§ 03 Head to head

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

Samyang 35mm f/1.8 is 130 g lighter. Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 has a smaller filter thread.

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 FE / Z 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 FE / Z?

  • 130 g lighter (210 g vs 340 g)
  • 25 mm shorter (63.5 mm vs 88.2 mm long)
  • Focuses 11 cm closer (0.29 m vs 0.4 m)

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

  • Smaller filter thread (55 mm vs 58 mm)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • street For street photography, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 130 g lighter to carry.
  • travel For travel, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 130 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSamyang AF 35mm F1.8 FEViltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z
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) ◆340 g
Dimensions65 mm (diameter) x 63.5 mm (length) 70 x 88.2 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.29 m (11.4 in) ◆0.4 m (15.75 inches)
Maximum magnification0.17x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes —
Aperture ringNo —
Aperture blades9 (rounded) 9
Optical construction10 elements in 8 groups 10 elements / 8 groups
Filter size58 mm 55 mm ◆
Lens mountSony E Sony E, Nikon Z
Released2020 2020
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Samyang
  • B · Viltrox
  • 63.5 × 65 mm
  • 88.2 × 70 mm

The Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z is 25 mm longer and 130 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 FE / Z

Z72_3606
Z72_3606 by C. Yushta
Birdland Theater
Birdland Theater by Amir Selmanovic
Tiki Bar
Tiki Bar by RSJake
Angry Sky June 26 2026b
Angry Sky June 26 2026b by RSJake
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 FE / Z review 1
Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z?
The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE weighs 210 g, 130 g less than the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z (340 g).
Which focuses closer, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z?
The Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE focuses down to 0.29 m, against 0.4 m for the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z.
Do the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE and the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z 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 FE / Z better for street photography?
For street photography, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 130 g lighter to carry.
Is the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE or the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 FE / Z better for travel?
For travel, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE has the edge: it is 130 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons