Samyang Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AF II Lens for Sony E-Mount Review
The Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AF II gives you gorgeous bokeh and great low-light performance for hundreds less than the competition. Just be ready for its weight and average autofocus.
Overview
The Sony Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AF II is a big, bright prime lens for full-frame Sony shooters. It's built for one thing: grabbing a ton of light and creating that classic, creamy background blur. Don't expect a lightweight travel companion, but if you shoot portraits or low-light scenes, this lens has your name on it.
Performance
The f/1.4 aperture is the star here, landing in the 88th percentile. It lets in crazy amounts of light and gives you that pro-level shallow depth of field. Bokeh quality is even better, sitting in the 91st percentile, so your backgrounds will look smooth and dreamy. The autofocus is just okay, though, ranking below average at the 47th percentile. It's not slow, but it's not the snappiest system either, especially in low light.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- That f/1.4 aperture is fantastic for low light and shallow depth of field. 91th
- Bokeh quality is top-tier, making portraits look pro. 88th
- The built-in customizable switch is handy for quick settings changes. 76th
- Full-time manual focus override lets you fine-tune focus anytime. 65th
Cons
- Autofocus performance is just average and can hunt a bit. 5th
- No image stabilization means you need steady hands or a fast shutter.
- It's a chonker at 658g, so it's not a walk-around lens.
- No weather sealing means you're staying indoors on dusty or rainy days.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 35 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 9 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 290 |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.55 |
Value & Pricing
At $699, it's a solid value if you're chasing that f/1.4 look. You're getting pro-level bokeh and aperture performance for hundreds less than the Sony GM or Sigma Art equivalents. The trade-off is in the build and autofocus, which are more mid-tier. If those specs are your top priority, the price makes sense.
vs Competition
Stack it up against the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 or the Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8, and the Samyang's f/1.4 aperture is a clear win for low light and bokeh. But those competitors are lighter, often cheaper, and sometimes have stabilization. Compared to the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, you're saving a lot of money but giving up blistering autofocus, top-tier build quality, and weather sealing. The Samyang sits in a sweet spot: more light gathering than the budget f/1.8 lenses, without the flagship price tag.
| Spec | Samyang Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AF II Lens for Sony E-Mount | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 658 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 676 | 544 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Verdict
Buy this lens if you're a portrait or low-light shooter who wants that beautiful f/1.4 look without spending over a grand. Its weight and lack of stabilization make it a poor choice for travel or video work. But for stills shooters who value light gathering and bokeh above all else, it's a very capable tool.