Samyang XP 35mm F1.2 / Rokinon SP 35mm F1.2

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang XP 35mm F1.2, also marketed as the Rokinon SP 35mm F1.2, is a standout choice for photographers looking for a high-quality prime lens that pairs beautifully with Canon EF mount cameras. With its impressive maximum aperture, this lens excels in low-light situations and can produce a delightful bokeh that enhances your subject’s separation from the background.

Build Quality

The construction of the Samyang XP 35mm is robust, featuring a solid metal body that adds durability while also giving it a premium feel. The lens is weather-sealed, making it suitable for outdoor photography, ensuring that dust and moisture don’t interfere with your shooting. The heavy build means it's not the lightest option out there, but the ergonomic design helps balance it well on a camera body.

Optical Performance

One of the major highlights of this lens is its optical performance. The 35mm focal length is versatile for portrait, street, and landscape photography. The lens incorporates multiple low-dispersion and aspherical elements that minimize aberrations and improve sharpness. Users can expect excellent detail in their images, even at wide open apertures. The out-of-focus areas are beautifully rendered, thanks to the 8-blade diaphragm, which creates a creamy bokeh.

Autofocus and Manual Focus

It is crucial to note that this lens is manual focus only, which can be a significant drawback for photographers who rely on fast autofocus in dynamic scenarios. However, the focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing precise adjustments, and with practice, manual focusing can become quite intuitive. If you’re accustomed to focusing manually or shooting in controlled environments, this lens offers a rewarding experience.

Versatility and Use Cases

The 35mm focal length is often regarded as a “strapped” lens because of its adaptability across various genres. Whether you’re shooting portraits, street scenes, or landscapes, this lens can handle it. Its wide aperture is beneficial for isolating subjects with shallow depth of field, making it particularly appealing for portrait work.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional optical performance with high sharpness and low distortion.
• Beautiful bokeh with excellent rendering of out-of-focus areas.
• Solid metal build with weather sealing.
• Versatile 35mm focal length suitable for various photography genres.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit all photographers.
• Heavier than alternative 35mm options, which can impact portability.

Verdict

The Samyang XP 35mm F1.2 / Rokinon SP 35mm F1.2 is a fantastic lens for those who appreciate image quality and the artistry of manual focusing. While it may not be the most convenient option for every situation, its optical prowess and build quality make it a worthy investment for serious photographers. If you're looking to elevate your photography with a high-performance 35mm lens, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.