Two new beautiful optics for Canon and Sony in the Samyang hood
A new high-end PRIMA series in Sony E mount
The new AF 35mm F1.4 P FE therefore opens a new series at Samyang called Prima, in reference to the Latin word which means “first” and “important”. A name that positions this series at the top of the range. This new fixed focal length is available in Sony E-mount and covers the 24×36 mm sensor format. Mounted on a Sony APS-C hybrid, it is equivalent to 52.5 mm (conversion coefficient of 1.5x). This focal length is therefore designed primarily for reporting, but can also be suitable for portrait, landscape and street photography, for example.
The new Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 P FE. © Samyang
It is an ultra-bright lens which offers a maximum aperture of F1.4 ensured by a 9-blade diaphragm and therefore very interesting possibilities in terms of depth of field, bokeh or even photography in low light conditions (at night or indoors for example). The manufacturer relies on an optical formula composed of 12 elements divided into 10 groups with 5 special elements (3 aspherical lenses, 1 high refraction glass and 1 very low dispersion ED glass).
Photo taken with the new Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 P FE. © Samyang
On the autofocus side, we find a step-by-step linear STM motor adapted to photo and video use and compatible with Sony hybrid subject recognition and tracking technologies. The minimum focusing distance is 30 cm and the lens design limits the phenomenon of “focus breathing”.
In terms of ergonomics, Samyang chooses sobriety with a refined design. The lens' only control is its large manual focus ring. There is a weather-protected construction and a USB-C port for possible firmware updates. Given its characteristics, the lens is compact and light: a weight of 470 grams and a length of less than 10 cm.
Samyang arrives in Canon mount with a 12mm F2
After Sigma And Tamronhere is Samyang launching on the Canon RF hybrid mount but only in APS-C. The Samyang AF 12mm F2, already available in Sony E and Fujifilm X mount, arrives in Canon RF-S mount.
The new Samyang AF 12mm F2 RF-S. © Samyang
Its construction is based on an optical formula of 12 lenses divided into 10 groups. The minimum focusing distance is 20 cm and the diaphragm has seven blades. The optics are also tropicalized and will not fear (too much) splashes of water and dust. This 12 mm, which corresponds to a 19.2 mm in 24×36 equivalent (conversion coefficient of 1.6X at Canon), is therefore a very wide-angle lens. It will be useful for photographers who love architecture or landscape photos.
Availability and prices
The new Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 P FE will be available in mid-December and priced at 599 euros. The new Samyang AF 12mm F2 RF-S will also be available in mid-December and is priced at 429 euros.
First opinion
The arrival of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE is good news for Sony hybrid users. This model replaces the 2017 model and is more compact, lighter and even less expensive! If the optical performance is there, the models Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM And Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art have things to worry about. Logically, other models in the Prima range should see the light of day in 2025. Finally, with regard to the Samyang AF 12mm F2 RF-S, users of Canon hybrids will find in this lens the widest fixed focal length available to date in RF-S mount all manufacturers combined.
