Samyang / Rokinon AF 35mm F1.4 P FE

The Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 P FE is a compact autofocus prime for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. Samyang announced it in December 2024 as the first lens of its Prima Series, which it calls its third generation of products, and describes it as the lightest AF 35mm F1.4 lens for E-mount. It is aimed at travel, street and everyday photographers and at hybrid creators who want an F1.4 aperture on a small body. Samyang names the Sony α7C II and ZV-E1 as typical partners.

Optical design

The lens has 12 elements in 10 groups, including five special elements: three aspherical (ASP), one high refractive (HR) and one extra-low dispersion (ED). The coating is UMC, the aperture runs from F1.4 to F16 with nine blades, and the angle of view is 63.4 degrees on full frame and 44.2 degrees on APS-C. Samyang says resolution is strong even wide open and at the minimum focus distance of 30 cm, where the magnification is 0.17x. The company also claims top-level suppression of focus breathing for video.

Autofocus and handling

A Linear STM stepping motor drives focusing, and Samyang emphasizes fast and accurate AF-C performance. The focus ring has a new micro-pattern rubber surface. The specifications list no AF/MF switch, so manual focus is selected in the camera. A USB port on the lens allows firmware updates and changes to AF and MF sensitivity without a separate Lens Station. There is no optical stabilizer.

Build and size

The lens weighs 470 g, is 99.2 mm long and 75 mm in diameter, and takes 67 mm filters. Samyang states weather sealing at five points against water droplets, light rain, snow and dust, and describes a matte finish with a hidden red ring.

Where it fits

Samyang's earlier AF 35mm F1.4 FE in our database weighs 645 g and is 115 mm long, so the P version is about 175 g lighter and 16 mm shorter. Other fast 35 mm options for E-mount include the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM at 524 g, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art at 525 g and the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 at 280 g. The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE from the same series weighs only 216 g.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Light for an F1.4 full frame prime at 470 g
• Weather sealing at five points according to Samyang
• Focus breathing suppression for video, according to Samyang
• USB port for firmware updates
• Close focusing at 30 cm

Cons

• No AF/MF switch on the barrel
• No optical stabilizer
• Clearly heavier than F1.8 alternatives
• Only available for E-mount

Verdict

The AF 35mm F1.4 P FE brings a fast 35 mm to small E-mount bodies without the weight of a typical F1.4 lens. It is a practical everyday prime for photo and video, with the missing AF/MF switch as its most obvious omission.