Samyang 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS

03rd November 2016, Singapore – Recently we posted a review of the new Samyang 35mmm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS which is not to be confused with this lens. This review is on Samyang’s new 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS cine lens. Although both are designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors, it is obvious that the T version aka the cine lens was really made for light-thirsty videographers.

Measuring a length of 73.6mm and weights only 430mm, this is probably one of the smallest cine lenses in the market now. The standard focal length of 35mm covers a wide range of genres which means it is versatile for most video needs. Designed for “follow-focus system and an extremely quiet (& smooth) de-clicked focus & aperture gear rings, this is an extremely easy cine lens to use. Like most cine lenses, you get the distance scale meter and the T numbers marked clearly on both sides of the lens – this means instant convenience during filming how nice is that?

 

 

The aperture focus from T1.3 to T16, comes with Samyang’s Ultra Multi Coating. The glasses are arranged in the order of 9 elements in 7 groups which includes 02 aspherical elements, and this T lens starts focusing from 38cm while the front accepts 62mm screw-on filters for more videographic options. The Samyang 35mm T1.3 is compatible with four mirrorless camera mounts namely Sony E, MFT, Fujifilm X and Canon M.

Before we proceed, I would like to (again) share that if you ended up here looking for technical in-depth review, then you are certainly in the wrong place. Over here we are only keen how does the lens performed, the image quality and the ease of use. If you are cool with this, read on.

 

For this review, we decided to pass this cine-lens to a well-known Videographer Patrick Poh of Express-Oh Photography (EOP) and let him have the lens for a weekend. Let’s hear about his experience with the new Samyang 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS cine lens!

============================

Samyang 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS Review
by Patrick Poh (EOP)

Hi Everyone! I am happy to be invited by AL, the Editor for OSJ to review this latest cine-lens from Samyang. As a crossbreed videographer & photographer, I have always heard about Samyang’s lenses and the new Samyang 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS is just great for me to try out due to the commercial assignments that I am doing. However, instead of posting a video that I had done for my client, I decided to make a short clip with this lens so that everyone gets to see what this lens is capable of. (Video below)

Video: Shot using the Samyang 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS

After using the Samyang 35mm T1.3, I felt that the built is very friendly for all videographers of all levels. The Declicked Iris makes the transition of T-Stops superbly smooth or should I say Buttery (wow!). The gearings on the iris & focus ring makes pulling force easy on the focus pull system mechanism. I also like the fact that there are 2 readings available on the lens barrel making it easy for the user to read the distance scale & focus scale be it reading it from the top (for low angle shoot) or from the sides. The lens itself was constructed in a  solid state and definitely made & designed as a workhorse.

On the optical quality, this lens produces a near-zero chromatic aberration even when shooting in back-lighting situation with the aperture wide open, this is just awesome. Personally I like the color reproduction with a hint of “filmsy” feel to it. From the video above, you may also noticed that the bokeh is smooth, really nothing much to complain about. 

However, I would like to share that this lens eventually grows on you. It takes a while for me to get used to this lens, I am talking about the focusing part. For inexperienced users, you might find yourself out of focus with the slightest movement say at T1.4 – however I am sure for the rest of the seasoned videographers, this is easy to overcome. And not forgetting that this is a full manual lens (with the iris on manual too) inexperienced users may takes a while to get used to using this lens.

In summary, I really love the Samyang 35mm T1.3, it is one of the good & affordable cine-lens that you may like to use for shooting video in a leisurely fashion. Sadly, this lens has to be returned to AL, else I would have gladly assign it a slot in my gear bag.
– Patrick Poh (EOP)

Image: Patrick Poh (EOP), Guest Reviewer. 

============================

Editor’s Note: Thank you Patrick for taking time out and providing us with a short clip produced by the new Samyang 35mm T1.3 and sharing his thoughts about this cine-lens. As Samyang is releasing more & more lenses for both photographic & cinematic applications, the consumers is no doubt smiling. These days when we think about image quality and easy for the wallet – think Samyang.

OK Guys, Buy your Samyang 35mm T1.3 ED AS UMC CS here.

=========================
About Ourshutterjourney.com
=========================