Contemporary full frame 1./35 models equipped with an autofocus mechanism are a quite tight group when it comes to physical dimensions and weight – our chart shows it very well. Only the Sigma sticks out here distinctly, being not only the biggest and the heaviest model but also one optically most complex.
The new Samyang, when compared to its direct rivals, doesn't have any distinct traits, as most of its parameters are quite typical for this class. Still, its price/quality ratio is definitely something worth our attention. Priced a bit above 2500 PLN in Poland, it remains even several dozen PLN cheaper than the cheapest model from this group so far, the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.4.
In the photo below the Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.4 P FE is positioned between the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM and the reflex camera Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM.
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The tested lens starts with a metal mount and its edge features an USB-C port and a serial number. The mount surrounds a 33x26 mm frame made of black plastics on which you can find an inscription 'Made in Korea'. Right under that frame there is an immobile, rear element 31 mm in diameter. From this side everything looks very nice.
The proper body of the lens starts with a black ring covered by plastics that doesn't move. It features a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier; then you see the mount mark and the diameter of the filter thread (⌀67) and once again information about the place of origin.
Then the ring increases its diameter and on that already enlargened part you see the logo of the producer, the name, the parameters of the lens, and information about its minimum focusing distance ( 0.30m/0.98ft).
The next part is a manual focus ring, as wide as 36 mm, completely covered by fine ribbing but without any distance scale or depth of field scale. It is a focus-by-wire construction; its focus throw amounts to 270 degrees and that value doesn't depend on the speed of your turning almost at all. Still, it ensures you a very comfortable performance.
Further on you find an immobile ring that turns into a hood mount and the hood is added to the instrument in the box.
The front element is slightly convex, immobile, 50 mm in diameter. It is surrounded by a non-rotating filter thread, 67 mm in diameter.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 12 elements positioned in 10 groups. Among them you can find three aspherical elements, one made of low dispersion ED glass and one with high refractive index glass (HR). Inside there is also a round aperture with nine blades that can be closed down to a value of f/16 at the maximum.
