- LK Samyang launches the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, the newest addition to its Prima Series of compact full-frame primes for Sony E-mount.
- The lens weighs just 216g and features weather sealing plus a USB-C port for firmware updates without a lens station.
- New XHR (Extra High Refractive) elements and UMC II coating promise sharper images with reduced flare.
- Available late March 2026 through global retailers – pricing TBA.
LK Samyang has officially announced the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a compact and lightweight prime lens designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens joins the Prima Series lineup as a more affordable and portable alternative to the existing AF 35mm F1.4 P FE.
Continuing the Prima Series Philosophy
The Prima Series was introduced with a clear mission: deliver compact prime lenses that balance optical performance with everyday portability. The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE follows this philosophy with a design optimized for hybrid creators who shoot both photos and video.
At just 216g and measuring 72 x 69.8mm, the lens pairs exceptionally well with compact full-frame bodies like the Sony a7C series and ZV-E1. The standard 62mm filter thread also makes it easy to share filters with other lenses in your kit.
Optical Innovations: XHR Elements and UMC II Coating
The optical formula features 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 aspherical (ASP) elements and 2 newly developed XHR (Extra High Refractive) elements. According to LK Samyang, XHR elements are manufactured with higher precision than conventional high-refractive glass, enabling a more compact design while effectively controlling aberrations.
The lens also debuts LK Samyang’s UMC II (Ultra Multi Coating II) technology, an evolution of their existing coating system. UMC II is designed to better suppress flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions – particularly useful for backlit subjects and night photography.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus
For autofocus, LK Samyang equipped the lens with their next-generation Linear STM II motor. The company claims this delivers faster, more accurate, and quieter focusing compared to previous STM systems – important for video shooters who need smooth, silent focus transitions.
Minimum focus distance is 0.27m (10.6 inches) with a maximum magnification of 0.19x – not true macro territory, but sufficient for environmental portraits and casual close-ups.
Weather Sealing and USB-C Connectivity
Two practical features stand out for working photographers. The lens includes weather sealing to protect against light rain and dust – a feature often omitted from budget-friendly primes. It also features a USB-C port for direct firmware updates, eliminating the need for a separate lens station.
Full Specifications
| Mount | Sony E (Full Frame) |
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Optical Formula | 10 elements in 8 groups (2 ASP, 2 XHR) |
| Aperture Blades | 9 (rounded) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.27m (10.6 in) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.19x |
| Filter Size | 62mm |
| Dimensions | 72 x 69.8mm |
| Weight | 216g |
| AF Motor | Linear STM II |
| Coating | UMC II (Ultra Multi Coating II) |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| USB-C Port | Yes (firmware updates) |
Pricing and Availability
The LK Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE will be available starting late March 2026 through LK Samyang’s global distribution network and authorized retailers. Pricing has not yet been announced, but given the Prima Series positioning and the f/1.8 aperture (versus f/1.4), we expect it to slot in below the $499 AF 35mm F1.4 P FE.
For Sony shooters looking for a compact, capable 35mm prime that won’t weigh down their kit or their wallet, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE looks like a compelling option. We’ll have more coverage once review units become available.
Sources used for this article:
Featured image: Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash.
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