35mm F1.4 Lens Showdown Sony Zeiss vs Sigma Art vs Rokinon on the A7r III

Review of the best 35mm f1.4 full frame prime camera lenses from Rokinon / Samyang, Sony / Zeiss and Sigma tested against each other on the Sony A7r III body. If you are interested in buying these lenses then please use the links below to Amazon:
Amazon USA:
Sony Zeiss Distagon ZA 35mm F1.4 amzn.to/2SjKhMP
Sigma Art 35mm F1.4 amzn.to/2SeJfl3
Rokinon 35mm F1.4 amzn.to/2CHfXpE
Use this link to get the Sigma Art 35mm f1.4 from Adorama for $699 www.adorama.co...
Backdrop provided by www.Katebackdr...
If you are in Phoenix / Tempe check out Tempe Camera.
Follow me on azDavin

[@mattreyes79]

Wow! Such a great video. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I have the Rokinon/Samyang 35mm. I have not been disappointed with its performance.

[@edross2826]

I got myself the Sigma 35mm 1.4 and I am impressed so far with the sharpness and the bokeh this lens produces. I love the price too.

[@anthonyng3014]

Thank you for your concise and very clear conclusion at the end. It's a breath of fresh air in reviews where the reviewers are often either truly undecided and just list all the pros of each lens without actually deciding on the "best" one or they seem to be afraid of offending owners of said lenses by simply dodging the final conclusion. Wonderful from you.

[@gustavocampos1969]

Something you didn't mention is the autofocus speed and accuracy. That would be VERY important to decide among those lenses. Thanks for the video

[@LavikkaPhotography]

I couldn't tell the difference. They all seemed to be the same and I did multiple tests over 5 days with moving subjects.

[@paolaw8006]

gustavo campos when shooting weddings moments is very important. I tried sigma and rokinon they failed me specially shooting entourage.

[@Derrickbtrujillo]

@@paolaw8006 I watched a couple other videos stating the autofocus for photo is the same amongst the Sigma and Zeiss lenses. However, there were a couple videos stating that the Sigma has issues with the autofocus functioning correctly at times and I have spoken to others stating the lowlight auto focus isnt as fast with the Sigma. That is very important to consider for weddings and events. I have purchased the Zeiss but want to try the Sigma as it's only $650.00 USD at the time. Dang, the dilemma.

[@deeyammy783]

Excellent review! Honest, no Zeiss"character" bs and "love" the soft corners because they do better bokeh" crap! Thank you!!!

[@daxshell242]

yes, i got this great lens on ebay with an excellent "grinding" characteristic as it focused. it really added a new dimension to my videos. i recommend everyone sprinkles some sand in the rear element.

[@deeyammy783]

@@daxshell242 HAHAHA!!! Now you can start your own channel on artistic lenses! As a matter of fact that's the name: Artistic Lenses - sign up to find out how to turn a boring pos lens you bought on a budget into the world class artistic lens!

[@masilva0606]

Thank you for taking the time out to post this video. Greatly appreciated

[@thesteveprichard]

The Sigma seemed slower to refocus to me.

[@thesteveprichard]

I liked the Rokinon. And next time, just say "blemish."

[@wandererstraining]

I agree, the Sigma was slower that the other two.

[@jkokich]

This is one of the best comparison videos I’ve seen. Thank you, so much for your hard work!

[@viviennew5048]

Thank you for such detailed comparison video, that's exactly what I needed. Going for the Rokinon!

[@mi3mi80]

Thank you for making the video. I used to have a 35mm 1.4 art on Cannon. I can tell which photo was taken with which lens in the three way comparison. I was thinking to buy the Zessis 35mm 1.4. But now I am changing my mind. When you show the soft corner I couldn't believe that was a Zessis photo. I originally want to avoid Sigma because of its size... I am now thinking of Zessis 40mm. but the aperture is smaller and the CF will not leave me use max aperture. It is a tough choice.

[@garysmith5838]

Excellent work, Davin. I know it was time consuming, but the results are reliable. Thank you.

[@zephyr4712]

Outstandingly good and professional comparison. Well done, my Sir!

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I don’t like the sound coming from that Rokinon Timeline 4:19. When it focuses you can hear and that’s not good for video if you have a audio crew and they pick up the sounds from the lens

[@PKmode]

This was well done. You covered quite a bit. I'd say the focus differences were off in a few comparisons but I could basically tell with every shot, even with compressed video. I'm sure with still images at full resolution, the Sigma is just sharper. Too bad it doesn't focus in video as well, (not as snappy or smooth or accurate). All this confirms what I've been saying for a while. I never owned the Zeiss but did own both the Sigma and Rokinon. I returned the Rokinon as it was $849 when it launched. Not worth that. Now that is is $500, that is pretty reasonable. I'd still buy the Sigma but am waiting for the GM.

[@mirovida66]

14:53 - The image with the red swerling dress by the Rokenon isn't focused correctly. You can tell by the fact that the foreground concrete pillars are sharp but the other 2 aren't.

[@jeffchong1432]

Great and insightful review of 3 lenses. Thanks so much for creating this video.

[@MattLeeMorgan]

Nice video! I’ve had all 3 35mm 1.4’s for Sony. I Definitely prefer the Zeiss the feel and function of the lens is so good. Sigma was to big, samyang feels like the focus ring is going to fall off and it’s sounds like a cat during video. Just don’t pay full price for the Sony :)

[@fredd6907]

Very detailed and helpful real world review.

[@FelipeCristancho]

Thanks a lot for this comparison, i really notice some greenish tint on my rokinon lense vs my sigma and found the same here in your video. 6:31 there is a problem, the sony picture is 1/3 stop brighter because was shot at 1/250, and the sigma and rokinon were shot at 1/320, thats why at 2.8 the sony looks worst than the others. i would say that in general is worst in vignetting than the other 2

[@DennisMoncla]

I've come back to watch this a few times now. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to put it together! My question for you is did you like the Sigma enough to buy it and sell the Rokinon or was the Rokinon close enough that you kept it and are happy?

[@LavikkaPhotography]

I still have the Rokinon. I am considering the Sigma 28mm though.

[@DennisMoncla]

@@LavikkaPhotography Thanks. For the money I just don't think I can pass on this.

[@ericvrp2]

Your assessment of the Sony Zeiss seems different from a lot of other reviews. What did you do to check if you had a good sample of the lens?

[@LavikkaPhotography]

I thought someone might ask that. When I returned lens I did a quick comparison with the store demo lens. They seemed pretty similar so I'm pretty sure the Zeiss is an average copy.

[@ericvrp2]

@@LavikkaPhotography thanks, good to know. I bought the Sigma today.

[@CStonePhoto]

Definitely a bad copy of the Zeiss

[@catchlite5196]

Or.... the others were just better in some areas. It happens.

[@AbdonPhirathon]

The Sigma produced vastly better bokeh with slightly better skin tone rendition, and that's impressive. Video AF wasn't up to par with the Zeiss, but I would still go for the Sigma. The Rokinon performed admirably, but the color fringing on the specular highlights just killed it for me.

[@wandererstraining]

I'm trying to figure out whether or not I should get my A-mount 35mm ART converted to FE mount. With the A7R II, the conversion was a no brainer, but it works better on the A7R III. Originally, I got it because I was looking for the best image quality I could get, and autofocus didn't matter. But it would be nice to use it more as a walk around lens, and I'm not doing that mostly because I also have a 16-35 which has great AF (and can go wider). But with better AF, I would certainly use the 35mm a lot more due to its excellency and fast aperture. Has anyone got a 35mm ART converted from A-mount to E-mount? Was the difference appreciable, especially on a third generation body?

[@squirreldemon3506]

I picked rokinon 80 percent of the time and the sigma for the rest. Guess I'm getting the rokinon. I'd also rather have that circular bokeh instead of the football shape.

[@youssefhamidi8152]

Aniv Khawaunju rokinon is a stellar lens. I would have kept it but it was just too big and heavy for me.

[@staLkerhu]

@@youssefhamidi8152 first world problems :D

[@davidromano2421]

Great job with this review! I just bought the Samyang for $500 and love it. It's auto focus leaves a lot to be desired though.

[@catchlite5196]

Have you done the updates? This helped me in my case.

[@davidromano2421]

@@catchlite5196 yes, I've done updates and I think it helped, but I don't consider continuous AF to be usable. Single AF is great, and I like the lens a lot. Just not AF-C.

[@catchlite5196]

I will try mine again. Don’t remember that it is a problem in AF-C mode. What body are you using it on?

[@davidromano2421]

@@catchlite5196 A7RII

[@catchlite5196]

@@davidromano2421 maybe that is where the difference is. I use the A7 III. I don’t have that problem. I must admit that my 55mm and 85mm f/1.8 are a little faster than the Samyang/Rokinon.

[@davidmcc6666]

G'day, mate. This is exactly what I have been looking for. Mate, great job. Really. Thumbs up, mate.

[@ohkaydude19]

I want a 35mm 1.8 G master so bad!!

[@PtWhiteBelt]

Wouldn't a 35mm GM be f1.4?

[@AFR0MAMBA]

PtWhiteBelt yup, 1.4

[@youareinvitedbyGod]

Hi! Great content here! Just one question, sigma users complains about the auto focus on low light, how is it in your photoshoot?

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Oh my lenses, I can’t wait to get a new camera and new lens

[@DenisJosifoski]

From photos with your model it seems that Rokinon can be recognised as worst of these 3 for face focus. Was rokinon on latest firmware?

[@AdamDooley]

Thank you! Every other review I saw of these three left comparisons lacking. Your landscape really showed the flaws of the zeiss.

[@papje]

Yesterday I bought the sygma and I'm impressed with the sharpness, seeing your pictures the zeis isn't better .

[@joaofezasvital]

so you can actualy get amazing "professional" results with a 500$ samyang.. well done.. getting mine for sure

[@MrVandype]

A big thanks from the Netherlands. The review was clear, and easy to understand . Keep up the good work. And, I will buy the Sigma. Right now in van buy it for something just above 600 euro.

[@gregordeissler2094]

Nice, but where can i get the Sigam lens ;)

[@mrraghan73]

i like your video...Thanks and reviews...sir did you notice sigama lens auto focus make sound....

[@robertstevens455]

Thanks for the review. Definitely the best one out there comparing all three. I just purchased the sigma of a pretty good price. Thanks!

[@seoulrydr]

TYVM! May you come upon another camera body (or two) to make triple comparisons easier! More hassle, but much more informative!

[@mortenandersen6313]

Excellent review. Thank you very much. I will go for the Samyang as Rokinon is named in my part of the world

[@frankartale1026]

Excellent job. Im lookin for a 35 right now.

[@joannaa680]

Thank you for making our life easier when we’re planing to buy a lens, good job!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@manlamfu1331]

Very useful, thank you for your review!

[@christianv.4397]

Thank you, I have the Rokinon and a see that the shadows are a little green, that is horrible 😅

[@dmacrolens]

More emoji will help.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

The Zeiss’s to me had a better transition when focusing. I saw it blur in nicely

[@musicvox3748]

that is true

[@tecnolover2642]

Fantastic review! Thanks for your hard work it really helps us!

[@DanasAnis]

Looks like rokinon/samyang holds quite well against competition, not the first review I see where it's af performance in video is even somewhat better looking than the other lens in comparison. Interesting.

[@vladepast4936]

I like your style, good information, and no-nonsense video! Keep posting....

[@cpr1087]

I'm only going to give up my Rokinon for the sony 35mm GM, I don't think I'd make an big improvement if I chose sigma or zeiss. It's really not worth paying double .

[@Architek1]

If you do a frame by frame comparison at closest distance the bokeh is completely different in these lenses.

[@catoleg]

Very useful and interesting analysis. Thank you!

[@fabiocataldo8065]

wonderful comparison! Very gooood job!

[@CREATEBEYONDBOUNDARIES]

Thanks I was about to buy the zeiss I really need it for film more than anything but this video sums it all thanks Cheers!

[@swesleyharris]

Great review thanks loved your conclusions, so nice to hear your opinion.

[@o.l.k.s.n]

How you did compare a vignetting, when shots been taken with different exposures? Different exposures affecting vignette's darkness/lightness.

[@blackjohnny0]

I tihnk only difference is that Rokinon is a little bit noisy compared to two others.

[@JoshStreetDesign]

Yeah, the autofocus makes it unusable for video where your not using an off camera mic

[@SIDENT117]

I just bought the Rokinon last week, I have to say it's enough for portrait photography, Buy yeah if yo need sharp corners it's not a suitable lens, thanks for this huge comparison

[@ПітерАндрійХенфілдКолісник]

Hello from Kyiv. I am interested in AF 1.4 lenses and in general Sony 1.4 lenses are very expensive. I noted that Samyang/Rokinon AF lenses for Sony FE are very very cheap, so they are tempting but I wonder just how good they are. My primes are Sony 28mm, 35mm ZA, 55mm ZA, 85mm and 100mm STF. I use the Tamron 28 to 75mm for work also. The shop I use in Kyiv I can try Sony lenses and so on but they do not do Samyang/Rokinon so I not can try first. What is your honest opinion of this companys lenses and would you use them professionally?

[@LavikkaPhotography]

I do use them professionally. I wouldn't recommend it if I couldn't use it. I shoot mostly commercial so very technical.

[@masoomehtanghatari8750]

Wonderful and perfect preview

[@mcarthurbeard1571]

the rokinon has warmer tones the sigma is the sharpest the zeiss is over price and was the softest

[@BigBaoSmallBao]

do you have the most recent firmware for the Rokinon? They came out with .3 but took it down and went back to .2. If you have .1 then you should update it.

[@Tricksandbeats]

Thank you very much for your review!!! :)

[@VanessaMontanoPhotography]

Great video, definitely helped with my decision!

[@kevinharding1181]

Really excellent real life review. I love my Samyang (Rokinon) 85/1.4 and am looking for an AF 35 to match my MF Voigtlander 35 for those instances when I need AF. Clearly between the Sigma (I had one when I used to shoot Nikon - great lens) and the Samyang. The Sigma is far more expensive than the Samyang over here though.

[@davidkmillerphotography]

Thank you for this awesome review. I like the Roiknon's vignetting as it was a smooth transition but how is it when you "enable profile corrections" in Lightroom on the three lenses?

[@dmacrolens]

This was covered in the video.

[@sunnyleung4955]

Thank you for this awesome review.

[@SupermanChad23]

I just picked up the Sigma on a whim, sounds like I got a good one. Only paid $650🤗

[@jvmusicph]

nice review dude!

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

You did a great job trying to find a difference that really wasn't there. Why should anyone buy the Zeiss after seeing this?

[@delandjjweddings]

Focus speed.

[@aaronpeipert]

The Zeiss has a lot less focus breathing.

[@LucaMelilloLights]

really top comparison friend. Greetings from Italy

[@AbrahamHernandez]

managed to get my Rokinon for $400 and couldn't be happier, in "real world" I haven't had any problems, barrel distortion and vignetting can be easily fixed in post. So shut up and save your money :)

[@Dustinrhoades]

Great comparison. Thank you

[@shawvercreations9703]

Been loving your content for a long time now. Keep up the great work!!!

[@adrianfaulkner1353]

Superb review love that you did all three, i have the sigma 35mm f1.4 and love it apart from the wieght of the lens sometimes i think about swapping it for the 28mm sony because of how small and light weight the 28mm f2 is 👍😉

[@LavikkaPhotography]

If you are using apsc size then 28mm f2 is good option but it vignettes with soft corners on full frame. The review is on my channel under lens reviews.

[@adrianfaulkner1353]

@@LavikkaPhotography thanks i will check it out, I'm using the A7rii, i must admit I love the image's the sigma 35mm gives its just the size

[@alswo8615]

wow amazing video. you did work! Rokinon(Samyang) looks great lens!

[@giulianocecatto5592]

Hi. Do you never experienced some camera freezing when using rokinon 35 1.4 lens? It happens on my A7 III. :/

[@LavikkaPhotography]

I have not had that issue. There is a firmware update though. www.rokinon.com/downloads/af-firmware-updates

[@youareinvitedbyGod]

Great review! Thanks. 🙏❤️

[@lazyPawdy]

You took these pics in Texas? Austin area I believe? I might be wrong with Austin area. I follow another Camera youtube guy and he has shots on those locations as well. His YT is TechnologyMafia. Would be great to see you guys collab on lens reviews, But he uses a 6000series Sony cams.

[@LavikkaPhotography]

Nope. Phoenix AZ Downtown.

[@lazyPawdy]

@@LavikkaPhotography ah i see. Then they probably went there for a trip. I've seen many peoole lately going to Arizona. Need to visit that place!

[@iwanssw]

great video, love this content

[@Deminimis2]

You just changed my thinking about the Sigma.

[@tszhong7632]

Thank you for the videos!

[@sonvfave]

All tour work i find interesting Wish u added the loxia Was there some music added? Not my thing

[@sadenb]

Make this review 6 years later and see the Distagon maintaining the same quality.

[@photographerjonathan]

I bought the 35 Art the first month it came out in Canon mount a few years ago. And it still works like new on my A7r lll

[@johnybaskin]

Thank you even so much for your review

[@Aldiggi]

Thank you very very much for this!!

[@lillamy2896]

Finally I got a real lens review. THANK YOU. Ok Im not intressted in anything but the sharpness and u could have shot a tincan. This is better than Northrup.

[@osocat]

I got a 27" inch screen and I felt like I could kiss you right there 4:51

[@orhansnake9824]

Great comparison man thank you for that The Sigma is so good man... Great look and nice colours i love it !🔥😍🙏

[@shaolin95]

So you place your subject centered all the time so that is what matters???! Great photography.....

[@poccophoto]

Thx for video, but just for your information and others, the Sigma Art 35 1.4 Sony FE mount lens weighs 755g. This is due to the adaptor being attached to the lens. If you look on Sigma Global website for Sony E mount versions of the Art lenses it gives the true weight. See link below: www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/service/se_mount/

[@ImperiousImages]

Great comparison.

[@kvicalam]

Sigma is clearly the best one :)

[@ЕвгенийизКиева]

19:02 Sigam 😉. Thanks, very interesting!

[@deeyammy783]

LOL! Yeah that's the one I first made a mistake on guessing too :)

[@eclecticguy]

Thank you for your frustrating work for this comparison, I appreciate it.

[@someshalwe5841]

Samyang 35 f/1.4 is also there

[@goodayoun]

Somesh Alwe samyang=rokinon

[@someshalwe5841]

@@goodayoun yeah ty

[@dmacrolens]

@@goodayoun No shit.

[@staLkerhu]

Well, one thing is pretty sure, the Zeiss s*cks. Crazy expensive, but the Sigma is sharper, and the bokeh balls are horrible. The Rokinon bokeh balls seems to be the most circular for me, and the AF is pretty good too (even if it is a bit noisy). Still not sure what will I buy to replace my Samsung NX1000, but if I get the old Sony A7 (still available in my country) then I will definietly get the Rokinon. 35mm focal length seems to be a very good all rounder on a Full Frame camera, paired with f1.4 makes it even more versatile, and I guess it will be good for a while as only lens.

[@atalipsos9799]

Thank you !

[@RenJames.]

i love this video, thx

[@VVS_39]

i love my sigma 35mm f/1.4 art

[@powerlurker]

great review, who would thought the most expensive one is the worst. especially the bokhe , and applaus to sigma, they just make fantastic lens

[@continental883]

I have yet to see a test chart win any photo awards in almost 4 decades. This subset of "photography" is peculiar to say the least.