Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE vs Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 16mm, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE for wide-angle, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $349 vs $649 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 435g (15.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE opens to f/1.4 vs the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 16mm, Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE is 35mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is $349, $300 under the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE.
  • Weight: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 435g (15.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE or the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 16mm, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE for wide-angle, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE?

Choose the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $349 vs $649 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 435g (15.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE?

Choose the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE and the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE?

Aperture: the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE opens to f/1.4 vs the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE
Samyang
$649
Optical Design
Focal Length16mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1011
Optical Groups88
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades79
Rounded ApertureNoYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View107°63°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMSTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance18 cm30 cm
Max Magnification0.18x0.14x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$349$649
Filter Size77mm67mm
Diameter75.5mm78.5mm
Length64.5mm99.5mm
Weight225g (7.9 oz)435g (15.3 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo