| Image: LK Samyang |
LK Samyang has announced the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to its “Prima” series of lenses, which are designed to be accessible to people starting out in photography or videography.
The full-frame prime weighs 216g (7.6oz) and is around 72mm (2.8″) long, making it noticeably lighter and smaller than the company’s 35mm F1.4 Prima lens, which comes in at 470g (16.6oz) and 99mm (3.9″), respectively. The company says its larger lens is focused on “maximum brightness and high-end optical performance,” while the F1.8 version “offers a lighter and more compact alternative optimized for everyday shooting.” Features-wise, the lens is Spartan; its only controls are a focus ring and an AF/MF switch, though there’s also a USB-C port on the bottom for firmware updates.
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| There’s not a ton to the lens, but it has the basics, plus a few extras like weather sealing. The knurling on the focus ring also seems quite nice. Photo: LK Samyang |
Samyang says the lens also features weather sealing, which should offer some peace of mind if you’re out shooting and conditions deteriorate. The lens is threaded for 62mm filters.
The 35mm F1.8 P FE has 10 elements in 8 groups, with two aspherical lenses and two “XHR” (Extra High Refractive) elements. The company also says the lens has a coating to reduce flare and ghosting. It has a nine-bladed aperture.
The lens’s autofocus system is powered by an STM motor, which the company says will provide quick, quiet focusing for both stills and video. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.27m (10.6″), good for 0.19x magification.
While there’s no shortage of autofocus 35mm F1.8 lenses for E-mount, it’s still nice to see new ones hitting the market, especially since the previous Samyang/Rokinon offering has received relatively mixed reviews for autofocus performance.
The lens will be available for Sony E-mount cameras starting in “late March.” While LK Samyang is a member of the L-Mount Alliance, there’s no word on whether this lens will come to that mount.
Press release:
LK SAMYANG Expands Prima Series with the New AF 35mm F1.8 P FE
A Compact Everyday Prime Expanding the Prima Series
Key Message
- A compact and lightweight 35mm F1.8 prime lens designed for everyday photography and hybrid content creation
- Upgraded optical performance with new XHR optical elements, UMC II coating, and Linear STM II autofocus motor
- Enhanced usability with weather sealing and a USB-C port for direct firmware updates
March 26, 2026 – Republic of Korea – LK SAMYANG, a global optical solutions company with more than 50 years of expertise in optical technology and innovation, today announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers.
The new lens expands the Prima Series lineup following the introduction of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, and the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025.
Built on the philosophy of portability, practicality, and usability, the Prima Series offers creators compact and lightweight prime lenses capable of delivering reliable optical performance for both photography and video creation.
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues this vision by providing a versatile everyday lens that balances image quality, portability, and creative flexibility.
A Versatile 35mm Lens for Everyday Creativity
The 35mm focal length has long been regarded as one of the most versatile perspectives in photography. Its natural angle of view allows creators to capture a wide variety of subjects including street scenes, travel moments, portraits, and cinematic storytelling.
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed as a practical everyday lens that combines a bright aperture with a compact form factor and dependable autofocus performance.
While the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE focuses on maximum brightness and high-end optical performance, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE offers a lighter and more compact alternative optimized for everyday shooting, making it an ideal companion for photographers and content creators who prioritize portability without compromising image quality.
Key Features
Compact and Lightweight Design : Made for Everyday Carry
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues the Prima Series philosophy of compact and portable lens design.
With a maximum diameter of Φ69.8mm and a standard 62mm filter size, the lens integrates seamlessly into lightweight shooting setups and is easy to carry throughout the day.
Its compact form pairs particularly well with lightweight full-frame cameras such as the Sony α7C series and ZV-E models, making it an ideal everyday lens for travel, street photography, and hybrid content creation.
Bright F1.8 Aperture with Natural Bokeh : Balanced Performance for Photo and Video
The bright F1.8 aperture provides excellent flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions, allowing creators to shoot confidently in both bright daylight and low-light environments.
A 9-blade rounded aperture produces smooth and natural background blur, enabling expressive subject separation for portraits, lifestyle photography, and cinematic video production.
This balance of brightness and portability makes the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE a practical lens for everyday creative work.
Next-Generation Optical Technology : XHR Element for Higher Performance
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE features an advanced optical construction of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ASP (Aspherical) elements and 2 newly developed XHR elements.
The XHR (Extra High Refractive) lens element is manufactured with higher precision compared to conventional high-refractive index elements, allowing for a more compact optical structure while effectively reducing optical aberrations.
By incorporating XHR elements, the lens achieves improved optical performance while maintaining a thinner and lighter design, delivering sharp resolution and consistent image quality across the entire frame.
Next-Generation Coating Technology : UMC II for Improved Image Clarity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE incorporates UMC II (Ultra Multi Coating II), the next generation of LK SAMYANG’s coating technology.
Compared to the previous coating system, UMC II further suppresses flare and ghosting, ensuring improved contrast and clarity even in challenging lighting environments such as strong backlight or night scenes.
This upgraded coating technology helps deliver cleaner and more vibrant images in real-world shooting conditions.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus : Linear STM II for Hybrid Creators
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is equipped with the next-generation Linear STM II autofocus motor.
Combined with continuously refined firmware algorithms, the Linear STM II system delivers faster, more accurate, and quieter autofocus performance, ensuring smooth focusing transitions for both still photography and video recording.
This improved autofocus system allows creators to capture dynamic scenes with greater precision and stability.
Enhanced Usability for Real-World Shooting : Weather Sealing and USB-C Connectivity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed to perform reliably in real-world shooting environments.
The lens features weather sealing, helping protect it from light rain, dust, and outdoor shooting conditions.
It also includes a USB-C port, enabling users to easily update firmware and customize lens settings directly without the need for a separate lens station.
This convenient connectivity ensures that users can keep their lens up to date while maintaining optimal performance.
Designed for Modern Creators
An LK SAMYANG representative commented:
“The Prima Series was created to offer lenses that creators reach for first. The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE reflects that philosophy by delivering a balanced combination of portability, optical performance, and everyday usability, making it an ideal lens for both photography and video creation.”
Availability
The LK SAMYANG AF 35mm F1.8 P FE will be available for purchase starting late March 2026, with sales gradually launching across global markets through LK SAMYANG’s distribution network and authorized retailers.
LK Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE specifications:
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F1.8 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 8 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 asph., 2 Extra High Refractive |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.27 m (10.63″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.19× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 216 g (0.48 lb) |
| Diameter | 70 mm (2.76″) |
| Length | 72 mm (2.83″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Filter thread | 62 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |