Samyang 35mm F1.4 (Canon mount)

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Hi,

Im interested in purchasing this lens wondering which version would be better to get for Canon mount? I understand some people apply a AF confirmation chip to the Canon version but others recommend getting the Nikon version and just using a Nikon/Canon adapter which would also allow for the AF confirm?

Thanks
 
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AF confirm? um thought the lens was completely manual? Or are you on about the little green 'I`m in focus' dot on nikons? If the latter, surely it won't matter what lens its on? Don't canon have something similar?


From what I've read its a decent lens... I think I'm going to see whether the missus will stretch for the 85mm version...
 
I had the 35mm samyang Nikon mount. The lens is full manual yes but the chip allows for AF confirm (green dot in viewfinder) AE, and when the aperture ring is set to f/22 then you can control the aperture through the body i.e aperture will remain wide open until shutter is released. The Nikon mount samyangs are the only versions to be chipped I think. The 85mm is cheaper than the 35mm, I have owned both. Not sure if they do a Nikon to canon mount with a chip though, but the in built chip in the Nikon mount version works flawlessly. Very useful to have :-)
 
Yup, Nikon has a AF confirm in VF, Canon version doesnt. Usually Canon users add the chip on the exisiting mount, but Ive read of Canon users buying the Nikon version and buying a Nikon to EOS adapter mount which allows the AF confirm Nikon version to work on a Canon body.

I have read even the Nikons version AF confirm isnt very accurate, most say not worth it?

Mount like....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AF-CONFIR...ns_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item19c992d5c6
 
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Must be new :-) looks like it will work if it acts as a go between. As for the AF accuracy with the confirm dot, it may be a little misunderstood. With a lens of f/1.4 the depth of field is very thin. Trusting a flashing green dot is a little far fetched. Unless you are using the rear lcd or a split prism focus screen, the success of nailing critical focus at f/1.4 based on the viewfinder dot will be pretty rare.

But it shouldn't put you off from buying the lens if you wanted it. Like I mentioned the chip also does the AE info and aperture control in body. To me that was worth having. With the Canon mount, the only way to stop down the aperture is on the lens which will mean a darker viewfinder/harder to see/focus as you stop the lens down further and further. Being able to set the lens at f/8 in body, have it meter for exposure accordingly, and remaining wide open at f/1.4 for viewfinder visibility until to shutter is released is a big bonus to have in a lens like this :-)
 
Good point regarding AE and aperture in body, wonder if the adapter will allow for that along with the AF confirm in Canon mount. Have just quickly tried focusing on some numbers of a barcode with a 50mm 1.8 wide open and I am off very slightly compared to AF.

If I change to a split prism screen would that mess with my F4 lenses?

Thanks for the help
 
It wouldn't affect your faster lenses, stopped down to f/4 and beyond in body. But it will affect your lenses which are f/4 at its maximum. The viewfinder will be dimmer, and worse case, one half of the split prism will be dark/black in colour. I didn't have that problem though as all my lenses are f/2.8 or faster.
 
Hmmm, only problems Id have are with 2 of my lenses then but probably not worth it as ones a tele and the others my walkabout. May have to consider the 35mm F2, Im using a 5D so Sigma 30 is out and I cant afford the 35L.
 
I've heard the 35mm f/2 is a very capable lens :-) I have owned the 35L in the past too. Beautiful lens no doubt but I didnt like the build. For an L, it seemed to use the same plastic as my 85mm f/1.8 except put together a little better :lol:
 
Just wanted something a bit more special, thats why the Samyang caught my eye. Optics sound incredible.
 
I loved the lens, both the 35 and the 85. I think if you approach it knowing its limitations and its manual nature, there will be no disappointments with it. If manual focus was never your cup of tea then it may take a little longer to appreciate the samyangs, if at all. I went in with little expectation, but for the price I got an extremely well made lens with beautiful optics. What made me sell on in the end though was that they were just too front heavy for my NEX 5 with adaptor. Check my gallery, I have a pic of the 35 on my NEX and I am sure you will agree its a little overkill :-D. But the pictures were awesome, just need to take your time with it. Its not a do all lens, and not for sports for sure. But for what it is, theres not many that will be disappointed with the results.
 
I will be using it for mainly portrait shots and a bit of general shooting, no action stuff. Im guessing the large focus ring also makes it much easier/more accurate than the 50mm 1.8 5mm wide focus ring I just tried.

The 5DC has no live view so cant focus magnify like on the NEX, the screen is also pretty poor so everything needs to be done via VF.

Did you ever try the peaking feature of the NEX, I find it superb with my Rokkor lenses.

Really want to try the Samyang but its an expensive mistake to make if I find I dont use it.
 
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I'd buy the Nikon version anyway, just because it will be easier to sell afterwards (to Nikon OR Canon users). However, remember that the adapters are not normally perfect, and usually a little think meaning that the lens might focus just past infinity...

I'd love one of these! I have owned the 85/1.4 and now have the 14/2.8...Samyang lenses are brilliant value and VERY sharp.
 
Do you use any adapters on your samyangs or did you just get the canon version, do you know if the adapters allow for in body aperture control? Good to hear some more opinions, thanks
 
If possible could you please PM me with the link of the better version. Thanks
 
Hmm, doesn't look like it's available anymore. This is quite common unfortunately as new batches come out regularly with different features. The new adapters support G lenses, in that you can change the aperture on the lens even though it doesn't have a ring.

The one I have looks a bit like this one (way cheaper though):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/walimex-A...ns_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item58901c32f1

This is the cheaper one I have, which works two but isn't as high quality:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-AI-...270?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5644e065ce
 
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