Samyang / Rokinon 35mm F1.4

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 35mm F1.4 for Nikon F (DX) is a solid choice for photographers looking for a fast prime lens that offers both versatility and excellent optical quality. This lens is especially appealing to those who enjoy shooting in low-light conditions or wish to achieve a shallow depth of field for creative portraits and artistic compositions.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things that stands out about the Samyang 35mm F1.4 is its sturdy construction. The lens feels well-built, with a premium-quality metal housing that gives it a robust and professional feel. The manual focus ring is pleasingly smooth and offers precise control, which is essential, especially for those who prefer composing shots using manual focus. However, it is worth noting that the lens lacks autofocus, which could be a drawback for some users, especially those who often shoot fast-moving subjects.

Optical Performance

When it comes to image quality, the Samyang 35mm F1.4 shines. The lens delivers sharp images across the frame, even at its maximum aperture, making it a great option for wide-open shots. Color rendition is also impressive, with vibrant and accurate colors that bring images to life. The lens produces beautiful, creamy bokeh, thanks to its rounded diaphragm blades, which enhances portraits and other subjects where background blur is desirable. However, some users may notice a tendency for chromatic aberration, particularly in high-contrast scenes, though this can be addressed in post-processing.

Versatility

The 35mm focal length on a DX format camera translates to a 52.5mm equivalent field of view, making it a versatile choice for various photography styles, including street photography, portraiture, and landscape photography. The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows for plenty of light intake, making it suitable for low-light conditions and giving photographers the ability to isolate subjects effectively.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a sturdy metal housing.
• Superb optical performance with sharp images and good color rendition.
• Fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 ideal for low-light photography and shallow depth of field.
• Versatile 35mm focal length suitable for various shooting scenarios.

Cons

• Lack of autofocus may deter some users, especially in dynamic shooting environments.
• Some instances of chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations may require post-editing.

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang / Rokinon 35mm F1.4 for Nikon F (DX) is an outstanding lens that provides photographers with excellent image quality and versatile performance. While the absence of autofocus may limit its appeal for some, those who appreciate the art of manual focusing will find this lens to be a fantastic tool for their creative expression. If you're after a reliable and high-quality prime lens for your Nikon DX camera, the Samyang 35mm F1.4 is certainly worth considering.