Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a prime lens specifically designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This lens offers an excellent combination of a fast aperture, solid build quality, and good optical performance, making it a suitable choice for both enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.

Design and Build Quality

The lens features a robust construction that feels durable in hand. Its metal body provides a sense of reliability and a premium feel, while the design is relatively compact for a fast aperture lens. Weighing in at about 500 grams, it strikes a good balance for portability without feeling overly hefty. The lens mount is made of metal, ensuring a secure connection to your camera. However, the lens does not come with weather sealing, which might be a drawback for those shooting in inclement weather.

Optical Performance

The optical quality of the Samyang 35mm F1.2 is commendable. It produces sharp images with high contrast, even when shooting wide open at f/1.2. The lens exhibits excellent performance in the center of the frame, with just a bit of softness at the edges, which improves when stopped down to f/2.0 or f/2.8. Distortion is well-controlled, and chromatic aberration is minimal, making it a reliable choice for various types of photography, including portraits, street photography, and landscapes.

Bokeh and Low-Light Performance

One of the standout features of this lens is its ability to produce beautiful bokeh, thanks to its fast aperture and rounded aperture blades. This makes it especially appealing for portraiture, where background separation is key. The lens performs admirably in low-light conditions, allowing for creative shooting scenarios where light is limited, such as in dimly lit indoor environments or during dusk.

Focusing Mechanism

The manual focus mechanism on the Samyang 35mm F1.2 is smooth and precise. While some photographers might find the lack of autofocus a limitation, the manual focus can allow for more creative control, especially when working with shallow depth of field. The focus ring offers a decent amount of resistance, providing a tactile feel that can be preferred for fine adjustments. However, it may require a little practice for those who are accustomed to autofocus systems.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast maximum aperture of f/1.2 for stunning low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Solid metal construction with a premium feel.
• Excellent optical performance with sharp images and minimal chromatic aberration.
• Beautiful bokeh, ideal for portraiture.
• Smooth and precise manual focus operation.

Cons

• No autofocus feature, which may not appeal to all photographers.
• Lack of weather sealing may limit outdoor usage in adverse conditions.
• A bit heavy for some users, especially for long shooting sessions.

Verdict

The Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a highly capable lens that excels in low-light conditions and portrait photography, thanks to its fast aperture and beautiful bokeh. Its solid build quality and optical performance make it a valuable addition to any Micro Four Thirds kit. However, the absence of autofocus and weather sealing may deter some users. Ultimately, if you value image quality and manual focus control, this lens could be an excellent choice for your photographic endeavors.