Samyang’s New AF 35mm f/1.8 P FE Lens

credits: Samyang

Samyang’s new AF 35mm f/1.8 P FE prime lens for Sony E-mount is here, and now that the full specs are out (it was first teased at CP+ 2026), it is clear this lens is meant to sit as a smaller, more practical alternative to the faster 35mm f/1.4. It weighs 216 grams and measures 71.5mm in length, making it noticeably more compact. With a 69.8mm diameter and a 62mm filter thread, it is also a better fit for smaller full-frame bodies like Sony’s A7C series.

On the inside, the lens uses a 10-element, 8-group optical design, including two aspherical elements and two XHR (Extra High Refractive) elements. Those XHR elements are there to help control aberrations while keeping the overall size down. Samyang is also using its updated UMC II coating, which is meant to reduce flare and ghosting, especially in more difficult lighting like backlit scenes. The lens has a nine-blade diaphragm, which affects how out-of-focus areas are rendered, although this design seems more focused on balance than creating extreme background blur.

Autofocus is handled by a Linear STM II motor, an updated version of Samyang’s stepping motor, paired with revised control algorithms. The idea is smoother, quieter operation, which should be noticeable for video as well as stills. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.27 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.19x, which is pretty standard for a 35mm lens like this. Controls are kept simple, with a focus ring, an AF/MF switch, and a USB-C port for firmware updates, but no aperture ring or extra function button. There is also basic weather sealing. The lens is set to arrive at the end of April 2026, priced at $300.