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

The Samyang 35mm f/1.2 ED AS UMC CS is praised by ePHOTOzine for offering outstanding optical performance at a reasonable price, featuring exceptional center sharpness from f/1.2, smooth manual focusing, and well-controlled CA, distortion, and vignetting. While delivering high-quality images, the manual-focus lens lacks weather sealing, distance scales, and electronic contacts for EXIF data, along with experiencing occasional flare and a loose hood design.

The Samyang 35mm f/1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a highly capable, manual-focus "normal lens" designed for mirrorless APS-C and MFT cameras, providing a natural 52.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view on the tested Fujifilm X-T1. On the positive side, the lens boasts an exceptionally durable all-metal build featuring a perfectly clicking aperture ring and a very smooth, long-throw manual focus ring that allows for precise adjustments. Optically, its ultra-bright f/1.2 maximum aperture provides immense low-light capability for shooting handheld without a tripod, yields an incredibly shallow depth of field for clear subject isolation, and delivers sharp results with minimal to no distortion, ghosting, or chromatic aberration. Conversely, the most prominent drawback of the lens is its lack of auto focus functionality, requiring photographers to rely purely on manual adjustments and camera assists like focus peaking to ensure sharp images. While the physical construction is high-quality, the lens is somewhat heavy at 433 grams and requires a learning curve to accurately hit focus when shooting wide open at f/1.2. Additionally, its standard street price of €419.99 represents a notable investment...

The LensTip review concludes that the Samyang 35 mm f/1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a highly capable, fast manual prime lens designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C and Micro 4/3 sensors. It provides a solid optical compromise given its compact size and affordable price point. On the plus side, the lens boasts excellent image resolution in the center of the frame, a sturdy build quality, practically zero distortion, and well-controlled lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations. Additionally, it performs well against bright light, offers a great price-to-performance ratio, and comes with a favorable 5-year warranty period. However, the compact physical design introduces a few distinct optical compromises. The core drawbacks include weak image quality on the edges of the frame when shot wide open near f/1.2, which only achieves decent resolution once stopped down to f/2.0. LensTip also notes noticeable spherical aberration, severe vignetting, and distinct astigmatism. Furthermore, from a handling perspective, the manual focus ring features a relatively short 120-degree throw that makes precise focusing more challenging, and the physical barrel lacks a useful depth of field scale. Full...

The Rokinon 35mm F/1.2 lens serves as a sharp, manual-focus alternative for Fujifilm photographers seeking enhanced background separation. The reviewer notes that its exceptionally fast aperture delivers a highly noticeable difference in bokeh compared to native options like the Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2. Key strengths include impressive sharpness even when shot wide open, high image quality, and a solid, substantial build quality. The manual focus experience is highlighted as a benefit for specific workflows like boudoir portraiture, where slowing down the shooting process proves advantageous. However, the lens presents several drawbacks, most notably its lack of autofocus and weather sealing, making it less ideal for unpredictable shooting conditions. At $449, the price tag makes it more expensive than both native Fujifilm 35mm alternatives, rendering it a luxury rather than a budget-friendly option. Additionally, the reviewer suggests that current owners of the Fujifilm XF 35mm F/1.4 will likely not see a significant enough difference in image appearance to justify the trade.

The Shutter Journey Singapore Review highlights the Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS as a lightweight, compact, and high-performing prime lens specifically optimized for APS-C mirrorless systems. Tested on an extended street walk from Chinatown to Raffles Place, the reviewer emphasizes that the lens features a solid alloy construction and an ultra-bright F1.2 maximum aperture, making it an excellent choice for low-light photography without compromising shutter speeds. Optically, the inclusion of two aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element ensures exceptional image sharpness even when blown up for large prints. Furthermore, its unique 9-blade round aperture design creates exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh background separation. Despite the high praise, the review points out clear limitations regarding camera compatibility and usability. The major con is that it is a dedicated crop-sensor (CS) lens, meaning it will cause noticeable vignetting if used on full-frame cameras unless the user shoots in auto-crop or APS-C mode. Additionally, it is a strictly manual-focus lens, though the smooth, well-geared focus ring makes tracking subjects relatively easy for photographers comfortable with manual operations. Overall, the editorial...

The Rokinon 35mm f1.2 is a 2016-era manual prime lens that provides excellent image quality, particularly when shot wide open. Reviewer Alwin Kok highlights its outstanding sharpness and great contrast at f1.2, which creates strong subject separation and pleasing, non-distracting background bokeh. Furthermore, the lens shows virtually no obvious chromatic aberration and only minimal corner vignetting. Focusing is smooth with a comfortable 100° throw for precise adjustments, and the aperture ring features definitive clicks. However, the lens suffers from notable design and physical drawbacks. It is physically larger and heavier than newer fast lenses from competitors, weighing 433 grams. Its build relies on high-quality plastic rather than premium metal, a choice intended to keep the weight down but lacking a premium feel. The aperture ring is noticeably stiff and requires extra force to rotate. Additionally, its 38mm minimum focus distance is further away than the 35cm industry standard, making it poorly suited for macro-style photography. Finally, with an average retail price of 349 USD to 499 USD, it is not considered a budget option unless found on a steep discount.