Rokinon 35mm F 1 2 ED AS UMC CS Review | 54 Data compared

In this review, Alwin Kok evaluates the Rokinon 35mm f1.2 manual lens on Fujifilm X-mount cameras, noting that it delivers excellent image quality despite a few physical drawbacks. The standout pros of this 50mm-equivalent lens are its superb image contrast and pleasing bokeh when shooting wide open at f1.2. It exhibits minimal chromatic aberration and almost no visible vignetting in the corners. Additionally, the focus ring operates smoothly with a comfortable 100° focus throw that allows for precise manual adjustments. Conversely, the lens suffers from several specific cons regarding its physical layout and legacy 2016 design. It is heavier and larger than newer third-party manual lenses, weighing 433 grams with a 62mm filter size. The plastic build quality lacks a premium metal feel, though the reviewer acknowledges this choice balances the weight on the camera body. Other drawbacks include a stiff clicky aperture ring that requires extra force to rotate, and a 38cm minimum focus distance that lags behind the current 35cm industry standard. At an average retail price of $349–$499 USD, Kok concludes that it is a top-tier performer...

The Samyang 35mm f/1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a bright, fully manual lens designed for mirrorless APS-C and MFT cameras, functioning as a "normal lens" with a natural field of view equivalent to roughly 50mm on full frame. In real-world testing on a Fujifilm X-T1, the lens proved to be highly versatile for everyday scenarios like street and product photography, delivering sharp focus and producing minimal to no distortions or lens flares. Built with 9 elements in 7 groups—including two aspherical lenses and an Ultra Multi Coating—its physical construction features a high-quality metal mount, a perfectly clicking aperture ring, and a smooth, long-travel focus ring that enables precise adjustments. The lens's primary advantages include its exceptionally bright f/1.2 open aperture, which provides an immense light reserve for handheld shooting in low light and produces an incredibly shallow depth of field that easily isolates subjects from their backgrounds. Additionally, it shows excellent optical control with a complete absence of noticeable chromatic aberrations. On the downside, the lens is entirely manual and lacks autofocus, meaning sharp results at an open aperture...

The Rokinon 35mm F/1.2 lens is reviewed as a compelling, specialized choice for Fujifilm photographers seeking dramatic background isolation. The primary pros of this lens include its exceptional sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.2, superior image quality, and robust, substantial construction. For portraiture and deliberate photography, its ultra-fast aperture delivers highly noticeable bokeh and background separation that clearly outperforms slower native alternatives like the Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2 R WR. Furthermore, many photographers appreciate how the manual focus design forces them to slow down and be more intentional with their compositions. However, the lens comes with distinct cons that limit its versatility. Because it is strictly a manual focus lens, it is less practical and more prone to missed shots in fast-moving or unpredictable shooting scenarios where autofocus is necessary. Additionally, price is a notable drawback; retailing at $449, it is more expensive than Fujifilm's own 35mm f/2 and f/1.4 lens offerings, making it a luxury purchase rather than a budget alternative. The reviewer concludes that while it is an excellent lens for specific creative needs, it is...

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Samyang 35mm f/1.2 ED AS UMC CS as a high-performance, manual-focus lens, praising its exceptional sharpness even at f/1.2, low distortion, and pleasant bokeh, all within a compact, affordable package. Pros include superior optical quality and robust, well-balanced handling, making it an excellent choice for APS-C mirrorless systems in low-light conditions. Conversely, the review notes cons such as a loose, easily turned bayonet lens hood and the lack of electronic contacts, which prevents camera recording of aperture metadata. Additionally, the absence of a depth-of-field scale may limit users, although the overall performance remains strong for a budget lens.

The Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a compact, lightweight manual-focus prime lens explicitly designed for APS-C crop-sensor mirrorless cameras, though it can run on full-frame systems like the Sony A7 series using an auto-crop mode. Weighing 420 grams and measuring 74mm by 67.5mm, the lens features a solid alloy construction with a smooth, well-geared focusing ring. Its optical layout includes 9 elements in 7 groups, featuring two aspherical glass elements, one extra-low dispersion element, and Samyang's Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) to suppress flare and ghosting. Built with a 62mm front filter thread, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 38cm and was released for Sony E, Micro Four Thirds (MFT), Fujifilm X, and Canon M mounts. Real-world testing highlights several key performance advantages, particularly its exceptionally bright F1.2 maximum aperture combined with a 9-blade rounded aperture system that creates highly desired, creamy smooth bokeh. Reviewers found the manual focusing process intuitive and fast, noting that the ultra-wide aperture heavily simplifies low-light street photography by maintaining fast shutter speeds without relying on high ISO settings. Images showcase...