Late last week Samyang announced a new version of their successful 35mm f1.4 full frame AF lens for Sony FE. The new AF 35mm F1.4 II is sharper, uses better element materials, and is faster, quieter and smoother to focus with. Thanks to a new STM motor unit that help still and video shooters alike.

It also has a handy customizable focus hold switch and custom function switch on the barrel. This allows for customization of the focus ring to give control over aperture and soon more with firmware updates.

So yeah – pretty cool – look below – there’s a picture!

Key Features:

• Redeveloped 35mm f1.4 AF
• 2x Aspheric elements – 2x High Refractive elements
• 67mm filter
• Weather Sealed
• 645 g – 115x75mm

2nd Generation features

Samyang Optics is renewing its Autofocus lens lineup to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Following their first renewal product, the AF 50mm F1.4 FE II, and now the AF 35mm F1.4 FE II. Lens standards are constantly changing and Samyang is launching this AF 35mm F1.4 FE II lens as the most universal lens of all time. Some may consider that the market is filled with similar focal lengths already, however, Samyang has taken additional steps to innovate.

1. Excellent image performance even at maximum F1.4 aperture with beautiful bokeh
2. Fast, precise, and quiet AF performance
3. Professional control & upgraded reliability

Outstanding resolution with large F/1.4 aperture

The 2 ASP (aspherical) and 2 HR (high refractive) elements in this new AF 35mm F1.4 FE II lens deliver stunning contrast and amazing resolution. Samyang’s advanced coating technology maintains superb image clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions. The corner-to-corner sharpness is maintained even at maximum aperture, so optical performance is consistent at all exposure settings.

Extremely narrow Depth of Field with refined Bokeh

The F1.4 maximum aperture of this new AF 35mm F1.4 FE II lens makes it easier to capture clear images in low light, and amazing out-of-focus images. A 9-blade circular aperture design creates the stunning beautifully blurred background at a narrow depth of field. Its smooth bokeh and blurred background can make subjects stand out in images with deep dimensional impact.

Faster, Precise, Quiet Auto-Focus

Samyang’s Linear Stepping Motor (STM) provides the high-thrust efficiency needed for fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking, thus maximizing the advantages of Sony E-Mount cameras. Compared to the previous 1st generation AF 35mm F1.4 FE, this new 2nd Generation AF 35mm F1.4 FE II is optimized for not only photo shooting, but also video shooting by minimizing vibration and noise. Tracking the subject accurately and quickly, the AF also operates quietly and smoothly when shooting video.

Short Minimum Focal Distance 0.29m (0.95ft)

The minimum focal distance is just 29cm (0.95ft), making the lens even more versatile. It is possible to produce impressive close-ups, even capturing small details, when very close to the subject. With a short minimum focal distance and large aperture, you can get close-ups by highlighting the subject with a smoothly expressed background!

Enhanced Operability

With a customizable Focus & Hold button and Custom Switch this is a lens that meets professional requirements for control and reliability, for both still and video shooters.

Focus & Hold button

Pressing this button on the lens will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. You can assign functions such as Eye AF in settings on the camera body.

Custom Switch

There is a custom switch, which can be set to allow adjustment of the aperture silently, by rotating the focus ring. Using the optional Lens Station, you can set up the mode to suit your own preference*.
• MODE 1 : Operates with focus control function (MF, DMF mode)
• MODE 2 : Operates with aperture control function (AF mode)
(*More functions will be added through firmware updates in the future)

Weather sealing

The lens also has a stylish silver ring, matte finish, and weather-sealing (4 spots) which also protects the lens from light rain, snow, and dust.

Stocking at Photogear

This will be a lens that we will keep in stock at Photogear. The first shipment will be arriving in April.

Shop online: https://photogear.co.nz/shop-by-department/samyang-35mm-f1-4-sony-fe-ii-auto-focus/