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Register/Sony E-mount/Samyang (Rokinon)/Wide
Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE — Product view
Product view© LK Samyang
Samyang/RokinonTiny

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE

FE · PRIME
35mm
APERTURE
1:1.8
AFWR

Launch MSRP

$399
Weight
210g
Filter
⌀58mm
Min focus
0.29m
Max mag.
0.17×
Formula
10E / 8G
Released
2020
AlternativesCompare with…
01

Specification sheet

Optical construction

10
Elements
8
Groups
0 LD · 2 ASPH
9 rounded blades
  • 2x Aspherical
  • 2x HR
  • UMC
Aperture range
f/1.8 — f/22

Physical & ergonomics

TINY
Weight
210g
⌀ × length
65.0 × 63.5mm
Filter
⌀58mm
Weather sealed
Yes
Aperture ring
No

Autofocus actuator

Linear STM
Autofocus
Stabilisation
Body IBIS
Teleconverter
Not supported
AF speed score
7.6 / 10

Close-up performance

Min focus distance
0.29m
Max magnification
0.17× (1:5.9)
0.17×
0×0.25×0.5× half macro1.0× macro
02

Optical character

Samyang's Tiny-series 35/1.8 is built for people who want a fast 35 that disappears on an a7C or ZV-E10. At 210g and 63.5mm long it was the smallest full-frame AF 35mm f/1.8 for Sony E when it launched, and it still undercuts almost everything in its class on size and price.

Two aspherical and two high-refractive elements keep the centre crisp at f/1.8, and nine rounded blades give soft, fairly round highlights. It has weather sealing at four points and a two-mode custom switch: Mode 1 leaves the focus ring on manual focus, and Mode 2 turns it into a silent aperture control for video.

Reviewer consensus

Reviewers found a sharp centre from f/1.8, with the edges and corners catching up by around f/4, which is a good result at this size and price. The linear STM focuses quickly and silently and tracks well enough for stills and casual video.

The optical compromises show up wide open: heavy corner vignetting that only clears by about f/5.6, visible longitudinal colour fringing on high-contrast edges, and flare when the sun is in or near the frame. The plastic barrel is well finished, but it does not feel as solid as metal-bodied primes.

Owner sentiment

Owners mostly bought it as a walk-around lens for compact bodies and are happy with that choice: it is light, focuses quietly, and the sealing gives peace of mind outdoors. Many say they prefer it to Sony's pricier FE 35mm F1.8 for size alone.

Recurring complaints are purple fringing in backlit scenes, strong vignetting without a profile, and occasional AF hesitation in dim light. Firmware updates need the separate Lens Station dock.

03

Strengths, weaknesses & performance

Strengths

  • +Only 210g and 63.5mm long
  • +Sharp centre from f/1.8
  • +Fast, silent linear STM AF
  • +Weather sealed, with a custom switch
  • +Low price ($399 at launch)

Weaknesses

  • −Heavy vignetting at f/1.8
  • −Longitudinal CA wide open
  • −Firmware updates need the Lens Station dock
  • −Plastic barrel

Six-axis rating

SHARPBOKEHAFFLAREBUILDVALUE
Sharpness
8.0
Bokeh Rendering
7.6
Autofocus Speed
7.6
Flare Resistance
7.3
Build / Sealing
7.5
Value / Size
8.4

Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.

04

Technical specifications

Optics
MountSony E (FE) · full frame
Focal length35mm
CategoryWide
Maximum aperturef/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22
Construction10 elements in 8 groups
Special elements2x Aspherical · 2x HR · UMC
Aperture blades9
Focus
Focus typeAutofocus
DriveLinear STM
Minimum focus0.29m
Max magnification0.17×
StabilisationNone (uses body IBIS)
TeleconvertersNot supported
Body
Weight210g
Diameter × length65.0 × 63.5mm
Filter thread⌀58mm
Weather sealingYes
Aperture ringNo
De-clickable apertureNo
Release year2020
Launch MSRP$399 USD
05

Sources

Specifications

  • lksamyang.com/en/product/product-view.php
  • rokinon.com/products/35mm-f1-8-af-compact-full-frame-wide-angle-sony-e
  • photographyblog.com/reviews/samyang_af_35mm_f1_8_fe_review
  • lksamyang.com/en/about/notice-view.php
  • lenstip.com/1744-Samyang_AF_35_mm_f_1.8_FE-lens_specifications.html
06

Similar focal length alternatives

  • VSAF 35mm F1.8 FE vs 35mm F1.4
  • VSAF 35mm F1.8 FE vs 35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
  • VSAF 35mm F1.8 FE vs 35mm F1.4 Mark III
  • 7Artisans

    35mm F1.4

    7Artisans 35mm F1.4
    35mmF1.4
    WT
    298g
    FLT
    ⌀46mm
    MFD
    0.40m
    MSRP
    $199
    MFRING
  • 7Artisans

    35mm F1.4 Mark II FF

    7Artisans 35mm F1.4 Mark II FF
    35mmF1.4
    WT
    284g
    FLT
    ⌀52mm
    MFD
    0.33m
    MSRP
    —
    MFRING
  • 7Artisans

    35mm F1.4 Mark III

    7Artisans 35mm F1.4 Mark III
    35mmF1.4
    WT
    274g
    FLT
    ⌀52mm
    MFD
    0.33m
    MSRP
    $189
    MFRING·DC