Rokinon SP 35mm F 1 2 Review | 54 Data compared

The Samyang XP 35mm f/1.2 is a large, heavy manual-focus DSLR lens designed for full-frame cameras, currently available for the Canon EF mount but adaptable to other systems. Weighing approximately 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) and measuring 117 mm in length, it features a robust optical construction of 12 elements in 10 groups, including two aspherical, three high refractive index, and one extra-low dispersion element. When tested on a full-frame camera (Sony A7RII via adapter), it delivers good central sharpness wide-open at f/1.2, which becomes excellent by f/2, while the corners reach excellent sharpness at f/2.8. On a high-megapixel APS-C camera like the Canon M6, the center remains sharp wide-open, but the corners are slightly soft until stopped down to f/2.8. The lens has a close focusing distance of 34 cm with a 1:5.8 macro magnification ratio, and it stands as one of Samyang's most expensive stills lenses at a price point of around $1420. The review highlights several specific pros and cons regarding the lens's performance and design. On the positive side, it boasts a very good overall build quality,...

📸 Review Summary: Samyang XP 35mm F1.2 Stephan Forstmann's 2018 review highlights the Samyang XP 35mm F1.2 as an exceptionally fast, high-end manual focus prime lens engineered for Canon DSLR cameras. It delivers superb premium craftsmanship, an aluminum body, and an incredibly smooth focus ring. Optically, the lens excels with excellent center sharpness even at wide-open f/1.2, alongside outstanding corner sharpness that easily outclasses competitors like the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art. Furthermore, it renders crisp, true-to-life colors and a dreamy, soft bokeh that provides images with a cinematic and dramatic look, making it a highly versatile tool for portrait, studio, landscape, astro, and food photography. However, the lens comes with notable trade-offs. On the downside, it is entirely manual focus, meaning it requires controlled environments, precise technique, or camera assist features like focus peaking to consistently hit critical focus. Additionally, weighing roughly 1,200 grams, it is around 50–60% heavier than standard f/1.4 or f/1.8 alternatives. Optically, it exhibits some barrel distortion and heavy vignetting when shot wide open at f/1.2—though the vignetting completely clears up by f/2.8—and can show "onion-ring"...

In this product review, photographer Wong Chap Him Timmy evaluates the Samyang XP 35mm F1.2 lens, focusing primarily on its performance during nightscape and astrophotography. The prominent pro highlighted in the review is the exceptionally bright F1.2 fixed aperture, which allows for a shorter exposure time and lower ISO settings. This is highly advantageous for capturing fast-moving night elements like clouds without inducing motion blur. Optically, the reviewer notes that the lens delivers outstanding sharpness in the center frame and controls comatic aberration well at the corners, making it a highly compelling tool for astrophotographers. Conversely, the review notes several significant cons relating to the physical build and optical limits at wide apertures. On a physical level, the reviewer's immediate impression was that the lens is "HUGE" and much heavier than expected, featuring a dark grey rubber focus ring over a matte metallic black body. Optically, shooting at the maximum F1.2 aperture presents inherent challenges, specifically vignetting at the corners and unavoidable chromatic aberration around highlights, such as stars. Despite these optical flaws requiring post-processing corrections for white balance and...

The Rokinon 35mm f1.2 is a manual focus lens that delivers surprisingly excellent image quality, particularly when shooting wide open at f1.2. The reviewer highlights its superb sharpness, strong contrast, and pleasing background bokeh that provides excellent subject separation. Optical flaws are minimal, with virtually no noticeable chromatic aberration or heavy vignetting in the corners. Furthermore, the focus ring operates smoothly with comfortable friction and a 100-degree throw that allows for precise manual adjustments. However, the lens comes with several physical and logistical drawbacks. At 433 grams, it is noticeably larger and heavier than many modern competitor lenses in the same category. The build is primarily high-quality plastic rather than premium metal, a design choice meant to keep the overall weight down. Additionally, the aperture ring is quite stiff and requires extra force to rotate, while its 38cm minimum focus distance falls short of the 35cm standard offered by newer alternatives. Finally, with a standard retail price averaging between 349 USD and 499 USD, it is not considered a budget-friendly option unless purchased during a rare, massive clearance sale.