Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 FE II
Launch MSRP
$749- Weight
- 659g
- Filter
- ⌀67mm
- Min focus
- 0.29m
- Max mag.
- 0.18×
- Formula
- 11E / 9G
- Released
- 2022
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 2x Aspherical
- 2x HR
- UMC
- Aperture range
- f/1.4 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 659g
- ⌀ × length
- 75.0 × 115.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀67mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 7.8 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.29m
- Max magnification
- 0.18× (1:5.6)
Optical character
The FE II is Samyang's second-generation fast 35, released for the company's 50th anniversary. It keeps an 11-element layout with two aspherical and two high-refractive elements, but swaps the original's DLSM for a linear stepping motor tuned for quiet, smooth video focusing.
The handling is the bigger change. It adds a customisable focus-hold button, a custom switch that turns the focus ring into a silent aperture control, an aluminium focus ring and four-point weather sealing. It is still a large lens at 659g and 115mm.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers rate it as a clear step up from the first version. Centre sharpness is high from f/1.4, the corners are respectable and get very good by f/2.8, and bokeh is smooth with few busy edges. Autofocus is quieter and more consistent and suits video, though it is not as fast as Sony's XD-driven 35mm GM on moving subjects.
The usual criticisms are noticeable vignetting wide open, some longitudinal colour fringing, and its size and weight. Newer, lighter options, including Samyang's own P FE, have since narrowed its appeal.
Owner sentiment
Owners like the added focus-hold button and custom switch, and say the AF is a real improvement for video over the original. Sealing and the metal-feeling build get good marks for the price.
Common complaints are weight on compact bodies, a long hood, and the need for the separate Lens Station to update firmware or change switch functions. Some report occasional focus misses in dim light.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Sharp from f/1.4 with smooth bokeh
- +Quiet linear STM suits video
- +Focus-hold button and custom switch
- +Weather sealed (4 points)
- +Much cheaper than first-party f/1.4 35s
Weaknesses
- −659g and 115mm long
- −Vignetting and LoCA wide open
- −AF slower than XD-motor rivals for action
- −Lens Station needed for updates
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 8.5
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.5
- Autofocus Speed
- 7.8
- Flare Resistance
- 7.6
- Build / Sealing
- 8.3
- Value / Size
- 8.3
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm |
| Category | Wide |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 11 elements in 9 groups |
| Special elements | 2x Aspherical · 2x HR · UMC |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Linear STM |
| Minimum focus | 0.29m |
| Max magnification | 0.18× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 659g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 75.0 × 115.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀67mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Launch MSRP | $749 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- lksamyang.com/en/product/product-view.php
- rokinon.com/products/35mm-f1-4-af-series-ii-full-frame-wide-angle-sony-
- lksamyang.com/en/about/notice-view.php
- dpreview.com/products/samyang/lenses/samyang_af_35_1p4_fe_ii/specificati
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSAF 35mm F1.4 FE II vs 35mm F1.4
- VSAF 35mm F1.4 FE II vs 35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
- VSAF 35mm F1.4 FE II vs 35mm F1.4 Mark III
- 7Artisans
35mm F1.4
35mmF1.4- WT
- 298g
- FLT
- ⌀46mm
- MFD
- 0.40m
- MSRP
- $199
MFRING - 7Artisans
35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
35mmF1.4- WT
- 284g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.33m
- MSRP
- —
MFRING - 7Artisans
35mm F1.4 Mark III
35mmF1.4- WT
- 274g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.33m
- MSRP
- $189
MFRING·DC
