Samyang 35mm 1.8 vs 1.4 (first one)

Harbinger_Gr · Aug 21, 2022

Im in the market for a 35mm and can't really justify/afford the sony 35mm so I'm looking at 3rd party alternatives and the samyangs cought my eye. For some strange reason the 35 1.4 (af) is at like 320 euros where I live while the 1.8 is 330. So lets say same price.

Given the price equality, which one would you go for? Lens will be used for weddings and social events, 80% for photos and 20% for videos.

QuietOC · Aug 21, 2022

For weddings the F1.4 has nicer looking rendering. I compared it directly with both F1.8s and the old Sony A-mount 35mm F1.4 G (a rebadged Minolta). I was quite impressed with it.

The F1.8 is ok. I'd recommend it over the Sony F1.8, although the Sony has some character that you might like.

Harbinger_Gr · Aug 21, 2022

QuietOC said:
For weddings the F1.4 has nicer looking rendering. I compared it directly with both F1.8s and the old Sony A-mount 35mm F1.4 G (a rebadged Minolta). I was quite impressed with it.

The F1.8 is ok. I'd recommend it over the Sony F1.8, although the Sony has some character that you might like.

So, besides size and weight and given the same price, why is there another reason to pick the 1.8?

Nokiron · Aug 21, 2022

The first version of their 35 1.4 has terrible autofocus which was never fixed.

For weddings and social events, it's a really bad choice.

Rol Lei Nut · Aug 21, 2022

Harbinger_Gr said:
QuietOC said:

For weddings the F1.4 has nicer looking rendering. I compared it directly with both F1.8s and the old Sony A-mount 35mm F1.4 G (a rebadged Minolta). I was quite impressed with it.

The F1.8 is ok. I'd recommend it over the Sony F1.8, although the Sony has some character that you might like.

Click to expand...

So, besides size and weight and given the same price, why is there another reason to pick the 1.8?

Mainly because it's a very nice lens (at least my apparently good sample is): after I had it a while, I happily sold my Zeiss Loxia 35 2.0.

The focusing ring which can be switched to function as a diaphragm ring instead can be useful.

The size and, especially, the very light weight are a big deal for my use.

sportyaccordy · Aug 21, 2022

Mentioning the Samyang 35 1.4 1G gives me PTSD. I got 2 bad copies (unfixable AF back/front focus). Samyang 35 1.8 on the other had has been flawless. TL;DR get the 1.8.

ahaslett · Aug 21, 2022

There is copy variation on the Samyang 35/1.8 and I drew the short straw. First copy DOA and second likely a return due to within spec but lesser IQ. I had hoped to use it on an A7R as a small kit, alongside a 55/1.8. Sadly it has terrible shutter shock. Works fine on an R4.

A more promising option is the Sigma 35/2.

My 35/1.4 is an adapted Tamron. Nice lens but a whopper.

Andrew

QuietOC · Aug 21, 2022

Harbinger_Gr said:
QuietOC said:

For weddings the F1.4 has nicer looking rendering. I compared it directly with both F1.8s and the old Sony A-mount 35mm F1.4 G (a rebadged Minolta). I was quite impressed with it.

The F1.8 is ok. I'd recommend it over the Sony F1.8, although the Sony has some character that you might like.

Click to expand...

So, besides size and weight and given the same price, why is there another reason to pick the 1.8?

The F1.8 might focus somewhat faster. The F1.4 focused fine for me. I do have a dock, and I updated the firmwares.

I have the Sigma 35/2 now. It is a bit nicer than the Samyang F1.8. I returned the F1.4 before I got the Sigma.

msadat · Aug 22, 2022

By the way the optical formula is exactly the same, just upgraded motors and casing

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Samyang 35mm 1.8 vs 1.4 (first one)

Harbinger_Gr

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QuietOC

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Harbinger_Gr

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Nokiron

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Rol Lei Nut

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ahaslett

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