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Why I love this versatile Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 FE II

Alyssa Zalabai

Photographer from England

One of the most popular focal lengths for photography is 35mm due to its versatility.
I for one had fallen in love with the first Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 and now,
Samyang had finally released its second version, Samyang AF 35mm f1.4 FE II!

zoom

What do I love about this AF 35mm F1.4 FE II lens?

Well, many, as I've said, it is a versatile lens. First of all, we do video contents on YouTube and this lens is our main appointed videography lens next to Samyang AF 24mm f1.8. Its fast AF paired with our Sony A74's tracking capability is certainly a match made in heaven. We can use it outdoors to show more of our location as well as indoor talking head videos where it's perfect to just place it on a tripod behind our computer table. The weight poses no problem too because we were able to put it on our gimbal with ease.

Next, the main thing I use this lens for is portrait photography, most importantly, indoor painterly photos. Oh, my goodness, I could talk about this all day, I get all worked up when it comes to that! As I have mentioned, I fell in love with the first Samyang 35mm and it’s the very lens that I have discovered the beauty of using artificial light and very posy images. This has explored the corners of my inner creativity and is one of the joys that I have in Portrait photography.

zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3A
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/100 sec
ISO 250
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3A
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/100 sec
ISO 250
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

I do this shoot just inside our home,
so this lens maximises the space
I have available since I don't need to
stand far from my subject.

This is particularly helpful when it comes to
my little models in which I am able to
keep a closer connection with them.

zoom

It’s great for outdoor too! Because of its focal length, I can take full body shots that shows the surrounding and close up, more intimate portraits that's all about my subject. We went out in the City of Liverpool to shoot in a busy street, the place was surrounded by a crowd of people going about their day. My subject can be isolated well enough with this lens’s subtle bokeh.

zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/8000 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/8000 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3A
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/100 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

I am totally impressed with this as when we went inside local shops to shoot indoors with what available light they have, the lens was performing really well such as the AF and overall image quality. And talking about the AF, since we were doing quite a fast pace shoot whereas we are in the middle of the road or inside a busy shopping area,
I was able to quickly grab a shot and go out. This shoot, for example, was indoor, and we were there for about 5 minutes and I got so many shots in such a short time.
Fast AF and quick thinking on composition is a good combination when it comes to photoshoots like this.

zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/100 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/100 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

Why is Samyang AF 35mm f1.4 FE II a better option?

Let's first compare it to the first one, although visually, they look similar apart from the newly added features such as the custom switch and focus hold button as well as the silver ring instead of the red ring, they aren't exactly the same internally.

From my user experience perspective, this lens has a much faster AF, I have used it on 3 Sony bodies, A7RIIIa, A7III, and A74. The chromatic aberration is very well controlled on this one especially when I'm shooting against bright light and I see that it produces a much better image quality.

Amongst all other 35mm available in the market, this is by far the best choice considering its price point and its capabilities. We have made a full review of this lens on our YouTube channel where we have tested it for outdoors, indoors and its autofocus which we have enjoyed so much. This is again, another lens I will be using quite a lot in the future.

zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/1600 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/2500 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 35mm
F1.4 FE II
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M4
DIAPHRAGM F1.4
SPEED 1/1600 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 35mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

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Samyang’s Guide to Achieving the Optimal Angle of View

The perfect spacing and distance are always necessary when shooting all kinds of subjects, including people, to give them a proper relationship with the beautiful space around them. So, what’s the exact distance that helps you best appreciate a work of art, or a photo?

The correct answer is the diagonal length of the full frame of a subject.

표준화각 자료 이미지
표준화각 자료 이미지

The best standpoint from which to appreciate the full view of a subject is the distance of the diagonal length of the subject frame. This wider angle is superior to standing closer at a 50 degree angle to get a more detailed view. This notion of an ideal distance or view point is also applicable in the world of photography.

For still images, keeping a distance equal to the diagonal length of the full image surface is recommended. The full frame sensor of a digital camera is 36 x 24mm and the diagonal length is 43.26mm so any distance close to this number is nearer to the ideal than the currently accepted industry standard of 50mm.

Back when film cameras were common, 45mm was the industry standard and this continued as reflex cameras needed extra space to fit a mirror. However, as mirrorless cameras become more popular again, there has been a need to return to this industry standard…which is the impetus for the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE. With less distortion than a 35mm lens and wider angles than a 55mm lens, the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE is a perfect lens for portraits, landscapes, architecture photography, and pictures of pets.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

[What is Dolly Shot? How to shoot easily]

[What is Dolly shot?]

A dolly shot, also referred to as a tracking shot or trucking shot, is a camera movement technique used by cinematographers to track and follow a subject in motion. To achieve this, the camera is mounted on a device called a "dolly," which facilitates smooth tracking movement. The dolly can move in front of, behind, or alongside the subject, which can be a person, a location, a product, or any other object of focus in the frame. Through this, you can control the emotional distance between the subject and the viewer by highlighting the audiovisual and dramatic effects.

[How to take a Dolly Shot simply by handheld]

Tip. If the moving distance is long, the camera may shake, so please shoot at a focal length between 35 and 100mm.
1. Stand at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject.
2. Set the custom switch to MF and Mode 3 and adjust the focal length to about 100mm.
3. After focusing on the subject, set the aperture to F8~16.
4. Slowly turn the zoom ring to the left (towards the wide-angle end) while using your upper body and arms to move the camera toward your subject.
5. Dolly Shot complete!
※ When shooting from a farther distance from the subject, use a cart or gimbal for more stable shooting.

DSLR / Full Frame
1D X Mark Ⅱ
1D X
1Ds Mark Ⅲ
1Ds
5DsR
5Ds
5D Mark Ⅳ
5D Mark Ⅲ
6D Mark Ⅱ
6D
DSLR / APS-H
1D Mark Ⅲ
1D
Mirrorless / APS-C
M6
M5
M10
M3
M2
DSLR / APS-S
7D Mark Ⅱ
7D
80D
70D
60D
30D
D60
D30
77D (9000D)
760D (8000D / Rebel T6s)
1300D (Kiss X80 / Rebel T6)
1200D (Kiss X70 / Rebel T5)
200D (Kiss X9 / Rebel SL2)
800D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
700D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
100D (Kiss X7 / Rebel SL1)
650D (Kiss X6i / Rebel T4i)
600D (Kiss X5 / Rebel T3i)
550D (Kiss X4 / Rebel T2i)
500D (Kiss X3 / Rebel T1i)
1000D (Kiss F / Rebel XS)
450D (Kiss X2 / Rebel X냐)
DSLR / Full Frame
D850
D5
D810A
D4S
D810
D750
Df
D610
D4
D800
D800E
D600
D3s
D3x
D700
D3
DSLR / APS-C
D7500
D3400
D500
D5600
D7200
D5500
D3300
D7100
D5300
D5200
D7000
D300s
D300
DSLR / Full Frame
Z6
Z7
D810A
D4S
D750
D810A
DSLR / APS-C
D7200
D500
D3300
D5500
D5600
D3400
D7500

* Cameras released within 5 years from 2019 are tested.

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