Sony Alpha Blog

Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima

Published by

Marc Alhadeff

on

A close-up image of a Sony Alpha 7R camera featuring a black body and a zoom lens. The camera is angled slightly to showcase its controls and lens details.

in blue English / en noir en français

Table of Contents / Table des matières hide
1 Presentation
1.1 Samyang Prima series
1.2 Specifications
1.3 AF performances / Performances AF
2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques
2.1 Sharpness / Piqué
2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars
2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles
2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs
3 Video
4 Comparison with other 35mm F1.8 AF / comparaison avec les autres 35mm F1.8 AF
5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos
6 Conclusion (English)
6 Conclusion (Français)
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All photos , taken with Sony A7RV are available in full size (61Mpix) in the following Flickr album suivant : Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima

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Toutes les photos de l’article, prises avec le Sony A7RV sont disponibles en pleine résolution (61Mpix) dans l’album flickr suivant : Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima

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1 Presentation

1.1 Samyang Prima series

The below is the positioning of the Prima series of Samyang

Prima – The First and Essential Lens : Portability • Practicality • Perfect for Creators

KEY MESSAGE

  • Prima comes from the Latin word meaning “first” and “most important.”
  • It represents a lens designed to be the first one you reach for and the one you use the most.
  • A series created to balance performance, portability, and everyday usability.
    • Portability : Compact and lightweight design for everyday carry
    • Practicality : Reliable optical performance for real-world shooting
    • Convenience : User-friendly features designed for hybrid creators

the line up is made of

We still miss a 50 or 55mm that should come soon hopefully

Three camera lenses displayed side by side: AF 16mm F2.8 P FE for ultra-wide angles, AF 35mm F1.8 P FE for wide standard use, and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE for mid-telephoto applications, all under 700g.

Samyang positionne leur série d’optiques Prima comme suit

Prima – L’optique essentielle : portable, pratique , parfaite pour les créateurs

KEY MESSAGE

  • Prima vient du Latin et signifie , premier et le plus important
  • Elle se veut une optique pour la vie de tous les jours.
  • La series essaye de trouver une balance entre performance , portabilité et facilité d’utilisation.
    • Portabilité : Compacité et légèreté pour un usage quotidien
    • Pratique : Des performances optiques en ligne avec des besoins quotidiens
    • Ergonomie : fonctionalités en ligne avec les besoins des créateurs

La série comprend pour l’instant

Il manque un 50 ou un 55mm qui devrait completer la gamme

1.2 Specifications

  • Weight : 216g
  • Price : 299 euros
  • Aperture : F1.8 – F16
  • Length : 71,5mm
  • Filter : 62mm
  • 9 blades aperture
  • AF/MF button
  • Minimal focusing distance : 27 cm
  • Lens hood
  • USB C port for firmware upgrade
  • Weather sealing gasket

The lens is super light and has a medium size. The build quality is good but feels plastic. Ergonomic are simple with just a AF/MF button

The lens firmware can be upgraded via a USB C port

Close-up of a black camera lens featuring textured grip and switches for autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF).
A close-up view of a black camera lens with textured grip, labeled 'AF 35 / 1.8 P FE' and designed for full-frame E-mount cameras.
Close-up view of a black camera lens with a petal lens hood, featuring the brand name 'LK SAMYANG' on the barrel.
A close-up view of a black camera lens, showcasing the textured grip and lens elements, with visible markings for focus and aperture settings.
  • Poids : 216g
  • Prix : 299 euros
  • Ouverture : F1.8 – F16
  • Longueur : 71,5mm
  • Filtre : 62mm
  • Diaphragme à 9 lamelles
  • Bouton AF/MF
  • Protection tout temps
  • Pare soleil
  • port USB C pour les mises à jour
  • Distance minimale de mise au point : 27 cm

L’optique est très légère et de taille moyenne. La qualité est bonne mais tout en plastique. L’ergonomie est simple avec juste un bouton AF/FMF

Le firmware de l’objectif peut être mis à jour via un port USB C

A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large black lens attached, showcasing a modern design.
A close-up view of a Sony Alpha 7R camera with a black lens attached, featuring a lens hood and visible control dials.

1.3 AF performances / Performances AF

AF performance

  • AF is fast, accurate and silent In burst mode no issue
  • Eye AF / Tracking is working very well

Performances AF

  • L’AF est rapide, précis et silencieux. Aucun problème en rafale
  • L’AF sur les yeux fonctionne très bien
A cyclist wearing a gray jacket and bright yellow pants rides an electric bike on a pavement, while two individuals stand nearby, engrossed in their phones.
A cyclist wearing bright yellow pants pedals past construction vehicles in a busy urban plaza, while pedestrians walk nearby.
A cyclist in bright yellow pants rides through a bustling square with construction activity in the background, including trucks and scaffolding.
A busy urban street with a cyclist riding on a bike lane, a maintenance truck on the left, and pedestrians walking by. The background features a modern building with construction taking place.
A man riding a bicycle through a quiet urban plaza with modern architecture in the background.
A person riding a bicycle on a public square with construction in the background. Trees are lined along the area, and a sign for the metro is visible.
A person riding a bicycle in an urban area under construction, with scaffolding and a large building in the background.
A person riding an electric scooter on a rain-soaked urban plaza, surrounded by modern buildings and construction, with pedestrians walking in the background.
A person riding an electric scooter through a modern urban plaza with construction scaffolding in the background.
A person riding an electric scooter on a paved area, with a construction site and modern buildings in the background. Two other individuals are present, one walking and another truck visible nearby.

2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques

The tests were mainly made on a Sony A7RV, with its 61 Mpix

Les tests ont été effectués principalement sur un Sony A7RV avec ses 61Mpix

2.1 Sharpness / Piqué

Table showing lens performance ratings at different apertures for center and corner sharpness.
  • Performances are very good wide open, excellent at F2.8 and even outstanding at F4
  • Corners are one grade lower but they reach excellence at F5.6
  • An excellent performance at this price level
  • Les performances sont très bonnes à pleine ouverture, excellentes à F2.8 et superbes à F4
  • Les coins sont presque aussi bon , et deviennent aussi excellents à F5.6
  • Une excellente performance à ce niveau de prix

Centre / Centre

A white bookshelf with glass doors displaying various books, a small decorative gnome, and other decorative items.
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Corners / Coins

A cozy interior featuring a white bookshelf filled with various books and decorative items, alongside a piece of wall art depicting a face and an indoor plant. A bicycle is partially visible in the foreground.
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Close subjects / Sujets proches

  • In close up performances are less good : average at F2 , peaking at very good as of F4
  • Avec les sujets proches : c’est un peu moins bon : moyen à F2, très bon à partir de F4
A collection of various cookbooks displayed on a shelf, featuring titles in French and a 20 Euro banknote partially visible at the bottom.
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11

Distant subjects / Sujets distants

  • In the centre very good sharpness at F1.8, and excellent at F5.6
  • Corners are good wide open and very good at F5.6
  • CA are visible wide open
  • Au centre très bon piqué à F1.8 et excellent à F5.6
  • Les coins sont bon à F1.8 et très bon à F4
  • Les AC sont visibles à pleine ouverture
An abstract view of a skylight featuring geometric shapes and reflections, with natural light filtering through.
F1.8 centre
Close-up of a modern building facade featuring rectangular windows with a blue reflective surface.
F1.8 corner
Close-up view of a modern ceiling design featuring geometric shapes and a skylight, with light streaming through.
F5.6 centre
Close-up view of a modern building facade featuring a pattern of windows with curtains.
F5.6 corner
Modern transportation hub with a distinctive geometric canopy, featuring bicycles and motorcycles parked underneath.
centre
A modern architectural structure with a large overhanging canopy, bicycles parked underneath, and a building featuring a large mural in the background.
corner

Close-up view of modern building architecture featuring curved glass panels and geometric design elements.
F1.8 centre
Close-up view of modern building facade featuring large glass windows and curved architectural lines.
F1.8 corner
Close-up view of modern architectural windows featuring sleek glass panels and unique structural elements.
F5.6 centre
Close-up view of a modern building's reflective glass facade with curved elements.
F5.6 corner
A tranquil urban park scene featuring a reflective pond surrounded by modern buildings and lush greenery, with trees in various stages of bloom.
centre
A tranquil park scene featuring blooming trees and lush greenery, alongside modern buildings. Benches are scattered along a path near a calm waterway.
corner
Close-up view of a decorative building facade featuring ornate carvings and golden accents alongside wooden windows, with inscriptions 'AN' and 'NO'.
F1.8 centre
Three statues atop a building, two male figures and one female, each holding different objects, against a blue sky with clouds.
F1.8 corner
A close-up of ornate architectural details on a historic building, featuring gold accents, decorative sculptures, and windows with dark wood frames.
F2.8 centre
Three statues on a building's rooftop: a male figure holding a vase, a male figure with a trident, and a female figure holding a basket.
F2.8 corner
Close-up of an ornate building facade featuring golden decorations and intricate architectural elements around windows and balconies.
F5.6 centre
Three statues on a building rooftop, depicting male and female figures holding various objects, against a blue sky.
F5.6 corner
Historical buildings with ornate architecture in a square, featuring groups of people standing and walking on a cobbled surface under a partly cloudy sky.
full size

Sharpness for portraits / Piqué pour les portraits

  • Sharpness for portraits is very good wide open and excellent as of F2.8, very good rendering for skin tones and the right level of contrast
  • Le piqué pour les portraits est très bons à pleine ouverture , et excellent dès F2.8; très bon rendu des tons chairs et le bon niveau de contraste
A smiling young woman with curly hair, wearing a fleece jacket and standing in a bustling public square.
F1.8
Close-up of a human eye, showcasing the iris with blue and gray hues, surrounded by eyelashes and skin textures.
A young woman with curly hair smiles at the camera, wearing a fleece jacket and a striped shirt, standing in a cobblestone square with historic buildings in the background.
F2.8
Close-up image of a human eye, showcasing blue iris and surrounding skin details.
A smiling young woman with curly hair stands in front of a historic building, wearing a fleece jacket and a striped shirt.
F4
Close-up of a human eye showing intricate details of the iris and eyelashes.
A young woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera, standing in a bustling street lined with shops.
F1.8
Close-up of a brown eye with detailed eyelashes and skin texture.
A young woman with long brown hair smiles warmly in a bright, bustling street with shops in the background.
F2.8
Close-up of a human eye with brown iris and detailed eyelashes.
A young woman smiling at the camera in a historic arcade with shops in the background.
F4
Close-up of a human eye with brown iris, visible eyelashes, and a reflection in the pupil.

2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars

  • Vignetting is visible at F1.8 , and disappear around F2.8
  • Distortion is strong in barrel  
  • Chromatic aberrations are high
  • LoCA are strong
  • Resistance to flare is good
  • You get nice sunstars as of F8

2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles

  • Le vignettage est visible à F1.8 et disparait à F2.8
  • La distorsion est forte en barillet
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont élevées
  • Les AC longitudinales sont élevées
  • La résistance au flare est bonne
  • On obtient de beaux effets d’étoiles dès F8
A wooden bookshelf with glass doors filled with various books, some with visible titles, and decorative items like a gnome and a gold ornament.
not corrected
A bookcase with a mix of books displayed behind glass doors, featuring decorative items like a gnome and a gold-colored sculpture.
corrected
A view of lush green trees against a bright sky, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
F1.8 CA / AC
Close-up of tree branches with green leaves against a light background.
F1.8 crop 100%
A tree with bright green leaves silhouetted against a sunny sky, with sunlight filtering through the branches.
F16 flare sunstars
Close-up view of text from a book discussing architectural techniques and design elements associated with Toraja houses.
F1.8 LoCA
Close-up view of printed text on a page, showing various words in blue and black ink, with a focus on the word 'rectangular'.
F2.8 LoCA
Close-up of printed text on a page, highlighting a section about architectural styles and techniques.
F4 LoCA
Open book pages with text visible, showing printed content on a light background.
full size

2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs

  • The Bokeh balls are very good : well circular . There are no visible trace of onion rings of fringing a very good point.
  • The background blur is good and quite smooth wide open
  • Color rendition is very good , very natural and with a good balanced contrast
  • Les ronds de Bokeh sont très bons: bien circulaires . Pas de traces de tranches d’oignons ni de frange colorées sur les bords.
  • Le flou d’arrière plan est bon et assez doux à pleine ouverture
  • Le rendu des couleurs est très bon: très naturel avec un bon contraste
A close-up image of a Playmobil figurine dressed in a suit, standing on a surface with blurred lights in the background.
F1.8
A close-up of a Playmobil figure dressed in formal attire, standing on a base with blurred colorful lights in the background.
F2.8
A Playmobil figure dressed in a formal outfit stands on a surface, with a blurred background featuring colorful bokeh lights and a softly illuminated interior.
F4
A Playmobil figure dressed in a suit stands on a table with blurred festive lights in the background.
F5.6
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
A close-up of a chain lock securing a wooden gate, with green ivy leaves surrounding it.
Close-up of green ivy leaves with a mix of glossy and textured surfaces, some showing droplets of water.
A display of colorful water bottles from the brand 'Waterdrop', showcasing various pastel colors including green, blue, and red, with wooden caps, on a wooden shelf.
A colorful display of various handmade soaps arranged on wooden tables in a retail store, with black baskets in the foreground and shelves filled with products in the background.
Colorful rainbow-shaped bath products displayed on a white pedestal with a price tag of €9.00, surrounded by various other scented items in a shop.

3 Video

  • Very good results in term of sharpness , bokeh, and color rendition in video, very nice rendering for portraits
  • AF works very well
  • Focus breathing is moderate
  • Très bons résultats en vidéo avec un très bon piqué un flou d’arrière plan très doux, de beaux ronds de Bokeh et un rendu des couleurs très naturel, globalement de très beaux portraits peuvent être obtenus
  • L’AF fonctionne très bien
  • Focus breathing modéré

Focus Breathing

A Playmobil figure wearing a black vest, white shirt, and blue tie, standing on a pedestal with blurred background featuring bookshelves.
A blurred figurine in front of a bookshelf filled with various books and decorative items.

4 Comparison with other 35mm F1.8 AF / comparaison avec les autres 35mm F1.8 AF

The competitors are / Les concurrents sont

Two camera lenses side by side, one labeled 'AF 35/1.8 II FE' and the other 'AF 35/1.8 P FE', both designed for full-frame E-mount cameras.
Viltrox EVO vs Samyang Prima
Close-up of a Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large lens attached, shown from a slight angle.
Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a black body and a silver lens attached, showcasing the camera's buttons and detailing.
Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO
A Sony A7R camera with a Brightin Star 35mm F1.8 lens attached, displaying controls and features on the camera body.
Brightin Star 35mm F1.8
A Sony A7R camera with a Yongnuo 35mm F2 lens attached, showcasing its design and features.
Yongnuo
A close-up of a Sony A7R camera with a lens attached, showcasing the camera's design and features.
Sigma
Sony A7R camera with a Meike 35mm f1.8 lens attached, showcasing a professional photography setup.
Meike 35mm F1.8 pro
A close-up view of a Sony A7R V camera with a Meike 35mm f1.8 lens attached, showcasing the camera's detailed features and the lens design.
Meike 35mm f2
Sony A7R camera with a 35mm f/1.8 lens attached, showcasing the camera's design and controls.
Samyang
A close-up view of a Sony Alpha 7R camera with a 35mm f/1.8 lens, showcasing its compact design and controls.
7 artisans 35mm f1.8
A Sony A7R camera with a Meike 35mm f1.8 lens attached, showcasing a sleek black design.
Viltrox
Two camera lenses side by side on a neutral background, one labeled Meike 35mm f/1.8 and the other labeled 35mm f/1.8, showcasing their different designs.

Specifications

Samyang 35mm F1.8 PrimaViltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVOBrightin Star 35mm F1.8Meike 35mm F1.8 Pro7 Artisans 35mm F1.8Sigma 35mm F2 DG DNYongnuo 35mm F2Samyang 35mm F1.8Sony FE 35mm F1.8
Price / Prix299 euros429 euros / 370$216$370 euros 299$ / 256 euros619 euros200$400 euros700 euros
Weight / Poids216g330g420g400g426g397g295g210g280g
Length / Longueur71,5mm76mm88mm94mm94mm65,4mm72mm65mm73mm
AF++++++++++++++++++++++++
Buttons / RingAF/MFClick/Clickless aperture ring AF/MF , FnClickless aperture ring AF/MF , FnAperture ring with clicks AF/MFAperture ring clickless Aperture ring with clicks
AF/MF		Focus hold button
AF/MF
Switch mode 1/2		Focus hold button
AF/MF
Min focusing distance / Distance min de mise au point27cm34cm40cm35cm40cm27cm35cm29cm22cm
Build Quality / Quality de construction++++++++++++++++++
Aperture blades / Lames de diaphragme99119119799
Filter / Filtre625862585858585852
Firmware upgrade / Mise à jour USBUSBUSBUSBUSBvia bodyUSBvia Dockvia body

From a specifications perspective, the Brightin Star 35mm F1.8 is the least expensive , but one of the heaviest. Its ergonomics are very good considering its price point with a clickless aperture ring that many more expensive lenses do not have

The Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO has an average weight and size compared to the Sony, Samyang, Sigma but is less expensive than the Sigma and Sony. It is the one with the best ergonomics and the only ones with a switch click/clickless aperture ring

The Samyang has a very low price close to the Chinese brands, it is the lightest by far and has the smallest min focusing distance, but ergonomics and build quality are basic but good

The Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN is almost as expensive as the Sony, it is one of the heaviest (mainly due to its full thick metal lens hood) and has the best build quality. The Sigma and Meike F1.8 pro have an aperture ring with click whereas the Viltrox and the 7Artisans a clickless one. Note the Samyang has a focusing ring that can be used as a click less aperture ring which is even more convenient for me

The Meike F2and the Yongnuo 35mm F2 are among the budget ones and the lightest. The Meike is the worst in term of min focusing distance. The Yongnuo 35mm F2 is the one with the least number of aperture blades

The 7Artisans and the Brightin Star are the heaviest followed by the Meike F1.8 Pro

The AF is very good on all the lenses and just good on the 7 Artisans , Brightin Star and Viltrox 35mm f1.8 I

D’un point de vue spécifications, le Brightin Star 35mm F1.8 est de loin le moins cher, mais c’est aussi un des plus lourd. Pour son prix l’ergonomie est très bonne

Le Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO est dans la moyenne pour le poids, la taille comparé au Sony, Sigma, Samyang mais il est moins cher comparé au Sony et Sigma. C’est celui avec la meilleure ergonomie avec sa bague d’ouverture avec ou sans clics

Le Samyang a un prix très bas proche des concurrents chinois, c’est le plus léger de loin et celui qui a la distance min de mise au point la plus courte, mais l’eronomie et la qualité de construction sont basiques

Le Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN est presque aussi cher que le Sony , c’est un des plus lourd (notamment à cause de son pare soleil en métal épais) et celui qui a la meilleure qualité de fabrication. Yongnuo 35mm F2 et le Meike sont parmi les moins chers et les plus léger. Le Yongnuo 35mm F2 est celui avec le moins de lames de diaphragme (influence négative sur la forme des ronds de Bokeh) et la qualité de fabrication est similaire à celle du Samyang

Le Sigma et le Meike pro ont seulement une une bague d’ouverture avec clics tandis que le Viltrox I et le 7 artisans ont une bague sans clics

Le 7 artisans et le Brightin Star est le plus lourd suivi de près du Meike Pro

Le Meike est celui avec la distance min de mise au point la plus importante

L’AF est très bon sur tous les objectifs du comparatif sauf peut être sur le Viltrox 35mm F1.8 I, le Brightin Star et le 7 Artisans où il est juste bon

Sharpness / Piqué

Comparison table of 35mm camera lenses with ratings for various aperture settings and performance in center and corner areas.
  • The Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO EVO is the sharpest AF lens
  • The Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN is #3 in term of sharpness performances just after the Samyang 35mm F1.8 but before the Sony 35mm F1.8.
  • The Voigtlander 35mm F2 MF is exceptional but has no AF
  • The Samyang Prima and Meike 35mm F1.8 Pro comes only 5th
  • The Meike F2, Brightin Star and 7 Artisans are the least good ones
  • All the others Viltrox, Yongnuo Meike Pro are in the middle
  • Le Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO est l’optique AF la plus piquée
  • Le Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN est #3 en terme de performances juste après le Samyang 35mm F1.8 mais avant le Sony 35mm F1.8
  • Le champion des F2 étant le Voigtlander 35mm F2 MF mais il est manuel
  • Le Samyang Prima e tle Meike F1.8 Pro sont très bon mais 5ème
  • Le Meike F2 , le Brightin Star et le 7 artisans sont les moins bons de ce comparatif
  • Les autres : Meike Pro, Viltrox , Yongnuo sont dans la moyenne

Background Blur & Bokeh Balls Portraits / Flous d’arrière plan – Ronds de Bokeh Portraits

  • The Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN and the Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO have the softest background blur + best bokeh balls + skin rendering followed closely by the Samyang 35mm F1.8 , and the Yongnuo 35mm F2 DF DSM are very close with soft background blur, very good skin rendering
  • The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 and Smayang Prima are a bit less good as the background blur is sometimes more nervous and the skin rendering is more harsch
  • The color rendition is the best on the Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN very natural followed by the Samyang 35mm F1.8 and Sony FE 35mm F1.8, 7 Artisans and Meike Pro
  • The Meike F2 is the least good one with small Bokeh balls and a background blur that can become nervous
  • The Brightin Star is correct but has bokeh balls with onion rings
  • Les Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN et Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II ont le flou d’arrière plan le plus doux et les meilleurs rond de bokeh , et le meilleur rendu des peaux suivi de près du Samyang 35mm F1.8 et du Yongnuo 35mm F2 avec un flou d’arrière plan doux , un beau rendu des tons chairs et de beaux ronds de Bokeh
  • Le Sony FE 35mm F1.8 et le Samyang Prima sont un peu moins bon pour moi car le flou d’arrière plan est parfois plus nerveux et le rendu des peaux est assez dur et peu flatteur
  • Le rendu des couleurs est le meilleur sur le Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN, très naturel les autres suivent de près et sont très bon
  • Le Meike F2 est le moins bon avec des petits ronds de bokeh due à la longue distance min de mise au point et un flou d’arrière plan qui peut devenir nerveux à F4
  • Le Brightin Star est correct mais il souffre de ronds de bokeh avec des tranches d’oignons
Smiling young woman outdoors, wearing a green scarf, with a blurred busy street scene in the background.
Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO @F2
Close-up of a human eye showing a blue-green iris, eyelashes, and the surrounding skin.
crop 100%
A smiling person with curly hair wearing a fleece jacket, standing in a cobblestone square with blurred buildings in the background.
Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima
Close-up of a human eye with a hint of eyelashes and a natural skin tone surrounding it.
crop 100%
Portrait of a woman with long hair smiling at the camera, wearing a beige jacket in a bustling plaza.
Brightin Star 35mm F1.8
Close-up of a person's eye, showcasing brown iris and long eyelashes.
Portrait of a young woman with curly hair, smiling in a shopping gallery.
7 Artisans 35mm F1.8
Close-up of an eye showcasing detailed eyelashes and a brown iris.
Portrait of a smiling young woman with long hair, wearing a white t-shirt and a light blue shirt, standing in an urban environment with blurred shops in the background.
Meike 35mm F1.8
Close-up of a human eye showcasing intricate details of the eyelashes and iris.
A young woman with long hair and a light jacket poses for a portrait in a lively square, with blurred crowds and historical buildings in the background.
Meike 35mm F2
Close-up of a human eye with detailed eyelashes and brown iris, showcasing reflections in the pupil.
A young woman with curly hair is smiling, wearing a light-colored fur coat and a sweater, with a blurred historical building in the background.
Sigma 35mm F2
Close-up image of a brown eye with detailed eyelashes and eyebrow.
Crop 100% Sigma 35mm F2
Portrait of a smiling woman wearing a green beret, standing outdoors in a city square with blurred background.
Yongnuo 35mm F2
Close-up of a human eye, showcasing intricate details including eyelashes and vibrant iris colors.
Yongnuo crop 100% F2
Portrait of a young woman with long hair, wearing a black hoodie, standing in a busy urban square with people in the background.
Samyang 35mm F1.8

Close-up of a person's eye, showcasing detailed eyelashes and subtle makeup, with a soft focus on the skin surrounding the eye.
Crop 100% Samyang 35mm F1.8
F1.8, Yasuhara Anthy 35mm F1.8- ISO 100-1-500 s 079
Yasuhara Anthy 35mm F1.8
F1.8, Yasuhara Anthy 35mm F1.8- ISO 100-1-500 s 079-2

FE 35mm F1.8 at 35 mm - ¹⁄₆₄₀ s à ƒ - 1,8 à ISO 100-926
Sony 35mm F1.8 @F1.8

FE 35mm F1.8 at 35 mm - ¹⁄₂₀₀ s à ƒ - 3,2 à ISO 100-924-2
Crop 100% Sony 35mm F1.8 @F1.8

Distorsion / CA / Vignetting

  • The Sony is the best one in term of distortion and vignetting , followed by the Meike F2 , 7 artisans, Meike Pro , Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO then the Sigma. The Yongnuo and Samyang Prima are the ones with the strongest distortion and vignetting
  • The Sony and the Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO are the best one in term of CA, followed by 7 Artisans, Meike Pro, Brightin Star, Samyang , Meike & Sigma. Yongnuo has a little bit more visible CA.Samyang Pro is the worst for CA

Distorsion / AC / Vignettage

  • Le Sony est le meilleur en temp de distorsion et de vignettage, suivi du Meike F2, du 7 artisan, du Meike pro , Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO puis du Sigma. Le Yongnuo et le Samyang Prima sont ceux avec la plus forte distorsion et le plus fort vignettage
  • Le Sony et le Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO sont les meilleur en terme d’aberrations chromatiques , suivi du 7 Artisans, Meike Pro, Brightin Star, Samyang, Meike F2 & Sigma puis le Yongnuo qui en montre un peu plus. Le Samyang Prima est celui ave cel plus d’AC
A white bookshelf with glass doors displaying various books and decorative items, including a gnome figure and a mask, against a wall with floral accents.
Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO
A light-colored bookshelf with glass doors filled with various books, a gnome decoration, and a golden egg-shaped object.
Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima
A light-colored wooden cabinet with glass doors displaying a collection of books, small decorative items, and a gnome figurine. One drawer is visible at the bottom, along with a mask and a small potted plant nearby.
Brightin Star 35mm F1.8
A white bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, including a gnome and a golden globe, located in a well-lit room with a plant design on the wall.
7 Artisans 35mm f1.8
A white bookshelf containing various books and decorations, featuring a small gnome, a golden object, and some shells visible inside the glass doors.
Meike 35mm F1.8 Pro
A wooden bookshelf with glass doors displaying a variety of books and decorative items, including a gnome figure and a few small sculptures.
Meike 35mm F2
A white cabinet filled with books and decorative items, featuring a colorful hanging puppet on the side.
Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN
A cabinet filled with books and various items, some displayed behind glass doors, with a decorative object hanging at the top right.
Yongnuo
FE 35mm F1.8 at 35 mm - ⅓ s à ƒ - 1,8 à ISO 100-306
Sony 35mm F1.8
Close-up of green leaves with sunlight shining through, against a blurred background of flowers and a building.
Viltrox 35mm f1.8 II EVO @F1.8
Sunlight beams shining through green leaves with blooming red flowers in a garden.
Viltrox 35mm f1.8 II EVO @F16
A view of lush green trees with sunlight shining through the leaves, set against a cloudy sky and a modern building in the background.
Samyang Prima : F1.8 CA / AC
A tree with lush green leaves silhouetted against a bright sun in a cloudy sky.
Samyang Prima : F16 flare sunstars
Un gros plan flou de feuillage dans un ciel clair.
Brightin Star 35mm F1.8
A close-up photo of green leaves silhouetted against a bright sky.
7 Artisans 35mm f1.8
Close-up of green leaves against a bright sky, showcasing soft focus and light bokeh effect.
Meike 35mm F1.8 Pro crop 100% CA / AC
Close-up view of a historical building's ornate architectural details, showcasing arches and a tower, with a slightly blurred effect.
Meike 35mm F2 corner
A close-up image showing a portion of a wrought iron fence with sharp spikes, surrounded by dried vines and branches.
Sigma 35mm F2 Crop 100% CA / AC
FE 35mm F1.8 at 35 mm - ¹⁄₁₂₅₀ s à ƒ - 1,8 à ISO 100-631
Sony No CA
Blurred image of leaves with strong backlighting, creating a dreamy effect with soft shadows.
Samyang low CA
Blurry photo of tree leaves with sunlight filtering through them, creating a bokeh effect.
Yongnuo CA

Conclusion

The Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO (370$), Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN are better option than the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 as they provide a better rendering of skin tones and much softer background blur. The Viltrox being cheaper than the Sigma and having better ergonomics

If you are on a budget the Brightin Star and Yongnuo YN 35mm F2S DF DSM provide very good results for the price (200$) , The Meike Pro and Samyang Prima are also good options

The least good ones are the 7 Artisans and Meike F2

Le Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN et le Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO (370$) sont de meilleurs choix que le Sony FE 35mm F1.8 car ils délivrent un meilleur rendu des tons chair et un flou d’arrière plan plus doux. Le Viltrox étant moins cher et avec une meilleure ergonomie que le Sigma

Si le budget est important pour vous alors le Brightin Star et le Yongnuo YN 35mm F2S DF DSM fournissent de très bons résultats pour 200$, Le Meike Pro et le Samyang Prima sont aussi une option à considérer

Les moins bons sont le 7 Artisans et le Meike F2

5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos

  • Very good results globally : very good to excellent sharpness , smooth background blur, good bokeh balls , color rendering is very pleasant, skins are very well rendered
  • Très bon résultats en général : Piqué très bon à excellent, bon ronds de bokeh , flou d’arrière plan doux , beau rendu des couleurs, très naturel. Le rendu des peaux en portraits est très bon.

  • F1.8
  • F2.8
  • F4
Four women posing together in a square, wearing various winter outfits, with historical buildings in the background.
Four friends posing together in a city square, smiling happily. The background features historic buildings, suggesting a lively urban atmosphere.
Two women smiling together in a city square, wearing winter jackets, with historic buildings in the background.
Two smiling women pose closely together in an outdoor setting, with historic buildings in the background.
A man and a woman stand together in a historic arcade, smiling at the camera. The arcade features elegant architecture with large glass windows and rows of chairs and tables on either side.
A young woman and man standing side by side in a light-filled arcade, the woman wearing a puffy black jacket and blue jeans, and the man in a black fleece jacket and cream-colored pants.
Two smiling young adults standing close together in a covered arcade, with shops visible in the background.
Three waffle desserts presented in takeout boxes, featuring toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, strawberries, and banana slices.
A narrow cobblestone alley with a large colorful mural on the wall at the end. The mural features abstract shapes and bright colors. On the left, there's a glass storefront with books visible inside, while a person stands near the wall on the right.
Busy pedestrian street with modern glass buildings and storefronts, featuring signs for various businesses, under a cloudy sky.
Facade of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels, featuring classical architecture with decorative columns and sculptures. The entrance is adorned with promotional posters, and the scene includes people walking in a wet plaza under a cloudy sky.
A picturesque street scene featuring a row of elegant buildings with large windows, outdoor dining areas shaded by maroon umbrellas, and people walking along a cobblestone path on a rainy day.
A bustling shopping arcade with elegant architecture, featuring high glass ceilings, ornate columns, and marble floors. People stroll through the corridor, passing by shops and cafes.
A busy street scene with pedestrians crossing a multicolored striped crosswalk, leading towards a Starbucks store. The overhead structure is geometric and transparent, allowing light to filter through.
Facade of a historic café with a green awning featuring the name 'Stella Artois,' surrounded by empty outdoor seating and rainy pavement.
A picturesque street scene featuring a historic building with an ornate facade and a large dome, flanked by modern architecture. People stroll along the cobblestone path, while outdoor seating is visible at nearby cafes.
A cobblestone street lined with shops and cafes, featuring people walking and a cyclist. The scene captures historic architecture and a cloudy sky.
Interior of a toy store featuring two male employees smiling, colorful product displays including a 'Pick & Build' wall, and a life-size character figure in the background.
A bustling city square featuring a historic building with a dome and an adjacent modern restaurant, BelChicken, displaying its menu. The area has outdoor seating with umbrellas and people walking about on a rainy day.
A busy street scene featuring shops like New Yorker and Tezenis, with pedestrians walking along a wet cobblestone pavement under overcast skies.
Interior view of a historic shopping arcade featuring shops with bright yellow displays, decorative architecture, and people enjoying outdoor seating.
The exterior of a historical building featuring grand columns and sculptures, with banners advertising 'More than a Beer Museum' visible in the foreground, set against a bright blue sky with a shining sun.
A busy urban square featuring modern and historical buildings, with construction cranes and scaffolding visible on the left. People are walking and biking in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.
A large building featuring a mural of a man in a suit and hat on its facade, with traffic passing by on a busy street and cloudy skies above.

6 Conclusion (English)

The Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima (299 euros) is a very light and cheap lens that will be at ease on 33Mpix but not on 61Mpix. Performances are very good for the price with very good to excellent sharpness , very good bokeh balls, very good AF, very good color rendition

Improvement points are ergonomics , high distortion, high level of CA

In the medium priced lenses the Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO (429 euros) at the same size provide for a price and weight increase by 33% and significanttimprovements in term of sharpness and ergonomics that will be visible on 61Mpix or for video users

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Pros

  • Excellent in the centre as of F2.8
  • Excellent on the entire field as of F5.6
  • Very good contrast
  • Very good Bokeh balls
  • Very good color rendition
  • Smooth background blur
  • Very good rendering for portrait and skins
  • Price
  • Compact and light
  • Weather sealing
  • Very good AF
  • USB C port for firmware upgrade
  • Nice sunstars at F16
  • Good Resistance to flare
  • Short min focusing distance

Average

  • Good build quality
  • Simplistic ergonomics
  • Sharpness wide open “only very good” in the centre and good in the corners
  • Moderate focus breathing
  • Vignetting at F1.8 that disappears at F2.8

Cons

  • High CA
  • High LoCA
  • High Distortion
Sony Alpha 7R camera with a lens and hood, angled view.

6 Conclusion (Français)

Le Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima (299 euros) est une optique légère et bon marché qui sera à l’aise sur 33Mpix mais moins sur 61Mpix. Les performances sont très bonnes pour le prix avec. un piqué très bon à excellent, de beaux ronds de bokeh , un très bon AF et un très bon rendu des couleurs

Les points d’amélioration sont l’ergonomie, la distorsion et le niveau d’AC élevés

Alternatives : Le Viltrox 35mm F1.8 II EVO (429 euros) offre pour la même taille mais un prix et un poids supérieur de 33% , un piqué significativement meilleur et une ergonomie exemplaire qui en feront un meilleur choix sur 61Mpix ou en vidéo

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Pour

  • Excellent piqué au centre à partir de F2.8
  • Excellent sur tout le champ à partir de F5.6
  • Très bon contraste
  • Très bon rendu des couleurs
  • Très bon rendu pour les portraits
  • Très bon ronds de bokeh
  • Flou d’arrière plan doux
  • Protection tout temps
  • Compact et léger
  • Très bon AF rapide et efficace
  • Port USB C pour les mises à jour firmware
  • Prix
  • Beaux Effets d’étoiles à F16
  • Bonne Résistance au flare
  • Distance min de mise au point assez courte

Moyen

  • Bonne qualité de construyction
  • Ergonomie simpliste
  • Piqué à pleine ouverture seulement très bon au centre et bon dans les coins
  • Focus breathing modéré
  • Vignettage à F1.8 qui disparait à F2.8

Contre

  • Niveau élevé d’AC
  • Niveau élevé d’AC longitudinales
  • Distorsion élevée

9 responses to “Samyang 35mm F1.8 Prima”

  1. LAN Avatar
    LAN

    Why do you need this lens if the previous samyang f1. 8 is sharper and faster autofocus?

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      because it is lighter smaller and cheaper

      Reply
      1. Pierre Avatar
        Pierre

        but the old one is lighter (210g vs 216g), shorter (65mm vs 71,5mm) and thinner (58mm filter instead of 62mm)…. and regarding the price, it’s currently only 50€ more

  2. Bill Morris Avatar
    Bill Morris

    Thank you Marc for all your great reviews including this one. So very helpful. Can we assume that this is just a rehousing of the previous 35mm f/1.8 (which I own)? Seems on paper they have the same optical design.

    On another note, looks like you have an image of a Sigma aps-c lens mixed in to your review. Thought you should know.

    – Bill Morris

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      thanks corrected

      Reply
  3. 이승건 Avatar
    이승건

    If you care about picture quality, which do you pefer about sony 35mm f1.8f and this lens?

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      I would prefer the Viltrox 35mm F1.8 EVO II

      Reply
  4. Steven M. Waldstein Avatar
    Steven M. Waldstein

    Marc, what happened to the comparison showing the Viltrox 35mm EVO. I saw it in an earlier version of this review? Did it get pulled?

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      now that the Viltrox is official , the comparison has been added back

      Reply

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