Samyang Cine V-AF 35mm T1.9 FE Lens (Sony E-Mount)

I purchased the 35mm and 75mm Samyang Cine V-AF lenses, hoping for lightweight, prime, autofocus alternatives to Sony's 24-70 2.8 GM II. But after a side-by-side comparison, I returned the Samyangs.Compared with the Sony lens, the Samyang lenses had dramatically slower autofocus. I had my production partner sit in as an interview subject, and asked her to move her head around as if speaking in an animated way - left, right, forward, backward. With the Samyang lenses, immediately she went out of focus and it took the lens about two seconds (!) to restore focus. But the Sony lens never missed a beat: she stayed in focus constantly. (With both, I had the camera - a Sony FX6, which has a outstanding face-tracking AF - set to the highest AF speed and ... MoreI purchased the 35mm and 75mm Samyang Cine V-AF lenses, hoping for lightweight, prime, autofocus alternatives to Sony's 24-70 2.8 GM II. But after a side-by-side comparison, I returned the Samyangs.Compared with the Sony lens, the Samyang lenses had dramatically slower autofocus. I had my production partner sit in as an interview subject, and asked her to move her head around as if speaking in an animated way - left, right, forward, backward. With the Samyang lenses, immediately she went out of focus and it took the lens about two seconds (!) to restore focus. But the Sony lens never missed a beat: she stayed in focus constantly. (With both, I had the camera - a Sony FX6, which has a outstanding face-tracking AF - set to the highest AF speed and sensitivity.)Also, the Samyang lenses were notably softer, especially outside of the center of the frame. They're also much less contrasty. Of course, neither of those characteristics is inherently negative: with the Samyang, you get a look with character! But for me, that character makes the lens less versatile than the Sony. For example, I can add a Glimmerglass filter to the Sony to soften its tack-sharp edge and reduce a bit of contrast, when the shoot calls for that look. But if I'm filming something that needs to look sharper and less filmic, then I can use it as-is.The Samyang would suit some circumstances, but not all - and right now, working in the field as a one- or two-person crew, without a massive budget, I'm more inclined toward versatile gear.

Two of the biggest drawbacks of this series of lenses are that they have slow autofocus and that they have a weird tally light on the front of the lens (and the side, but that one doesn't confront me as much). This tally light can be helpful with professional talent, but with documentary style shooting, it can be an extra intimidating factor. It also reflects badly on glass or even lightly colored objects (like paper or food labels). Fortunately, both problems can be easily addressed with the inexpensive Samyang Lens Station accessory. Beyond firmware updates for these lenses, which appear to be coming pretty often from Samyang right now, the Lens Station also allows for adjustments to focus speed and the ability to turn off the tally lights.Optically, the V-AF ... MoreTwo of the biggest drawbacks of this series of lenses are that they have slow autofocus and that they have a weird tally light on the front of the lens (and the side, but that one doesn't confront me as much). This tally light can be helpful with professional talent, but with documentary style shooting, it can be an extra intimidating factor. It also reflects badly on glass or even lightly colored objects (like paper or food labels). Fortunately, both problems can be easily addressed with the inexpensive Samyang Lens Station accessory. Beyond firmware updates for these lenses, which appear to be coming pretty often from Samyang right now, the Lens Station also allows for adjustments to focus speed and the ability to turn off the tally lights.Optically, the V-AF lenses do match well in terms of color and performance. They get very sharp around f/4, although I do note a bit of vignetting fully open. They render stuff really nicely with pleasing out of focus areas. But the real selling point is that these lenses are all the exact same size, weight and T-stop. They make gimbal work a lot easier! And being very small and light, they travel like champs.I already own the 75mm and 24mm versions. I will be happily purchasing the 45mm and 20mm as soon as they are available. So, just make sure you have the Lens Station to provide the proper adjustments and updates that these lenses really need.

Purchased for use on DJI Ronin 4D, which worked well with the lens subject to a firmware update. Lens required Samyang Lens Station to make it work for my specific application or to update its own firmware or settings. Both items arrived within one working day.