Are there ultra-compact full-frame lenses for Sony E-mount, including manual-focus options?
Asked 10/12/2019
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I’m looking for the smallest possible lens options for a full-frame Sony E-mount camera, ideally something that could help make an a7R II more jacket-pocketable. I already know about the Samyang 35mm f/2.8, but I’m wondering if there are any even smaller full-frame choices. Manual focus is fine, as long as the lens covers full frame and stays very compact.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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The problem is that sensors hate it if light hits them in all too angled a fashion, so short focal length lenses that are simply very close to the sensor and project light in a "wide funnel" fashion can create surprises (eg color vignettes or very bad corner performance).
The most radical option is using an 28mm or 35mm rangefinder or enlarger lens of true prime design (not retrofocal) on a short helicoid adapter (which makes it a partially collapsible lens) - but do expect said surprises, these setups border on the experimental.
The Agfa Ambion 35 f4.0 is interesting here (same that I used for a demonstration in Do lenses affect color fidelity? ... careful, that test shot is not full frame) - but difficult to adapt.
Originally by user58185. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user58185
6y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There are very few truly smaller full-frame options than the Samyang 35mm f/2.8 for Sony E-mount. The main limitation is optical: on full-frame mirrorless sensors, very compact short focal length designs can send light to the sensor at steep angles, which can cause color shifts, vignetting, and weak corner performance.
If you want to go smaller, the main route is experimental adaptation: some 28mm or 35mm rangefinder or enlarger lenses can be mounted with a short helicoid adapter, creating a partially collapsible setup. These can be extremely compact and manual focus is possible, but image quality may be unpredictable, especially toward the edges.
One example mentioned is the Agfa Ambion 35mm f/4, though adapting it is not straightforward.
So in practice: if you want reliable results, the Samyang 35mm f/2.8 is already close to the practical minimum. If you’re willing to experiment, adapted rangefinder or enlarger lenses may get smaller, but expect compromises.
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