SG-image MF 35mm F1.2

The SG-image MF 35mm F1.2 is a manual focus APS-C prime with a very bright aperture. SG-image lists it for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF-M, Canon RF and Leica L mounts. On APS-C the 35mm focal length corresponds to about 52.5mm on full frame, which the manufacturer calls a normal perspective close to the human eye. The lens is meant for street scenes, environmental portraits and everyday documentation where a shallow depth of field is wanted.

Optical design

SG-image gives the construction as 6 elements in 5 groups with a 44 degree angle of view. The diaphragm has 9 blades and covers F1.2 to F16 on a clicked aperture ring. The minimum focus distance is 0.4 m and the maximum magnification is 1:9.1. According to the manufacturer the F1.2 aperture produces a very shallow depth of field that isolates the subject from the background. The spec sheet does not mention special glass types or coatings.

Focusing and handling

There is no autofocus, focusing is purely manual. SG-image describes this as a slower, more deliberate approach in which you stay in full control of focus and composition. The aperture ring has click stops. At F1.2 the focus plane is thin, so careful focusing with peaking or magnified live view is the sensible way to use it, as with any manual lens of this speed.

Build and size

The barrel is metal. The lens measures 59 mm in diameter and 33 mm in length and weighs about 200 g, with a 46 mm filter thread. For an F1.2 lens that is compact, although the spec sheet gives the same values for all seven mounts and does not say whether they differ slightly by mount.

Where it fits

Within SG-image's own range, the MF 35mm F0.95 is the faster and much heavier sibling, while the MF 25mm F1.8 is the lighter, wider option. Other fast manual or autofocus 35mm class lenses in the database include the 7artisans 35mm F1.2 (Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M), the Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS (Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Sony E) and, with autofocus, the Viltrox AF 33mm F1.4.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very bright F1.2 aperture
• Compact at about 200 g and 33 mm length
• 9-blade diaphragm and clicked aperture ring
• Metal barrel
• Offered for seven mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Thin depth of field at F1.2 makes focusing demanding
• No weather sealing or special glass mentioned
• Little independent measurement data so far

Verdict

The SG-image MF 35mm F1.2 is a compact, bright manual prime for APS-C cameras. It is a reasonable choice for photographers who value the look of a fast normal lens and are comfortable focusing by hand, and it is one of the lightest ways to get F1.2 on these systems.