Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE § 03 Head to head
Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE vs Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro
Samyang 35mm f/2.8 is 1265 g lighter. Laowa 35mm f/2.8 focuses 12 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE is a 35mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro is a 35mm f/2.8 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE 
Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro?
- 1265 g lighter (85 g vs 1350 g)
- 116 mm shorter (33 mm vs 148.9 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro better than the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE?
- Focuses 12 cm closer (0.23 m vs 0.35 m)
- More aperture blades (15 vs 7)
- Newer design (2025 vs 2017)
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Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE has the edge: it is 1265 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE has the edge: it is 1265 g lighter to carry.
- macro For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.23 m.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE | Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Wide-angle prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 85 g (0.19 lbs) ◆ | 1350 g |
| Dimensions | 61.8 mm (diameter) x 33 mm (length) | 148.9 x 104.9 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.35 m (13.78 in) | 0.228 m ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 15 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 7 elements in 6 groups | 14 elements / 12 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm G, L-Mount |
| Released | 2017 | 2025 |
| Price | — | $1,249 launch price |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Venus
- 33 × 61.8 mm
- 148.9 × 104.9 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro is 116 mm longer and 1265 g heavier than the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE.
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Sample frames
Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE or the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro?
- The Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE weighs 85 g, 1265 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro (1350 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE or the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro focuses down to 0.23 m, against 0.35 m for the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE.
- Do the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE and the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro 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 F2.8 FE or the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE has the edge: it is 1265 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE or the Venus Optics LAOWA 35 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt Shift 0.5x Macro better for travel?
- For travel, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE has the edge: it is 1265 g lighter to carry.
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