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
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

will be added end April

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

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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

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Une petite donation de votre part m’aidera à maintenir ce site et à continuer à vous proposez des tests d’objectifs

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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

5 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

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