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The Rokinon / Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE is an absolutely tiny full-frame lens built for Sony`s E-Mount. Similar in size and specification to Sony`s own Zeiss 35mm F2.8, the Rokinon is listed at an MSRP of $349 whereas the Sony is listed at $699 at the time of this writing.
So, by virtue of costing half as much as the Sony, does the Rokinon offer merely half the performance? Not exactly. The AF 35mm F2.8 FE may not knock your socks off, but it`s still a solid performer and a great option for budget-oriented E-mount users.
The Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8 FE mounted on a Sony a7R III.
Hold the Rokinon 35mm F2.8 in your hand, and you have to wonder if there`s any glass in it at all. It weighs over an ounce less than the Sony 35mm F2.8, which wasn`t exactly a heavyweight to begin with. It`s also very slightly shorter than its Sony equivalent, though both lenses take 49mm filters and can focus down to 0.35m. Unfortunately, the Rokinon omits the Sony`s claimed weather-sealing, and the lens mount lacks any sort of gasket.
Subjectively, the Rokinon`s plasticky build doesn`t have the premium feel of the Sony (nor would we expect it to at the price), but the construction feels solid. The mount is metal, and the included bayonet mount hood offers a bit of extra protection for the front element. The focus ring is damped enough to prevent accidental turning, but it too suffers an overly plasticky feel.
The Rokinon comes with a compact, bayonet-style hood.
Optical performance is pretty good, even on a 42MP a7R III. It isn`t eye-searingly sharp wide-open, but it`s more than adequate. Bokeh is neither buttery nor overly busy, but out-of-focus highlights take on a cats-eye shape near the edges of the frame, which may or may not be to your taste. Sunstars are ...
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