Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE review - Image resolution

Have you rated your lenses yet?

Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE

7 May 2021

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Our resolution test (resolution meaning the MTF50 function values) of Sony FE lenses is based on RAW files from the 42.4 Mpix sensor of the Sony A7R II or the Sony A7R III camera. In the case of this kind of detector the decency level we set about 39-41 lpmm and the best fixed focal lenses have been able to exceed 70 lpmm. So far, two Sigma lenses have fared the best: we mean here the A 105 mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro (80.4 lpmm) and the C 65 mm f/2 GD DN (82.7 lpmm).

Let's check how the Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE compares – its results in the frame centre, on edges of the APS-C sensor, and full frame you can find below.

Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE - Image resolution

Please Support Us

If you enjoy our reviews and articles, and you want us to continue our work please, support our website by donating through PayPal. The funds are going to be used for paying our editorial team, renting servers, and equipping our testing studio; only that way we will be able to continue providing you interesting content for free.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - advertisement - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It would be difficult to have any reservations concerning the performance of the Samyang in the frame centre. Even at the maximum relative aperture images are fully useful and their quality improves noticeably on stopping down. The peak of its performance the lens reaches near f/4.0 where it is able to exceed 67 lpmm. It is a very good result even if rather far from record-breaking values. When it comes to the edge of the frame, the resolution leaves a bit to be desired only near the maximum relative aperture. On stopping down the aperture to f/2.0-2.2 images become decent and further stopping down allows us to reach values of 55-60 lpmm.

How does the Samyang AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE compare to its rivals? Let's glance at a graph below.

It's obvious that all lenses with similar parameters, tested by us not so long ago, fare better. Still, differences are hardly dramatic and you should remember that most of these instruments are also distinctly more expensive. After all you can buy the Samyang for $380-$400 and the Sony which is second the cheapest lens in this group, costs about $300 more. In our opinon the Samyang's price/performance ratio makes it a very attractive option nevertheless.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution testing chart, saved as JPEG along RAW files which were used for the analysis above.

A7R III, JPEG, 35 mm, f/1.8