Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC

Tests found very good to excellent centre sharpness at f/1.4, good edge performance even on full frame, low lateral chromatic aberration, moderate distortion, well-corrected astigmatism and unusually low vignetting for the class. It was judged only slightly behind Canon's 35L and on par with Nikon's 35/1.4G.

The weaknesses are visible longitudinal colour fringing (bokeh fringing) wide open and noticeable coma in the corners. Flare resistance is decent rather than outstanding.

Owners describe it as one of the best bargains in Samyang's manual range, with sharp, contrasty results wide open and pleasant rendering for portraits and street work. The focus ring is smooth and well damped.

The main complaints concern size and weight on Sony E, purple and green fringing around out-of-focus highlights, focus shift when stopping down, and the absence of EXIF and focus magnification triggers that native or chipped lenses offer.