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Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£470Lens mount:Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four ThirdsMaximum focal length:35 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):1.5Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:63.1 °

Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Score components

80%

7.5

Technical score

20%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 85% of camera-lenses
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

35%

9.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

8.9

Build & Handling

20%

6.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–²Better than 86% of camera-lenses
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

9.3

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on 92 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 50% of camera-lenses
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

35%

9.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

8.9

Build & Handling

20%

6.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

7.5
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

9.3

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on 92 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Popularity:
Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is lower than 63.9% of camera lenses.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

60%

7.7

Overall score

40%

8.0

Price

7.8
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
77 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
35 mm
Maximum focal length
35 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
63.1 °
Minimum angle of view
63.1 °
Show more
Focus motor
N/A
Minimum focus distance
0.3 m
Minimum focus distance
0.3 m
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.3 m, which is closer than 48.3% of camera lenses and equal to 7.9% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.15xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.15x
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.15x, which is lower than 64.3% of camera lenses and equal to 7.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
789 g
Weight
789 g
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 789 g, which is heavier than 74.3% of camera lenses.
Lens length
111.5 mm
Lens length
111.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 111.5 mm long, which is longer than 67.7% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.5% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
84 mm
Lens diameter
84 mm
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 84 mm, which is wider than 69.5% of camera lenses and equal to that of 2.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 1.3 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.5
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.5 vs 2.8
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    De-clicked aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    De-clickable aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This camera lens has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.3% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    De-clickable aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2020
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    August 2020
    2020 vs 2016
  • 12.8% better value for money
    Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.77 vs 6.9).
    7.77 vs 6.89
  • 12.8% better value for money
    Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.77 vs 6.9).
    7.77 vs 6.89
  • 1.3 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.5
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.5 vs 2.8
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    De-clicked aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    De-clickable aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This camera lens has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.3% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    De-clickable aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2020
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    August 2020
    2020 vs 2016
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 279 g heavier
    Weight
    789 g
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (789 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    789 g vs 510 g
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 19.25 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    111.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (111.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    111.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 7 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    84 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    84 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.04 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.15 x
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.15 x vs 0.192 x
  • 18.8% less popular
    Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 is less popular than the average camera lens (6.13 vs 7.3).
    6.13 vs 7.29
  • 18.8% less popular
    Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2 is less popular than the average camera lens (6.13 vs 7.3).
    6.13 vs 7.29
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 0.04 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.15 x
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.15 x vs 0.192 x
  • 279 g heavier
    Weight
    789 g
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (789 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    789 g vs 510 g
  • 19.25 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    111.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (111.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    111.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 7 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    84 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    84 mm vs 77 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

Based on 92 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2

  • High value for money, often described as an excellent budget-friendly cine lens
  • Fast T1.5 aperture allows for strong low-light performance and shallow depth of field
  • Updated MK2 design includes weather-sealing and dual-side markings for better usability on set
  • Improved 9-blade iris produces smooth, circular bokeh and cleaner 18-ray starbursts
  • Consistent gear placement across the MK2 line allows for quick lens swaps without repositioning follow-focus systems
  • Full-frame coverage makes it versatile for various camera systems, including Sony E, Canon EF/RF, and MFT

What we don't like about Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1 5 MK2

  • Softness when shooting wide open at T1.5; requires stopping down (e.g., to T2.8) for maximum sharpness
  • Reports of chromatic aberration being a notable issue, particularly at wider apertures
  • Potential for misaligned focus scales or issues with accurate infinity focus
  • Construction uses some plastic materials, though generally considered durable and well-built for its price
  • Noticeable focus breathing, which is typical for lenses in this price category compared to high-end cine primes

Verdict

The Samyang VDSLR 35mm T1.5 MK2 is a budget-friendly, full-frame manual-focus cinema lens designed with a fast T1.5 maximum aperture, 12 optical elements in 10 groups, and a 9-blade rounded iris that provides circular bokeh and 18-ray starburst effects. Optimized for cinematography, it features industry-standard 0.8 MOD geared focus and de-clicked aperture rings unified across the MK2 lineup, a 146° focus throw, dual-side metric/imperial scales, and newly added weather sealing at the camera mount. Main advantages include exceptional low-light performance, sharp cinematic image quality with minimal chromatic aberration, robust build quality suitable for gimbals or drones at 738 grams, and consistent gear positioning for fast lens swaps. However, its primary downsides are a complete lack of autofocus, a lack of built-in optical image stabilization, and potential plastic components in the outer housing that make it less rugged than high-end cinema lenses.

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