Review: Samyang AF 35 mm F/1.4 P FE Sony E-mount

I had the opportunity to test and review the Samyang AF 35mm F/1.4 P FE for Sony E-Mount cameras, and I’m seriously impressed!

Samyang is launching a new product line, the Prima series, designed to combine high-end performance with practicality, all while maintaining a compact and lightweight build. The Samyang AF 35mm F/1.4 P FE offers outstanding performance and advanced technology at a reasonable price of €549.

Pioneer of the Samyang Prima series

First impression

For a 35mm F/1.4 lens, this one is impressively portable. At just 470g, it’s the lightest 35mm f/1.4 lens available. Its compact, smooth, and sophisticated design not only looks great but also enhances usability. The patterned rubber focus ring feels great. Plus, with weather sealing, it offers extra protection against water droplets, light rain, snow, and dust. This makes it a reliable choice for street, lifestyle, portrait, and travel photography, even in challenging conditions.

Fast and accurate autofocus

Compared to other Samyang lenses I own, the difference in autofocus performance is immediately noticeable. The autofocus is not only faster and more precise, but also exceptionally silent, making it a great choice for videographers. The Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 P FE features Samyang’s Linear Stepping Motor (STM) technology, which ensures exceptional accuracy and smooth focus transitions, ideal for both photography and video work. I have not experienced any focus breathing during my time using the lens.

In the field

I've tested this lens in a couple of scenario's:

•     Landscape photography

•     Street photography

• Low Light photography

•     Abstract street photography

Landscape

I thought it would be interesting to take this lens out on my landscape shoots to see how this lens would perform. Before going to the office, I drove to the Bussumerheide to enjoy the sunrise and capture the environment. The wide focal length enables me to capture the complete scene and overall shots of the surroundings. What surprised me most actually was the short focussing distance of 0.30m in combination with the sharpness and bokeh at F1.4. This allowed be to capture some beautiful shots of the plants.

Streetphotography

The weather in Amsterdam is finally improving, so I took the chance to test this lens near the Zeedijk. One of the city's oldest streets and neighbourhoods. The Zeedijk was originally built as a seawall to protect the city from flooding. Located in the heart of the city near Chinatown and the Red Light District, it has a fascinating mix of old Amsterdam charm and modern vibrancy. There’s always plenty of activity here, and the lighting is stunning. Using the Samyang AF 35mm F/1.4 P FE, I captured sharp photos with gorgeous bokeh. Its lightweight and compact design made it easy to carry for extended shoots while staying discreet.

Low Light

The Samyang AF 35mm F/1.4 P FE excels in low light. Its fast f/1.4 aperture and responsive autofocus made night photography an absolute pleasure. Focusing was quick and accurate, even in dim conditions. I maintained lower ISOs, minimizing noise and retaining detail. The lens captured vibrant reflections and subtle shadow details, producing clean, sharp images. It's a reliable performer for capturing the city's night-time atmosphere.

Abstract street photography

Abstract street photography is a great way to experiment with motion, light, and creative blur. By adjusting your camera settings, you can create unique and artistic images.

I've really enjoyed experimenting with more abstract street photography, and this lens made it even more fun! By increasing the aperture and lowering the shutter speed to around 1/10th during the day, I was able to capture some uniquely abstract street shots.

How to achieve this:

• Set your camera to manual mode.

• Shutter speed: around 1/10th of a second (change this to experiment)

• Aperture: Decrease it (higher f-number) F/8 of F16 for example to avoid over exposure.

• ISO: Keep it low (ISO 100 to 400) to avoid noise and overexposure.

  
  

Tip: If it’s too bright, use an ND filter or close the aperture slightly (higher f-number).

Find a Dynamic Scene

• Busy streets with people walking, biking, or moving vehicles.

• Bright lights, reflections, or colourful backgrounds to add interest.

• Shadows and silhouettes for a more dramatic effect.

Technical Specs

I’ve included the technical specifications for the tech lovers!

Conclusion

The Samyang AF 35mm F/1.4 P FE is an impressive addition to the brand’s new Prima series, offering high-end performance, portability, and affordability. Its lightweight design, weather sealing, and exceptional autofocus make it a versatile option for various photography styles, from landscapes to street and abstract photography. The lens really delivers with stunning image quality with sharp details, smooth bokeh, and excellent low-light performance.