CameraReview

Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 P FE

Samyang · 35 mm · f/1.8 · Prima

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What We Like
+Exceptionally compact and lightweight at 216g, ideal for travel and daily carry
+Fast f/1.8 aperture with next-generation UMC II coating for reduced flare and ghosting in challenging light
+Next-generation Linear STM II autofocus motor delivers faster, quieter, and more accurate focusing for both photos and video
+Improved weather sealing and USB-C port distinguish it from previous generations, with dedicated AF/MF switch for convenience
+Excellent value proposition at approximately $299, undercutting premium alternatives by hundreds of dollars
+Sharp imaging performance, especially when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, suitable for street, travel, and portrait photography
Worth Knowing
Plastic-heavy construction may feel less premium compared to higher-priced competitors, though durability is adequate
Corner performance at wide apertures (f/1.8-f/2.8) shows some softness and chromatic aberration that improves upon stopping down
Not designed for macro work with 0.19x magnification ratio, limiting close-focus creative options
Average autofocus speed compared to professional-grade lenses, and focus breathing visible during video recording at full aperture

General

About This Lens
The Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 P FE is a modernized, lightweight prime lens from the Prima series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers. Weighing just 216g with improved UMC II coating, Linear STM II autofocus, weather sealing, and USB-C connectivity, it offers compelling value at under $300 for a versatile 35mm focal length on Sony full-frame E-mount. While corner sharpness at wide apertures requires stopping down and build quality reflects its budget positioning, the lens delivers solid image quality and autofocus performance that punches above its price point for travel, street, and portrait work.
BrandSamyang
Release Year2026
Production Status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Pro Branding
Specific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses.
Prima
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E
System
Indicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to.
Sony E
Maximum Format
Largest sensor size compatible with the lens.
Full Frame

Physical

Lens Weight216 g
Lens Diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
69.8 mm
Lens Length
How long the lens is from front to back.
71.5 mm
Front Filter Compatible
Some lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove.
Yes
Front Filter Size
Diameter of attachable filters.
62 mm

Optics

Focal Range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
35 mm
Aperture Range
Largest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end)
1.8
Focal Length Angle of View63.44°
Diaphragm Type
Structure and design of the aperture
Automatic
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
9020
Zoom Lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Closest Focusing Distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
27 cm01500
Maximum Magnification
Largest size a subject can be reproduced
0.19x
Autofocus ModeYes
Manual ModeYes
Manual Focusing RingYes

Features

Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Fluorine Coating
Coating to repel water and oil from lens elements.
No
Built In Lens HoodNo
Lens Hood TypePetal
Teleconverter
A teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification
No
Image StabilizationNo

Construction

Elements
Lens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens.
10
Groups8
Aspherical Elements
The number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration.
2
Bi Aspherical Elements
Elements with two non-spherical surfaces
0
Super Low Dispersion
Advanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration
0
CA Reduction
Built-in features to reduce chromatic aberration
0