Samyang, also sold under the Rokinon and Bowens brand names, has announced the release of its latest E-mount autofocus lens, the 35mm F1.8 FE.
The lens is the latest in Samyang’s growing ‘Tiny Series,’ featuring a fast aperture in a compact, lightweight design. Samyang says the lens is ‘specifically designed for 3 main targets: street photographers, vloggers and Instagrammers,’ but the reality is this lens would be a nice budget option in any photographer’s arsenal.
The lens is constructed of ten elements in eight groups, including two aspherical lenses and two high-refractive index lenses. It features an aperture range of F1.8 through F22, uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, has a minimum focusing distance of 29cm (.95ft) and is weathersealed against the elements. It also features Samyang’s ‘Custom Switch,’ which makes it possible to control the aperture of the lens using the focus ring.
Samyang says the lens uses an updated version of its Linear STM (stepping motor) autofocus system the should faster, more precise autofocus. The lens measures in at 63.5mm (2.5”) long, 65mm (2.56”) diameter and weighs only 210g (7.4oz).