Samyang XP 35mm F 1 2 Review | 54 Data compared

The Samyang 35mm f1.2 for Fuji X is a manual-focus lens that offers a focal length equivalent to roughly 50mm on full-frame cameras, but it ultimately delivers a mixed user experience. On the positive side, the lens features a solid build that seats firmly into the camera bayonet, and it delivers sharp, correct, and technically sound images once it is stopped down. Additionally, it manages to keep lens flares well under control during shooting. However, the reviewer highlights several prominent cons that serve as "deal-breakers," particularly regarding its handling and wide-open performance. The lens feels quite heavy and possesses a stiff, overly resistant focus ring that hinders smooth manual operation. Optically, shooting at the maximum f1.2 aperture lacks sharpness, fails to create an exciting subject separation, and suffers from a poor transmission value (T-stop) that fails to provide faster shutter speeds. Build quality issues extend to the lens hood, which is made of cheap plastic and constantly falls off. Ultimately, the reviewer finds the lens uninspiring and prefers the native Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 lens, which is sharper wide open and...

The DigitalPHOTO lab review of the Samyang 1:1.2 35mm ED AS UMC CS lens highlights it as a solid, budget-friendly standard lens option for mirrorless cameras, scoring an overall rating of 84.83% and narrowly missing a "Very Good" grade. Priced at 419 Euros, its defining feature is an incredibly bright maximum aperture of f/1.2, which allows for blur-free photography in low-light environments and produces excellent background separation with effective out-of-focus bokeh. Lab testing revealed that the lens achieves its peak optical performance and highest resolution when stopped down to f/5,6, making it a highly versatile tool for a wide array of photographic subjects. The primary advantages listed in the review include its extreme light-gathering capability at f/1.2, a highly versatile 35mm focal length, and an affordable price point that makes it accessible to ambitious beginners. Users can also expect precise manual focusing control thanks to a wide, smooth focus ring. On the downside, the lens is completely manual and lacks any "high-tech" features, meaning there is no autofocus and no image stabilization. Additionally, when shooting wide open at its maximum...

The Samyang XP 35mm f/1.2 is a premium, manual-focus prime lens designed for Canon DSLR cameras that delivers exceptional sharpness and a dreamy, soft bokeh look. Testing under real-world conditions reveals excellent sharpness even at its wide-open f/1.2 setting, with resolution levels boosting to extreme levels when slightly stopped down. The lens offers outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness that significantly outperforms competitors like the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art, while delivering highly accurate, true-to-life colors without any green or purple color casts. Additionally, it features high-quality aluminum construction, a smooth and precise focus ring, electronic aperture control, and an autofocus confirmation chip that helps DSLR users achieve accurate focus by lighting up the chosen focus point. Despite its optical strengths, the lens has notable practical and optical limitations. Weighing a hefty 1,200 grams, it is about 50% to 60% heavier than standard large-aperture 35mm alternatives, which helps stabilize handheld shooting but makes it burdensome to carry. Its entirely manual focus mechanism limits its use to controlled or static shooting environments, rendering it unsuitable for action or sports photography. Optically, the lens exhibits visible...