Samyang AF 35mm F/2.8 FE

This small, inexpensive prime is perfect for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, says Andy Westlake

- Andy Westlake

Since mirrorless cameras emerged less than a decade ago, the various systems have had mixed fortunes. For example, Samsung’s NX system – the first to feature an APS-C sensor – stuttered along for a few years before bursting into life with the superb NX1, but was then sadly canned less than a year later. The small-sensor Pentax Q has quietly disappeared, while Nikon’s ill-judged 1 system gives every impression of being in its death throes. On the other hand, Sony’s full-frame E-mount Alpha 7 series has been an almost-unqualified success, and recently joined by the revolutionary Alpha 9.

One of the factors that has influenced the acceptance of these nascent systems has been the availability of matched lenses. But while Sony has a broad range of high-end optics capable of keeping up with the demands of its high-resolution Alpha 7R II, it’s relatively short on more affordable lenses at the lower end of the range. Korean lens maker Samyang has spotted this gap in the market and endeavoured to fill it in. The AF 35mm f/2.8 FE is its third lens specifically designed for full-frame mirrorless, following on from the AF 14mm f/2.8 FE and the AF 50mm f/1.4 FE – a lens I liked a lot when I reviewed it earlier this year.

Like the 50mm, the AF 35mm f/2.8 FE goes head-to-head with one of Sony’s own lenses in terms of core spec, in this case the Zeissbadged Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA. But the Samyang is somewhat smaller, lighter and, crucially, considerably cheaper at just £280 compared to £680. At this price, frankly it’s an absolute steal.

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