When it comes to lenses, Samyang has been gradually making a name for itself, and the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE is no exception. This lens serves as a breath of fresh air for photographers and videographers alike, offering a combination of excellent image quality, compact size, and wallet-friendly pricing.
Let’s go into the nitty-gritty of this lens and explore the pros and cons to find out if it’s a diamond in the rough or if it falls short of expectations.
Pros of the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE
Image Quality
The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE lens delivers the goods when it comes to image quality. With its sharpness across the frame, even at wide apertures, it’s no slouch in the image quality department.
Chromatic aberration and distortion are also kept to a minimum, making this lens a solid choice for those who want to capture stunning images without breaking the bank.
Compact and Lightweight
Don’t judge a book by its cover – the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE might be small, but it packs a punch. Its compact and lightweight design is a boon for those who value portability, making it an ideal companion for travel photography, street photography, or everyday shooting.
Fast and Accurate Autofocus
The autofocus system in the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE is the icing on the cake. It’s fast, accurate, and quiet, making it a reliable choice for both photography and videography.
The inclusion of a custom switch on the side of the lens allows for easy toggling between autofocus and manual focus, providing additional flexibility for users.
Weather Sealing
Come rain or shine, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has got you covered. With its weather sealing, this lens can withstand the elements, giving you peace of mind when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.
Cons of the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE
Vignetting
One area where the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE lens shows some weakness is in vignetting. While it’s not a deal-breaker, users may notice some light falloff, especially when shooting wide open.
However, this issue can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Lack of Image Stabilization
Another potential drawback is the absence of image stabilization. While this might not be a make-or-break feature for some, photographers and videographers who frequently shoot in low light situations or rely on slower shutter speeds may find the lack of stabilization to be a disadvantage.
Build Quality
While the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE is relatively well-built, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of build quality as some of its higher-priced competitors.
However, this is a trade-off that many users may be willing to accept, given the lens’s more affordable price point.
Conclusion
The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE is a hidden gem in the world of lenses, offering impressive image quality, a compact and lightweight design, fast and accurate autofocus and weather sealing.
While it may have a few shortcomings, such as vignetting, lack of image stabilization and build quality, it’s hard to say no to the features you get with this lens.
That’s why I’ve kept it and sold my Sigma and Sony lenses.