Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC is a versatile prime lens that has gained popularity among photographers looking for a fast and sharp option for their Canon EF mount cameras. With its wide aperture of f/1.4, it excels in low-light conditions and offers beautiful depth of field, making it an excellent choice for portraiture, street photography, and astrophotography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its optical performance. The Samyang 35mm F1.4 employs a complex optical design with 12 elements in 10 groups, which includes multiple low dispersion and aspherical elements. This configuration minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortion, resulting in remarkably sharp images throughout the aperture range. Even wide open at f/1.4, you can expect a good level of sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame, while the edges hold up surprisingly well too.

The build quality of the Samyang 35mm is robust, featuring a solid metal construction that provides a premium feel in hand. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments, crucial for both manual focusing and video work. However, it’s worth noting that the lens does not feature autofocus, which may be a drawback for those who rely on speed and convenience. This manual focus design can also be a learning curve for newcomers to photography.

In terms of bokeh, the 35mm F1.4 AS UMC produces beautiful soft backgrounds due to its rounded aperture blades. This enhances the aesthetic quality of portraits and selective focus shots, giving your images an artistic flair. Distortion is minimal and vignetting can be controlled well, particularly when stopped down slightly.

For those shooting video, the lens performs admirably, thanks to its quiet focus operation and ability to maintain focus during recording due to its smooth manual focusing capabilities. The compact size makes it a great addition to any camera kit, especially for users on the go.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness, even at wide open
• Beautiful bokeh with rounded aperture blades
• Solid metal construction and premium feel
• Minimal distortion and good control over vignetting
• Great for low-light and creative depth of field

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may slow down shooting for some users
• No weather sealing
• The lack of autofocus may deter beginners or fast-paced photographers

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC lens for Canon EF mount is an exceptional choice for photographers who appreciate manual focusing and value optical quality over convenience. Its combination of sharpness, build quality, and beautiful bokeh make it a worthy contender in the 35mm prime lens market. If you can embrace the manual focus nature of this lens, it can provide stunning results and elevate your photography to new heights.