@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
GEAR / 49
Classic prime back in the spotlight Three new lenses hit the market but with very different technologies Hot on the heels of the 35mm f/1.4 Sigma prime comes three new versions at different ends of the price and size scale. Zeiss has the new 35mm f/1.4 in its legendary Otus range of manual focus lenses, while Samyang goes AF with its Prima Series version and Viltrox drops its f/1.8 AF EVO optic. At the high end, the Zeiss Otus ML version is an all-manual lens designed for precision, control and cinematic rendering. Available for Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts, the new 35mm joins the existing 50mm and 85mm lenses. The Zeiss model has a ten-blade iris for smooth bokeh. A Zeiss Distagon optical design, paired with aspherical elements, helps minimise distortion and chromatic aberration, while the signature coating reduces flare and enhances contrast. The manual focus mechanism has a long throw and a de-clickable aperture ring that supports smooth exposure changes for video. It costs £2050. Korean brand Samyang’s 35mm f/1.8 P FE prime is a new addition to the autofocus Prima Series. It builds on the 35mm f/1.4 P FE from 2024, followed by the 16mm f/2.8 and 85mm f/1.8 last year. The £299 35mm has ten elements, including aspherical and XHR elements, while Linear STM II autofocus ensures fast and near-silent focusing. The £385 Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 EVO lens has a 13-element construction and a minimal focus distance of 34cm. zeiss.com lksamyang.com viltrox.com
It is ideal for interviews, storytelling scenes and environmental portraits
Verdict If you’re looking for a fast, reliable prime that can handle everything from high-resolution stills work to documentary video, this is about as close to a default lens as it gets. It’s not the quickest 35mm on the market, but hits the sweet spot for performance, size and price. Features 24/25 No image stabilisation, but has a de-clickable aperture and fast f/1.4 maximum Handling 24/25 Compact and light with customisable AFL function buttons and AF/MF switch Performance 24/25 Sharp, contrasty images right across the frame and at all apertures Value for money 24/25 You’d have to really need or want the f/1.2 version to spend the extra Overall rating 96/100 A fantastically accomplished and fast 35mm prime at a decent price Pros Light and compact lens, fast aperture Cons No Canon or Nikon versions faster, Sigma also offers an f/1.2 version that’s heavier and costs £400 more. The new f/1.4 version is still fast. It’s sharp, light, better-controlled optically and more video-friendly than before. AF is fast, focus breathing is reduced and the overall handling is improved for real-world use. It is a belter, at a great price.
where context matters
storytelling scenes and environmental portraits where context matters. Sigma has clearly focused on correcting the weaknesses that have the biggest impact. Chromatic aberration is also well controlled, even in more high-contrast scenes, while distortion is minimal and easily manageable in post. Flare resistance is improved due to Sigma’s new Advanced Amorphous Coating, which reduces ghosting and maintains contrast in challenging lighting. Vignetting is just visible at f/1.4 but improves quickly when stopping down. In practice, however, plenty of image makers will see this as a stylistic advantage rather than a flaw.
What makes the lens appealing is the combination of its compact size, reduced weight and strong optical performance. It balances on mirrorless bodies nicely, works easily on gimbals and doesn’t demand heavy support rigs for video production. Moreover, its focal length makes it incredibly versatile. A 35mm is often the lens you leave on the camera when you don’t know what’s coming next. It delivers results that feel cinematic without requiring heavy grading or correction in post. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art is a refinement of one of the most important lenses in filmmaking. And if you really feel the need for something
FAST TIMES (From top) The Zeiss Otus ML, Samyang Prima and Viltrox EVO are all new to the market
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