. Firstly, for someone like me, who tends to be introverted, having a camera with a smaller profile makes me less self-conspicuous when taking photos. Secondly, the reduced weight of the setup, whether held in my hand or slung across my body, is much appreciated. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s easy to retrieve the camera from and stow it back into my camera bag swiftly. Often, the bulkiness of a backpack or a camera fitted with a large, heavy lens like the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM can deter me from spontaneously capturing moments.

I chanced upon a secondhand copy of the lens on the DBA (a secondary marketplace) and engaged in some negotiations with the seller to get a price that matched what MPB, a photography equipment reseller, would typically offer. To Michael, if you are reading this, I apologise for the haggling—it was a mix of lingering regret for not acquiring the lens at a lower price when the opportunity arose and my anticipation of MPB’s clearance sales. Moreover, I was in no particular hurry, and I also harboured concerns that if I didn’t fancy the lens, I might incur some losses when reselling it.

What were my initial thoughts upon receiving the lens? Well, it was nothing short of petite! Incredibly compact, and it had this somewhat unconventional appearance at the end.

Upon reviewing my photos, I have noticed the presence of vignetting effects, which, interestingly, impart a pleasing aesthetic to them.

As part of my ongoing process to streamline my camera bag, especially now that I’ve transitioned to a sling bag from a backpack (the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L V3), I aim to keep it as lightweight as possible—because sometimes, less is more! With this in mind, I plan to replace my Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 lenses with the Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G during the months of August and September.

The question that looms is whether this pairing of only two lenses, the 24mm and 40mm, will suffice for my everyday photography needs. This is especially relevant since I frequently use my camera to document my daily life and often engage in portrait photography. Stay tuned for an update in October; I’ll share my experiences and insights then!

Eriksvej, Roskilde
August 2023