Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC

Sony E

Review

The Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC lens for Sony E mount is an impressive option for both professional photographers and enthusiasts looking to expand their lens collection. Known for its fast maximum aperture and versatile focal length, this lens is especially appealing for street, portrait, and low-light photography. Let’s delve deeper into its features and performance.

Build Quality and Design

The Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC boasts a robust build quality, which is evident from its solid metal construction. The lens feels durable and well-made, which will give photographers confidence when using it in various environments. It features a classic design with a smooth focusing ring and a well-constructed aperture ring that is pleasantly clicky. One downside, however, is the lack of weather sealing, which may deter those looking to shoot in more challenging conditions.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, this lens truly shines. The 35mm focal length is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The fast F1.4 aperture allows for stunning background blur, contributing to artistic bokeh that lifts subjects from the background beautifully. Images taken with the Samyang 35mm are sharp and detailed, even wide open, with very little chromatic aberration or distortion, which is impressive given its price point.

However, there are instances of slight color fringing at the edges of the frame, particularly when shooting at wider apertures. Additionally, the lens may exhibit some vignetting, but this is not unusual for fast primes and can be easily corrected in post-processing if necessary.

Autofocus and Usability

One area where the Samyang 35mm F1.4 falls short is its autofocus capability. This lens is a manual focus model, which can be a drawback for those who prefer or require autofocus, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios. However, the smooth focusing action allows for precise manual control, making it an enjoyable experience for those accustomed to manual focusing. This focus-by-wire system is responsive, but it might take some time for users to adjust if they're used to traditional autofocus lenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Sharp images with minimal distortion
• Great bokeh and low-light performance with F1.4 aperture
• Versatile 35mm focal length suitable for various styles

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit everyone
• Slight color fringing and vignetting at wide apertures
• Lack of weather sealing

Verdict

The Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC for Sony E mount is a strong contender in the realm of prime lenses. Its excellent optical performance, beautiful bokeh, and solid construction make it a valuable addition for those focusing on artistic photography. While the manual focus may be a limiting factor for some, if you’re comfortable with it, the results you can achieve are well worth the trade-off. For those seeking a high-quality, versatile lens that excels in low light and portraiture, this lens is certainly worth considering.