Samyang 35mm F1.4 "P": Brillliant Lens, Not Marketing

In this video I check out the new Samyang 35mm F1.4 P (for Prima) autofocus lens. EDIT: final price from Samyang is $649 US, and should be available for purchase beginning in January 2025. If I find a link to this lens before then, I'll put it HERE:
Specs available here: www.lksamyang....
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[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

You’re right - Jason Vong can do so much more. I’m good though

[@VLAD-ri2gn]

It feels like I'm back at 2017 era (my photography era) when I visited your channel again. Good ol days :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a good review of the lens, Arthur. I don't understand Samyang's strategy right now. I haven't hardly heard anything from Samyang for over a year, and I used to review everything of theirs. As you mentioned, there are very few reviews out there.

[@fotosvond_]

Yes, very strange procedure by them. You can find info about the lens mostly by rather small channels, if at all. In my search there are only 5-6 results for it. In Germany, I see 2 sellers with a price of 599€, availability unknown. If this goes into sale at this price point, it will for sure be interesting at least to check it out.

[@AlainKapture]

I really like the new design of the Samyang lenses, way sleeker than the old ones

[@kylinblue]

Hi Arthur. Review of the product aside, there’s something special you’ve done to this particular video. It is full of contrast. To the point that I had to check if this was a HDR video. It isn’t. Can you share what kind of secret sauce if there’s any?

[@Ben-AP]

Have been waiting for more videos on this lens! Very interesting at this price point

[@davidgates3044]

I have the Rokinon/Samyang f1.4 50mm and its a terrific lens for the price so I’m not surprised that you found the 35mm to be good for the price. Thanks for reviewing a lens that most of us can actually afford

[@justinveenema]

Hey! I made one of those two camera reviews that you mentioned at the beginning. Super cool to see my thumbnail make a small cameo in your video haha, big fan of your work. I still don’t understand why there aren’t more videos about this lens. It’s unbelievably good for the price, and will happily use it in place of my 35mm 1.4 GM for travel and EDC. Great shots btw!

[@kingweddingmedia]

I'll probably pick this up. I love their 24mm and 85mm (second generation). I was disappointed when they made their last 35mm as it didn't have the same physical look as their newer 50/85/135, it seemed a bit of a carbon copy of the original. I feel like this is what that 35mm should have been when it was released.

[@aratafreecs3445]

If you want a 35mm f/1.4 lens on a budget, this is a good pick, but in no way is it a G-Master competitor. First of all, if you have G-Master money, this wouldn't even be a consideration. But if you're just trying to figure out how much you need to spend to get the performance you want, the best budget option would be the Sigma equivalent, which costs about the same as the Samyang, if you get it used. Compared to the GM, the Samyang is slightly lighter and much cheaper. It is also taller, lacks in corner sharpness, CA-correction and is severely lacking AF tracking performance and lens features. For AF tracking in photo mode, the linear stepping motor Samyang uses is far behind the stepping motor Sigma uses and does not compete with linear motors in Sony or Sigma lenses whatsoever. Even the Sigma hypersonic motors from the adapted EF-Mount DSLR lenses outdid the native Samyang E-Mount stepping motor in my non-scientific test for PHOTO tracking AF. I did this test with a mix of 85mm and 135mm lenses, which is already apples to oranges, so I at least tried to match the depth of field by slowing down the 135mm, which even gives it a slight advantage (deeper DOF). All tests done in bright daylight. Comparatively, the Samyang of course fares way worse the less light you have available. Wider angle lenses (such as 35mm) are WAY more forgiving for two main reasons: At the distances you use them, the DOF is FAR deeper, so it's much easier to achieve acceptable focus and there is much less glass that needs to be moved around, so the motor doesn't have to work nearly as hard. To not over-complicate this and because I can't seem to find my spreadsheet with all the data right now, here are my findings only comparing the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 with the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN. 58% of the pictures taken on the Samyang were at least acceptably in focus. Of those, 33% were perfectly in focus. 78% on the Sigma were at least acceptably in focus. Of those. 58% were perfectly in focus. From memory: the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art was slightly better than the Samyang in some tests and worse in others, overall, the amount of pictures at least acceptably in focus was marginally better (3-4%, which I would consider to be in the margin of error in a non-scientific test [tracking my cats running and walking around in the garden]), but the ratio of perfectly in focus to acceptable was better in the Sigma's favor, about ~10%. I didn't have a lens with a linear motor like Sony and Sigma use nowadays on hand when I did those test, but speaking from subjective experience, those tend to do a lot better than even the Sigma stepper motors. Also on a subjective note, I have had the experience that Samyang has significant sample variation regarding optical quality. My 135mm for example is significantly softer than the one Dustin Abbott tested. I have had no such experience with Sigma or Sony lenses. Still, I think this is a good lens for the price, just beware that it is not close to the GM in performance.

[@Princeton_James]

I used to buy everything that would come out because of GAS. While I'm sticking with mostly G and GM lenses these days, I can say that all the SYs I've ever owned have been very good optically. Build quality is not the best imo, but they are very sharp with more magenta colors. I like them overall.

[@DarkAvenger1234]

Honestly, the most impressive things is the colors look so nice.

[@S_G_86]

According to holdan uk website suggested retail price is 440 pounds which should be around 500-550 USD

[@couch115]

Samyang has an infinity focus memory button on a 24mm for use on astro photography. Any other lenses with that feature?

[@ArthurR]

Not on this one as far as I can tell.

[@ItsMidasProductions]

You can’t even find it on their website lol

[@SoichiFundalOrtiz]

I'm waiting for your upload always thank you for information always -im in Philippines

[@nicolaussuryadharma]

Agree with ur opinion on this video. But the chromatic aberration totally messes up when shot with wide-open lenses.

[@just_eirik]

Samyang is solid! Been using their lenses for years. If I was a full frame Sony user I’d likely go for only Samyang.

[@blaineblasdell5151]

Another great review. I have been using Samyang for years. Let us know when you find out more.

[@Shot_Geek]

The same thing happened with their 24-70mm f2.8 when that got released. No one knew anything about it and only a couple of people reviewed it.

[@nickscott8488]

Is a busy landscape for this focal length. Meiki and Youngno have 35mm 1.4 now and are very good optically.

[@45KevinR]

Various camera shops are listing a preorder P at £528, no timeline. The mk II is showing £499, which is less than a month ago but not as cheap as 2 months ago. Someone mentioned £440, but that would likely be wholesale excl 20% VAT (ie. sales tax). The maths works.

[@marcbeebe]

I've stopped trying to understand the 'reasoning' behind any product design and marketing. That seems to be a job for psychologists these days.

[@Jesseblyth]

Yes agree, micro specification changing all the time won't increase a photos worth, I remember in 2008 I had a Olympus E500 8mp camera and I took better creative photos with that better than my Sony A6400, clarity isn't always the answer with creativity.

[@andreagallo70]

I have a Samyang 75mm f/1.8 and it is unbelievable, light, bright and razor-sharp, AF is fast too

[@SoichiFundalOrtiz]

I'm waiting for upload Always thank you for information always - Philippines

[@Antonybec]

Oh wow, interesting, I have the 1.8 version of this lens, it is very very good ! love it, this one looks superior :)

[@MaiElizabeth]

Does it have stabilization?

[@pentagramyt417]

WHY... IS HELL... YOU NEED STABILIZATION... BELOW 50 MM? .......... WHY WOULD YOU? Even with no stabilization in camera and lens, you can handheld 1/60 without any shakyness in photo. If you add stablization you could EASILY DOUBLE THE COSTS, just to get a little slower shutterspeeds. People get crazy about this stabilization without even understanding physics.

[@itunukukuvlogs]

@@pentagramyt417some people but lenses for videos as well

[@afferist]

thank you, I wish they would make the same 50mm, at least 1.8, so that with fast autofocus and good sharpness throughout the entire field, and not just in the center, as in the 50 1.4 I-II

[@saritk71]

Hi If you would have to choose between this lens and the Sony 35 1.8 for full frame which is almost in the same price range what would you recommend ? Thanks.

[@mentalost]

I have the Sony 35 1.8, and it's pretty good. The autofocus is more reliable imo, since it's first party lens. And I absolutely love AF/MF switch + the extra button is a nice bonus. HOWEVER If I didn't have the SEL35F18F already, I'd go for this Samyang f/1.4 ! I'm extreme sucker for fast primes, and this would fulfill my cravings.

[@viggu3405]

Whats the correct name to search this lens im really confused

[@serafimalexandru9355]

I have it here in Romania. Interesting

[@DigiDriftZone]

I had a Samyang 12mm f/2 MF X-Mount, while a nice lens, the coating was very bad, it faded and it became completely unusable picking up horrible flaring and losing contrast from even the dimmest light sources, the replacement 12mm f/2 AF X-Mount was a noticeable drop in image quality, so that was disappointing too. Seems even with this one the coatings are not great. I then I had a Samyang 18mm FE when I switched to Sony and it had awful image distortion, I decided to compare it against a friend's one and the images were very different, with the distortion on his being drastically less on the older lens than my brand new one (though still pretty bad). With Samyang it really seems to be a hit and miss and poor quality control. The plastics feel cheaper and thinner than even the most budget Viltrox lenses (which are solid) and while I love a light lens, they seem to be going too far with some of theirs. I'm avoiding Samyang lenses after these 3 bad experiences, I think they need to really improve their quality control.

[@joaomarcuspm]

Nice review, Arthur! Optically, how do you think it compares to the Viltrox 27mm f1.2?

[@ArthurR]

The viltrox is sharper, especially in the corners. But it’s APSC vs Full frame, so they aren’t really competitors.

[@joaomarcuspm]

@ I agree! They’re not. I was just wondering if Samyang has come to same level of quality of the Viltrox “Pro” Lens, as you mentioned it is “cheaper G Master”. Thanks a lot, Arthur! Keep doing these great reviews!

[@alanoconnor007]

I've just ordered one 😁

[@VIIGGUU]

How?

[@artmaltman]

Looks like it lacks contrast wide open. How fast and accurate is the face / eye autofocus?

[@KEHA14]

Nice. I wonder how this stacks up against the sony 35 1.8

[@DanielKurganov]

Is this supposed to have better performance than their 35mm F1.4 AF Series II? Seems like that one is stronger (though obviously a bit bigger). Around the same price.

[@ArthurR]

It is supposed to, yes. I havent tested the AF Series II, however.

[@arghaatta4837]

Hi sir I am looking for 35mm & 85mm primes paired with Sony a7cii for music video work. Should I choose Samyang 1.4 fe lenses over Sony 1.8 fe prime lenses ? And Is there any noticeable difference between f1.4 and f1.8? Please help me out with this.

[@kalcijs146]

Ordered one in my country, will see how soon arrives. Do you know if maybe there will be soon also 85mm version for these P series lenses?

[@ArthurR]

Not sure yet, but I think they will release all of the standard focal lengths in this new series.

[@xenor9262]

Any idea what's the upgrade from the 35 1.4 II? I see that it looks differently, more in line with their 85mm II and 135mm, would be cool to see if theres any spec upgrade, especially in low light AF

[@АлександрБогатырев-х4к]

I'm interested in this question, since I'm about to buy version 2, or wait for it

[@duncanthorn6338]

So I'm assuming Samyang sent you this lens, without any specs or marketing?

[@ArthurR]

Indeed they did, with specs, no price info though. And I still cant find the lens for sale anywhere.

[@bubbajones5905]

sources on the internet say it will be released sometime January. Didn't list price.

[@chrishatcher3165]

Is that the Citizen Zenshin Chrono?

[@ArthurR]

Indeed it is! Birthday gift

[@chrishatcher3165]

Tell your wife that a rando in the KZbin comments approves. 😀

[@socratesvela8285]

I'm done looking for non vignetting 35. I will just either use a 24mmf1.8 and crop in post, or I will just use a 35mm apsc on my a7r2. While the 35mm-apsc will give me same subject separation as a 35mmFE, I understand that I will sacrifice the larger field of view. I will never buy a 35mm that has so much vignetting.

[@socratesvela8285]

My Samyang 24mmf1.8 is great glass but the button cover simply fell off in less than a year. I use gaffer tape to hold the dust cover on. I reached out to Samyang and they were useless . I guess you get what you pay for. The only way I would buy this lens is if it doesn't suffer from heavy vignetting and make sure there is no button on the side.

[@zayarsan6822]

What should I buy in the full frame mirrorless model that will be released in 2024 or 2025? It should have good photos. It should have good video. It should also have a reasonable price. Please tell me.

[@Valerossi0]

I really don’t get that this only dropped for the Sony mount. Samyang joined the L-mount where some of their lenses would be very welcome, but to date they dropped only 1 lens

[@DDHDTV]

I hate it when "underdogs" like Samyang make great products and mess up with the marketing. Similar how Samsung had the ultra non relfective screen on the S24 Ultra. That thing was so underrated and badly marketed. This looks incredible but not sure what the idea is behind the Prima line

[@saganandroid4175]

4:25 Did you make a mistake? To my eye the image on right (Tamron?) looks much sharper. Look at the popcorn pattern between the stockings. And that little brown wooden house (on the Samyang) looks not so sharp by comparison. Maybe the brightness of the image on the right is fooling me. It (the Tamron image) IS quite a bit brighter, so I wonder, why not reshoot and set camera exposures for a more similar brightness? When you set both to 2.8, again the Tamron was at a higher ISO of 400 and notably brighter, and IMHO, still obviously, clearly, sharper than the Samyang near the center.

[@blackparabellum]

Have you seen the Blazar emount cinema autofocus lenses?

[@ArthurR]

Yes, its an exciting release. I dont know if ill get them in for review at the moment.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

They are obviously making great glass, at sensible prices- even though you don't know what the recommended price is ? Tbh, have no idea how the manufacturer expects to sell these when it can't provide you with a price & the lens as appears not to be commercially available?? Will have a look at the usual larger outlets, however don't expect this, as is the case with many less "mainstream" to sell in large numbers. Tbh, the issues you found with your copy are of little concern to me, am not a pixel peeper & this- apparently, is an excellent value for money compared with the GM offering.

[@PaulDavidPhotography]

Man, what is going on? I'd love to pick this up due to its superior focus breathing over the G Master 35 1.4, but I can't find it anywhere??? This feels like a prolonged April Fool's joke or something lol Anyway, thanks for the video!

[@marc_likes_marketing]

Great review, but I find 35mm to be such a boring focal length. I guess it’s good if you can only pack one prime for a day out (decent for portraits/wide enough for landscapes).

[@mavfan1]

Only boring if you shoot boring subjects.

[@marc_likes_marketing]

@ that’s fair. To each is own. I prefer ultra wide or crazy compression.

[@ayamotoadventures]

Never buying anything from Samyang again. I have 135 1.8 and 35 1.8. After new firmware on my Sony cameras both lenses AF stoped working. I NEVER experienced this with any kind of brand ( Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Laowa ) that AF become unusable ( it is pulsing all the time )..complete joke and disgrace. They force you tu buy dock for 80E so you can update the lenses. Also, the quality control is terrible. 138 mm focus ring is changing resistance and feels like it is gong to fall off every second. The buttons are terrible and plastic build material is horrendous.

[@grandegulo]

В гостях у сказки. Но интересно. )

[@kh1188ish]

So we can’t buy it, can’t find specs, don’t know the price. Great pictures and video but this is the oddest review I’ve seen this year.

[@ArthurR]

Apparently the US distribution will begin in January. Price is $649US, and specs are here: www.lksamyang.com/en/about/notice-view.php?seq=1723