Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE – Review at Opticallimits: “The resolution is among the best that we have seen in this lens class”

Opticallimits tested the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE lens and concludes:

To be very honest with you – we didn’t have the highest expectations but the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE smashed them – mostly. The resolution is among the best that we have seen in this lens class. It’s already sharp at f/1.4 and downright superb from f/2. Lateral CAs are very moderate, less so LoCAs (Bokeh fringing) albeit that’s still rather normal these days. Distortions are next to non-existent when using image auto-correction but just on a medium level in RAW mode. Vignetting is visible at f/1.4 even with auto-correction (much more so in RAW mode) but not much of an issue beyond. The quality of the bokeh is good but not brilliant. This is not limited to the Samyang though – the Sony/Zeiss FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA is actually worse in this respect.
The build quality is impressive but stays just short of professional-grade expectations. Namely, weather-sealing is absent and the finish doesn’t feel premium. That being said the all-metal construction is solid. The AF speed is fast and it’s near-silent. While the focus ring is very smooth to handle, the actual focusing is a bit on the coarse side in manual (by-wire) mode.
Overall Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE represents an outstanding value and it’s awesome to see that Samyang aims to provide this level of quality in a high-speed lens to a broader audience. Just watch out for sample variations.

Samyang really stepped up the game and  their latest FE lenses are a great choice!

Links to all Samyang/Rokinon FF E-mount AF lenses:
14mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
18mm f/2.8 FE at BHphoto, Adorama.
24mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama. Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
35mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama. Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
35mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Adorama. Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
45mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
50mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
85mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.

E 16-55 G and E 70-350 G OSS review by Mark Galer

Mark Galer:

I make the case that these lenses are great news for owners of the APS-C cameras but also for owners of the R full-frame cameras. These lenses offer a viable alternative to using Full Frame glass, for times when the 7R user wants to travel light (the 70-350 is 1/4 of the weight of the 200-600). This is especially useful for A7RIV owners who don’t always need or want to be shooting 61 megapixel files. The added advantage of shooting action/sports in APS-C mode with the A7RM4 is that the buffer increases to 340 compressed Raw files.

E 16-55mm F2.8 G at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.

Test with the Rokinon T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens for Sony E-mount cameras

On Explora (Click here) you can read a review of a rarely tested lens…the Rokinon T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens for Sony E:

Compared to the 24mm tilt-shift lenses offered by Nikon and Canon, Rokinon’s T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens is nearly identical in size, weight, and tilt-shift abilities. Based on my experience with tilt-shift lenses from each of these companies, I would venture to say Rokinon’s 24mm tilt-shift also comes extremely close to the levels of resolving power one expects from Nikon and Canon lenses. The finish and detail of OEM lenses might best the finish and detail of Rokinon / Samyang / Bower lenses, but at less than half the price, you get a lot of very capable glass for your money.

Engadget says the Sony A6600 is “a rare misstep”

Engadget tested the A6600 and the conclusion isn’t that favorable:

It’s bizarre that Sony didn’t update the sensor over the last model, considering that it’s the world’s leader in sensor technology. The bad rolling shutter was the biggest weakness of the original A6500, and it’s now back to haunt the A6600. In 2019, it has to compete against the X-T3, Z 50, Canon’s M6 II and Panasonic’s GH5, none of which have rolling shutter that’s nearly as noticeable. I also wish it had two faster card slots and more advanced 4K options.

If you’re looking to spend $1,400, I’d get the X-T3 instead, which is a better all around camera. If it’s resolution you need, take a look at Canon’s M6 Mark II which is cheaper ($1,050 with the EVF) and can also shoot faster. If you’re okay with a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, Panasonic’s $1,500 GH5 is still the best video-centric mirrorless camera out there, especially with recent AF firmware updates.

I agree with Steve Dent, the A6600 is surely a highly capable camera but at the moment the Fuji X-T3 has the edge. I do hope Sony will offer a more “serious” contender with improved body design.

Preorders:
Sony A6600 at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
Sony A6100  at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 16-55mm F2.8 G at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.