Samyang 35/2.8

[iiiNelson]

Anther AF 35/2.8 was announced. There are a few hands-on previews online by some testers. The price seems competitive for those getting into the system and want native glass. If the optical performance is comparable to the Sony Zeiss then I think they have the price for this just about right. I owned the 35/2.8 and it wasn't a bad lens but the performance just didn't match the price but I admittedly am picky about the look of a lens. Either I like it or I don't and with the Sony Zeiss 35/2.8 (or 24-70/4) I did not for the price. At $3-400 it's a solid purchase and in line with the Sony 28 (which is better than the Sony Zeiss 35/2.8 IMO).

http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/samyang-just-announced-new-35mm-f2-8-fe-af-lens/

 

[Vivek]

I do agree that the Sony 28/2 is much better than the Zony 35/2.8. The blue label costs the buyer a lot.

However, as pointed out by "Mistral" in the link you posted (well that thread appears on the sonyrumors), the Zony would easily outperform the Samyang.

I don't get the cluelessness of Samyang to come up with inferior lenses of exact FL that already exists in a fledgling system that lacks lenses. I do wish they fail miserably so that they smarten up.

 

[iiiNelson]

I do agree that the Sony 28/2 is much better than the Zony 35/2.8. The blue label costs the buyer a lot.

However, as pointed out by "Mistral" in the link you posted (well that thread appears on the sonyrumors), the Zony would easily outperform the Samyang.

I don't get the cluelessness of Samyang to come up with inferior lenses of exact FL that already exists in a fledgling system that lacks lenses. I do wish they fail miserably so that they smarten up.

Theres a market for the Samyang lenses if you're on a budget. Think about those buying generation 1 A7 or for a starter camera. While I agree that there are better lenses there's not a cheap AF lens besides this. You have inexpensive 28, 50, and 85.

 

[Vivek]

That 50 is useless (AF) on gen1 A7 cams.

We need a Mk II of the FE 50/1.8 that would.

 

[iiiNelson]

That 50 is useless (AF) on gen1 A7 cams.

We need a Mk II of the FE 50/1.8 that would.

I wouldn't know. Never used it. I still have the 55/1.8 and it's great.

 

[Vivek]

I know. I owned it briefly before returning it in disgust. What is the point in buying a new A7 for €765 (lowest current price i found) when the Zony 55/1.8 lens is more expensive than that?

Oddly, none of the 3rd party Samyang, Sigma, Tamron, etc, can come up with a decent affordable standard prime either!

 

[ggibson]

The $650 I paid for my second-hand 55/1.8 was worth every penny. That lens is a beaut.

As for this Samyang, I agree it's too bad they release what is essentially the same lens as one we already have. A used Zeiss 35/2.8 is probably only $450-500. I must imagine there's been some sample variation on the Zeiss, since I've heard both praise and criticism for that lens' performance. In any case, I opted for the Sony 28/2 and I'm quite happy with the performance on my A7rII.

 

[Vivek]

I bought a new Zony 55/1.8 for 620Euros after finding out that Sony was selling it for <$550 in Japan. They sell it way overpriced outside of Japan.

My Zony 35/2.8 was bought used (good sample). It works great on my NEX-5NM (monochrome). :thumbs:

 

[iiiNelson]

The $650 I paid for my second-hand 55/1.8 was worth every penny. That lens is a beaut.

As for this Samyang, I agree it's too bad they release what is essentially the same lens as one we already have. A used Zeiss 35/2.8 is probably only $450-500. I must imagine there's been some sample variation on the Zeiss, since I've heard both praise and criticism for that lens' performance. In any case, I opted for the Sony 28/2 and I'm quite happy with the performance on my A7rII.

Sample variation may be a reason but I also think it's more than likely expectation variation. I heard universal praise for the lens early on but I assume that was from people not used to having great glass. I was coming from a 35 Summocron v5 and that's where the bar was set... it's nowhere near that lens in performance. The 55/1.8 was comparable to the 50 Lux in optical quality though it's more sterile.

oh and I bought the 55FE new for $900 from a local dealer and have to say it was very much worth the $1k they charge MSRP. I mean the performance isn't far off from the Otus version and that lens cost 4x the price.