§ 03 Head to head

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE vs Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO

Samyang 35mm f/1.8 is 140 g lighter. Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 has a newer design.

Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE is a 35mm f/1.8 prime, and the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO is a 35mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE better than the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO?

  • 140 g lighter (210 g vs 350 g)
  • 6 mm shorter (63.5 mm vs 69 mm long)
  • Focuses 5 cm closer (0.29 m vs 0.34 m)

Why is the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO better than the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE?

  • Newer design (2026 vs 2020)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • street For street photography, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 140 g lighter to carry.
  • travel For travel, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 140 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

18 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSamyang AF 35mm F1.8 FEViltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO
Focal length35mm 35mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8 f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22 f/16
Lens typeWide-angle prime lens Prime lens
FormatFull Frame Full Frame
Weight210 g (7.4 oz) ◆350 g
Dimensions65 mm (diameter) x 63.5 mm (length) 78 x 69 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.29 m (11.4 in) ◆0.34 m (13.39 inches)
Maximum magnification0.17x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes —
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades9 (rounded) 9
Optical construction10 elements in 8 groups 13 elements / 10 groups
Filter size58 mm 58 mm
Lens mountSony E Sony E, Nikon Z
Released2020 2026
Price—$395 list price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Samyang
  • B · Viltrox
  • 63.5 × 65 mm
  • 69 × 78 mm

The Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO is 5 mm longer and 140 g heavier than the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE

May Lake and Cloud
May Lake and Cloud by borders92109
_DSC4580
_DSC4580 by mariachistatic
DFB04751
DFB04751 by blindasabat101
From the UV painting shoot..
From the UV painting shoot.. by blindasabat101

Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO

Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm
Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm by Ramiot de Prévost, Qc, Can.
Marguerite LEUCANTHEMUM ‘Marconi’
Marguerite LEUCANTHEMUM ‘Marconi’ by Ramiot de Prévost, Qc, Can.
Silver Lining
Silver Lining by niggyl :)
Anémone des Bois
Anémone des Bois by Ramiot de Prévost, Qc, Can.
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE review 1
Video thumbnail for Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE review 2
Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO review 1
Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO?
The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE weighs 210 g, 140 g less than the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO (350 g).
Which focuses closer, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO?
The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE focuses down to 0.29 m, against 0.34 m for the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO.
Do the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE and the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO better for street photography?
For street photography, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 140 g lighter to carry.
Is the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO better for travel?
For travel, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 140 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons