Tip: Remember to update your FW with Samyang lenses...The Latest FW (as of 20th November 2022) for the Samyang AF 35mm f2.8 FE is V0.7...I bought mine used and it only came with V0.3. Updating the FW can actually make a huge difference to how a Samyang lens performs...When I first put the AF 18mm f2.8 FE, I also bought used, on my A7C I had obvious vignetting in the corners. After checking the FW version on my lens station, I found it still had the original FW installed from new (V0.1)...After updating it, to the latest FW (V0.6) the vignetting is no longer visible! BTW, I recommend you get yourself a proper hood for the 35mm/f2.8. I found a used screw-on Dixons Plastic lens hood on ebay with a metal 49mm thread that screws straight onto the front of the lens. The hood is 22mm deep with straight/parallel sides, and it's 60mm Diameter, so it matches the lens perfectly. It makes the 35/28 about the same size as the 18/2.8 without the hood fitted. Without a hood or caps the 35/2.8 only weighs 84g, but with the Dixons lens hood fitted it brings the weight of the lens up to exactly 100g, although I don't actually notice the extra weight at all in practice. So that I can leave the hood on permanently I use a slip on front lens cap, which came from an old pair of binoculars. It only adds another 5g.
Another great video. I bought the Sigma 30 f2.8 and the f1.4 after watching your videos. I also bought the 56 f1.4. I have found that the 30 f1.4 is too big to be a general walk around lens. I have been using the 30 f2.8 mostly. I don't have to correct the raws at all. However, the f2.8's AF wobbles a lot and has difficulty focussing in AF-C on my A6400. It only works in the AF-S mode. Would you say that the Samyang 35 f2.8 would make better use of the A6400'S AF capabilities? How is the AF on the Samyang pancake compared to the Sigma 30 f1.4? I need a day-time tiny compact lens. Is this lens sharper on APS-C than the Sigma 30 f2.8? I would really appreciate your input. Thanks again.
BTW Samyang & Rokinon & Walimex & Co. is same company : Samyang. In different countries they sell their lenses under different brand names ,and very often you can find on ebay same lens model,but under different names. Because both subjects in this test share glass from same manufacturer ,the differences is not so obvious. Very interesting to compare Samyang with Sony or Carl Zeiss lens with similar specs.
Good, balanced review. When I unboxed the lens I thought there was no lens cap provided. Had to read the user guide to realize the cap was attached to the lens. Odd, but so far it works. Am testing lens for street photog on an A6500. Cam and lens pair up well. A7R2 next.
Thanks, I’m thinking on order both of them since the 2.8 is ideal for those occasion you don’t want to “show”, or need something packable. I just have that feeling that samyang will release a 1.8 fe!. Have you seen the image of the lenses they are planning to launch this spring 2019? The one in the very right? Check and tell me what you think. Great review as always!
Hong Ngoc Nguyen Recently I learn that technically you do 45 mm/1.8 or 35 mm /1.4, resulting on the same 25. I actually got it but got the 55, but will get it back if a used one jump out there cheap since I kept the dock base
I'll shoot this one with a preset limit on Auto ISO at f5.6-8 for most pix on my a7r3 since its two native ISO ranges have proven to be enormously flexible. Landscapes and still objects will be tripod shot at ISO 100 or thereabouts.
The lens has one important flaw, and it's even described in the manual. Which makes it hard to understand, why NO reviewer mentions it: "Use the SteadyShot function after setting it manually. If automatic is set, the product may malfunction." This makes the lens worthless for street photography for me, because I often have to change lenses quickly.
Love the way you compared it to 35 f/1.4, it really helps me.
Tip: Remember to update your FW with Samyang lenses...The Latest FW (as of 20th November 2022) for the Samyang AF 35mm f2.8 FE is V0.7...I bought mine used and it only came with V0.3.
Updating the FW can actually make a huge difference to how a Samyang lens performs...When I first put the AF 18mm f2.8 FE, I also bought used, on my A7C I had obvious vignetting in the corners.
After checking the FW version on my lens station, I found it still had the original FW installed from new (V0.1)...After updating it, to the latest FW (V0.6) the vignetting is no longer visible!
BTW, I recommend you get yourself a proper hood for the 35mm/f2.8. I found a used screw-on Dixons Plastic lens hood on ebay with a metal 49mm thread that screws straight onto the front of the lens.
The hood is 22mm deep with straight/parallel sides, and it's 60mm Diameter, so it matches the lens perfectly. It makes the 35/28 about the same size as the 18/2.8 without the hood fitted.
Without a hood or caps the 35/2.8 only weighs 84g, but with the Dixons lens hood fitted it brings the weight of the lens up to exactly 100g, although I don't actually notice the extra weight at all in practice.
So that I can leave the hood on permanently I use a slip on front lens cap, which came from an old pair of binoculars. It only adds another 5g.
Thanks. I will look into it.
You're a great photographer. Thanks for the review!
So you showed us sharpness ant f2.8 and than directly at f22?? f5.6 or f8 would be much useful.
Looks like you missed focus w the 1.4 manual. For example at 7:35 or so. The autofocus is your friend.
Another great video. I bought the Sigma 30 f2.8 and the f1.4 after watching your videos. I also bought the 56 f1.4. I have found that the 30 f1.4 is too big to be a general walk around lens. I have been using the 30 f2.8 mostly. I don't have to correct the raws at all.
However, the f2.8's AF wobbles a lot and has difficulty focussing in AF-C on my A6400. It only works in the AF-S mode. Would you say that the Samyang 35 f2.8 would make better use of the A6400'S AF capabilities? How is the AF on the Samyang pancake compared to the Sigma 30 f1.4? I need a day-time tiny compact lens. Is this lens sharper on APS-C than the Sigma 30 f2.8?
I would really appreciate your input. Thanks again.
BTW Samyang & Rokinon & Walimex & Co. is same company : Samyang. In different countries they sell their lenses under different brand names ,and very often you can find on ebay same lens model,but under different names. Because both subjects in this test share glass from same manufacturer ,the differences is not so obvious. Very interesting to compare Samyang with Sony or Carl Zeiss lens with similar specs.
Would love to see this vs the Sony f2.8
perfect review, love the sounds this lens makes, it's trying to talk :)
Thanks for this. Just ordered one from Samyang direct. $211 including the lens station.
Thank you for this. I have the 35mm f2.8 and I do love it but I have the 35mm f1.4 on the way. Great to see the differences between the two.
Good, balanced review. When I unboxed the lens I thought there was no lens cap provided. Had to read the user guide to realize the cap was attached to the lens. Odd, but so far it works. Am testing lens for street photog on an A6500. Cam and lens pair up well. A7R2 next.
I’m purchasing the Samyang this week, can’t wait!
Thanks, I’m thinking on order both of them since the 2.8 is ideal for those occasion you don’t want to “show”, or need something packable. I just have that feeling that samyang will release a 1.8 fe!. Have you seen the image of the lenses they are planning to launch this spring 2019? The one in the very right? Check and tell me what you think. Great review as always!
the already have 35mm f1.4 af that I reviewed and own so I doubt it unless it's just for apsc cameras.
Lavikka Photography Yes I watched that one, excellent too, well I keep my finger crossed , but is not, will order both.
Do you think that the 45 at 1.8 can do the same background separation, blur than the 35 at 1.4 🤔. I have that 45 on my cart 🙂
Probably a little better.
Well technically a longer focal length gives a more shallow dof
Hong Ngoc Nguyen Recently I learn that technically you do 45 mm/1.8 or 35 mm /1.4, resulting on the same 25. I actually got it but got the 55, but will get it back if a used one jump out there cheap since I kept the dock base
Nicely done, how would it perform on the a 6000?
It's good on the a6000. Sharper and cleaner than the Sigma 30mm f2.8 but as I said in the video like the Sigma phase detection is stuck in the center.
My Sigma 30 F2.8 DN Art is sharper than my Rokinon AF FE 35 F2.8. The Rokinon AF is much better.
great reviews as allways
I'll shoot this one with a preset limit on Auto ISO at f5.6-8 for most pix on my a7r3 since its two native ISO ranges have proven to be enormously flexible. Landscapes and still objects will be tripod shot at ISO 100 or thereabouts.
That thing that you can't reverse IS the lens hood.
Great review, thanks!
The lens has one important flaw, and it's even described in the manual.
Which makes it hard to understand, why NO reviewer mentions it: "Use the
SteadyShot function after setting it manually. If automatic is set, the
product may malfunction." This makes the lens worthless for street
photography for me, because I often have to change lenses quickly.
never had an issue with this with almost a year of travel and street photography.
bought one because of thia video-thanks
you're on old firmware for that kinna noise. Updated firmware is much better.
How did you made .the update?
such a pleasure on a6400
Keep going up my dear 🌹😇
The Sony 16 and 20 mm pancake lenses are smaller and lighter and can be put on Sony full frame cameras.
mirrorlesscomparison.com/e-mount-lenses/sony-35mm-2-8-vs-samyang-rokinon-35mm-2-8/
Yes but you're forced to shoot in super 35 crop mode, so you essentially just have a big overpriced 16mp APSC camera using crop lenses
damn... it is light!
...and nothing special in my opinion.
its nice, cheap, small and light. why does it need to be special? it's great as is.
Very interesting, I prefer bokeh.
35mm. Worlds most boring POV. 50 mm 2nd most boring.
What focal lengths do you like using?