So we have a new 35mm f/1.8 lens on the block. The lens is a super compact. Its weight is approximately 216 g, and it’s perfect for compact bodies like the Sony ZV-E10, E-1, or the Sony A7C series. Although you can use it for photography, those who prefer a 35mm format on a budget find options a bit costly. Even the version of the 35mm f/1.4 is going to cost you approximately 699, and Sigma is also costly. But again, you do have an option from VILTROX in the market, that is 35mm f/1.8, which is available at approximately 379. So, overall, at the end, Samyang has made 35mm more and more affordable at $265. It all depends on the type—if you want a bit more affordable, then obviously the Samyang is the best prime. Other than that, a lot of other options are already available with different form factors, apertures, and price ranges.
Compared to the bigger, brighter AF 35mm F1.4 P FE (which tips the scales at 470g), the new F1.8 version is a svelte 216g and just 72mm long. That’s the kind of size that slips into a jacket pocket or pairs perfectly with the Sony α7C series or ZV-E bodies without making you regret leaving the house.
Price Comparison Table
LK Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE (B&H Store) vs Other Third-Party AF 35mm Primes for Sony FE (as of late March 2026)
Here’s the no-fluff, real-world breakdown every photographer actually cares about. Prices are current US street prices from major retailers (B&H, Amazon, official sites). Note: No major third-party brand currently makes an exact AF 35mm f/1.5 FE lens — the closest realistic competitors are f/1.4 (brighter but bigger/heavier) and f/1.8 models. The new LK Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is the clear value king in the “actually carry it every day” category.
| Lens Model | Max Aperture | Weight | Length | Approx. Price (USD) | Why It Matters / X-Factor vs New Samyang P |
| LK Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE (New Prima) | f/1.8 | 216 g | 72 mm | $265 | The winner for most people. Lightest, cheapest, weather-sealed, modern STM II AF, USB-C firmware, and still sharp with great flare control. Built to be your daily walkaround lens. |
| Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE II | f/1.4 | 659 g | 115 mm | $699 | Brighter aperture for more subject separation and low light, but over 3× heavier and 60% more expensive. Great if you prioritize bokeh over portability. |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | f/1.4 | 640 g | 109 mm | $949–$989 | Premium build and optics that can trade blows with Sony GM glass, but you’re paying nearly 4× the price and carrying triple the weight. Overkill for everyday shooting. |
| Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 FE | f/1.8 | ~340 g | ~82 mm | $379 | Similar aperture and AF, but noticeably heavier and pricier than the new Prima. Solid budget option, yet the Samyang P still beats it on size, weight, and value. |
Bottom Line – Why Recommend the New Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE
- Pure value: At $265 it’s $114–$724 cheaper than every other third-party option while being dramatically lighter and more compact.
- Real-world usability: 216 g means it disappears on an a7C, a7IV, or ZV-E body. The others feel like you’re carrying extra gear.
No compromises on essentials: Weather sealing, 9-blade bokeh, fast/quiet Linear STM II motor, and direct USB-C updates — features you usually pay $400+ more to get.
Stay tuned, the Review is on its way
Press release:
LK SAMYANG Expands Prima Series with the New AF 35mm F1.8 P FE
A Compact Everyday Prime Expanding the Prima Series
Key Message
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- A compact and lightweight 35mm F1.8 prime lens designed for everyday photography and hybrid content creation
- Upgraded optical performance with new XHR optical elements, UMC II coating, and Linear STM II autofocus motor
- Enhanced usability with weather sealing and a USB-C port for direct firmware updates
March 26, 2026 – Republic of Korea – LK SAMYANG, a global optical solutions company with more than 50 years of expertise in optical technology and innovation, today announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers.
The new lens expands the Prima Series lineup following the introduction of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, and the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025.
Built on the philosophy of portability, practicality, and usability, the Prima Series offers creators compact and lightweight prime lenses capable of delivering reliable optical performance for both photography and video creation.
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues this vision by providing a versatile everyday lens that balances image quality, portability, and creative flexibility.
A Versatile 35mm Lens for Everyday Creativity
The 35mm focal length has long been regarded as one of the most versatile perspectives in photography. Its natural angle of view allows creators to capture a wide variety of subjects including street scenes, travel moments, portraits, and cinematic storytelling.
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed as a practical everyday lens that combines a bright aperture with a compact form factor and dependable autofocus performance.
While the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE focuses on maximum brightness and high-end optical performance, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE offers a lighter and more compact alternative optimized for everyday shooting, making it an ideal companion for photographers and content creators who prioritize portability without compromising image quality.
Key Features
Compact and Lightweight Design : Made for Everyday Carry
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues the Prima Series philosophy of compact and portable lens design.
With a maximum diameter of Φ69.8mm and a standard 62mm filter size, the lens integrates seamlessly into lightweight shooting setups and is easy to carry throughout the day.
Its compact form pairs particularly well with lightweight full-frame cameras such as the Sony α7C series and ZV-E models, making it an ideal everyday lens for travel, street photography, and hybrid content creation.
Bright F1.8 Aperture with Natural Bokeh : Balanced Performance for Photo and Video
The bright F1.8 aperture provides excellent flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions, allowing creators to shoot confidently in both bright daylight and low-light environments.
A 9-blade rounded aperture produces smooth and natural background blur, enabling expressive subject separation for portraits, lifestyle photography, and cinematic video production.
This balance of brightness and portability makes the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE a practical lens for everyday creative work.
Next-Generation Optical Technology : XHR Element for Higher Performance
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE features an advanced optical construction of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ASP (Aspherical) elements and 2 newly developed XHR elements.
The XHR (Extra High Refractive) lens element is manufactured with higher precision compared to conventional high-refractive index elements, allowing for a more compact optical structure while effectively reducing optical aberrations.
By incorporating XHR elements, the lens achieves improved optical performance while maintaining a thinner and lighter design, delivering sharp resolution and consistent image quality across the entire frame.
Next-Generation Coating Technology : UMC II for Improved Image Clarity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE incorporates UMC II (Ultra Multi Coating II), the next generation of LK SAMYANG’s coating technology.
Compared to the previous coating system, UMC II further suppresses flare and ghosting, ensuring improved contrast and clarity even in challenging lighting environments such as strong backlight or night scenes.
This upgraded coating technology helps deliver cleaner and more vibrant images in real-world shooting conditions.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus : Linear STM II for Hybrid Creators
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is equipped with the next-generation Linear STM II autofocus motor.
Combined with continuously refined firmware algorithms, the Linear STM II system delivers faster, more accurate, and quieter autofocus performance, ensuring smooth focusing transitions for both still photography and video recording.
This improved autofocus system allows creators to capture dynamic scenes with greater precision and stability.
Enhanced Usability for Real-World Shooting : Weather Sealing and USB-C Connectivity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed to perform reliably in real-world shooting environments.
The lens features weather sealing, helping protect it from light rain, dust, and outdoor shooting conditions.
It also includes a USB-C port, enabling users to easily update firmware and customize lens settings directly without the need for a separate lens station.
This convenient connectivity ensures that users can keep their lens up to date while maintaining optimal performance.
Designed for Modern Creators
An LK SAMYANG representative commented:
“The Prima Series was created to offer lenses that creators reach for first. The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE reflects that philosophy by delivering a balanced combination of portability, optical performance, and everyday usability, making it an ideal lens for both photography and video creation.”
Availability
The LK SAMYANG AF 35mm F1.8 P FE will be available for purchase starting late March 2026, with sales gradually launching across global markets through LK SAMYANG’s distribution network and authorized retailers.
The article “The $265 Lens That Just Made Every Other 35mm Feel Fat and Overpriced” was updated 1:04 pm,Saturday, 28 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by thenewcamera.com team | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM to get live news — > DJI Rumors
