Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC Manual Lens for Canon EF-Mount (77)

Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC: manual-focus wide-angle built for Canon EF

A 35mm f/1.4 prime on full-frame gives you a field of view that works equally well for environmental portraits and wide street scenes. On APS-C bodies, the 56mm equivalent focal length lands in classic portrait territory. Either way, the f/1.4 maximum aperture pulls in enough light to shoot in dim venues without pushing ISO to uncomfortable levels, and it gives you real control over subject isolation at close distances.

The optical formula runs 12 elements in 10 groups, with two high-refraction glass elements and one aspherical element working to reduce spherical aberration and keep off-axis sharpness in check. UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating) cuts flare and ghosting when you're shooting toward light sources. The minimum focus distance of 0.30m gives you flexibility for tighter work, and the lens includes both a distance scale and a depth-of-field scale, useful for zone focusing or working with video follow-focus systems.

This is a fully manual lens with an aperture ring, which means no electronic communication with the camera body for autofocus or EXIF aperture data. For shooters who prefer deliberate, hands-on control, that's a feature. At 660g with a 77mm filter thread, it's a substantial but manageable piece of glass that fits a proven system at a price that leaves room in the budget for the shots themselves.

Who It's For

Street and documentary photographers who work slowly and deliberately will appreciate the distance scale and smooth manual focus ring for zone focusing in unpredictable situations. Landscape shooters get a wide 35mm angle of view on full-frame, and f/22 for maximal depth of field when needed. Portrait photographers using APS-C bodies get a 56mm equivalent with f/1.4 for subject separation without going full telephoto. Video cinematographers benefit from the aperture ring and focus scale, which integrate cleanly with follow-focus rigs and allow iris pulls without hunting autofocus systems interfering.

Key Features

• 35mm f/1.4 prime with fully manual focus and no autofocus
• 12 elements in 10 groups with aspherical element and high-refraction glass
• UMC coating reduces flare and ghosting in backlit scenes
• 0.30m minimum focus distance with distance and DOF scales
• 56mm equivalent on APS-C, standard wide-angle on full-frame
• 77mm filter thread, 660g weight, Canon EF mount

FAQ

Does this lens autofocus on Canon EF bodies?

No, it's fully manual focus. There's no electronic communication with the camera body, so no autofocus and no automatic EXIF aperture data. The distance scale and depth-of-field scale built into the barrel make zone focusing and follow-focus work straightforward.

What's the field of view on an APS-C camera?

56mm equivalent focal length, which puts you in classic short-telephoto portrait territory rather than the wider 35mm perspective you get on full-frame.

How close can you focus with this lens?

Minimum focus distance is 0.30m (11.81 inches), giving you real flexibility for closer work and environmental portraiture.

What does the AS UMC designation mean?

AS refers to the aspherical element that reduces spherical aberration and improves off-axis sharpness. UMC is Samyang's Ultra Multi-Coating, which suppresses flare and ghosting when shooting toward light sources.

Is this lens heavy for a 35mm prime?

At 660g, it's substantial but manageable. The 77mm filter thread and 12-element construction account for the weight.

Can you use this for video work?

The distance scale and depth-of-field scale support follow-focus operation. Since there's no autofocus, you'll need manual focus pulling, which this lens is built for.