Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II vs Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II is 50mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 280g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 419g (14.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.24x magnification vs 0.15x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II is 50mm, Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 280g (9.9 oz) vs 419g (14.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II or the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II is 50mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II?
Choose the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 280g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 419g (14.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.24x magnification vs 0.15x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 47° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 22 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.24x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 72.2mm | 73mm |
| Length | 73.3mm | 73.7mm |
| Weight | 419g (14.8 oz) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
