Rokinon and Samyang have modernized their already modern autofocus Sony full-frame E-mount AF 35mm f/1.4 FE lenses, launching the Rokinon Series II and Samyang Series II versions that add the ability to customize settings, as well as being weather sealed.
Externally, the new lenses feature a two-position “custom switch” that allows the large focus ring to control only aperture or autofocus, which is great for video applications or for those who like to adjust aperture with a lens ring as opposed to a command dial on the camera body. Aside from the new switch, the design of the lenses maintains the modern clean look of their predecessors, helped by the color switch from red to gray of the small accent ring forward of the grippy focus (or aperture selection) ring.
The new Series II lenses are also weather sealed—an important distinction from the original versions which, if they were sealed, did not make mention of this capability. Keeping the 67mm filter size, the Series II lenses have dimensions identical to the originals, but the new custom switch adds half an ounce of weight.
Internally, again, the specs are almost identical. The Series II versions feature UMC coatings and 11 elements in 9 groups, with 2 aspherical and 2 high refractive elements shining through a rounded 9-blade aperture diaphragm. Additionally, images are sharpened with the near-silent Linear STM autofocus motor. Finally, the minimum focus distance has changed by a millimeter and the magnification by one-hundredth.
The new AF 35mm f/1.4 FE Series II lenses from Rokinon and Samyang give both full-frame and APS-C Sony E-mount photographers a classic travel and street photography focal length, now with a versatile customization switch for a more intuitive shooting experience.
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