Best ND Filter for Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE II
The Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE II is a bokeh machine, but shooting wide open at f/1.4 in broad daylight often leads to blown-out highlights or forced high shutter speeds that ruin cinematic motion. To truly master this lens’s potential, a high-quality ND filter is non-negotiable. After testing several 67mm options, I’ve found that the PolarPro PMVND stands out for its color accuracy, though there are excellent budget-friendly alternatives that won’t compromise your image quality.
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Best ND Filter for Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE II: Detailed Reviews
PolarPro 67mm PMVND Signature Edition II View on Amazon View on B&H
The PolarPro PMVND Signature Edition II is, in my opinion, the gold standard for variable NDs. When paired with the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 II, it allows you to maintain that creamy f/1.4 look even in the harshest midday sun without worrying about the dreaded “X-pattern” cross-polarization. The haptic feedback on the stops is a game-changer; you can feel each adjustment without taking your eye off the viewfinder. Optically, it’s exceptionally clean, with virtually no color shifting—a common headache with cheaper filters. The build quality feels like a precision instrument, featuring a Defender360 cover that actually protects the glass in your bag. While it is an investment, it matches the high-resolution capabilities of the Samyang’s updated optics perfectly. The only downside is the premium price tag, but for serious filmmakers, the time saved in post-production color grading makes it worth every penny.
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K&F Concept 67mm Nano-X Pro View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want 90% of the performance of a premium filter at nearly half the cost, the K&F Concept Nano-X Pro is the “sweet spot.” I’ve used many K&F filters over the years, and the Pro series has significantly improved their glass quality. On the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 FE II, this filter maintains impressive sharpness across the frame. It features a physical “hard stop” at each end of the range, which prevents you from rotating too far and causing artifacts. The brass frame is a nice touch, as it’s less likely to bind or jam on your lens threads compared to aluminum. While there is a very slight warming of the image, it’s easily corrected in camera or post. For the hobbyist who wants to experiment with long exposures or wide-aperture street photography without breaking the bank, this is the most logical choice.
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Urth 67mm Variable ND (2-400) View on Amazon View on B&H
The Urth (formerly Gobe) Variable ND is a fantastic entry point for those just starting to explore light control. Despite the low price, the glass is surprisingly decent, and the slim rim design ensures no vignetting on the Samyang 35mm even at its widest. What I love about Urth is their commitment to planting five trees for every filter purchased—it’s a nice feel-good bonus. Performance-wise, it provides 1 to 8.6 stops of light reduction, though I would recommend staying within the first 5 stops for maximum sharpness. At the extreme dark end, you might notice some slight softening and a bit of color cast, but for casual landscape shots or social media video, it’s perfectly adequate. It’s a rugged, honest filter that performs exactly as advertised for a fraction of the cost of “pro” brands.
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Freewell 67mm Magnetic Variable ND System View on Amazon View on B&H
Freewell has revolutionized the workflow for hybrid shooters with their magnetic system. Instead of fiddling with threads while your subject waits, you just snap the filter onto the base ring. For the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 II, which is often used for fast-paced street or wedding work, this speed is invaluable. The kit usually includes multiple ND ranges and even a Mist filter option, giving you immense creative control. The optical quality is top-tier, rivaling PolarPro in terms of color neutrality and sharpness. I’ve found that the magnetic bond is incredibly strong; you don’t have to worry about the filter falling off even if you’re moving aggressively. It’s a versatile system that grows with you, as you can buy additional magnetic rings for your other lenses. It’s the ultimate “quality-of-life” upgrade for any serious Sony E-mount user.
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Tiffen 67mm Variable ND Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
Tiffen is a name synonymous with Hollywood, and their Variable ND is a classic for a reason. It uses their proprietary ColorCore technology, which laminates the filter material between two pieces of optical glass. On the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 II, the Tiffen provides a slightly warmer, “filmic” look that many videographers actually prefer for skin tones. It doesn’t have the hard stops of the K&F or PolarPro, so you do need to be careful not to rotate it past its limits to avoid the X-pattern. However, the build is incredibly robust and the rotation is smooth as silk. I find this filter particularly useful when I want a slightly less “clinical” look from the Samyang’s sharp modern sensors. It’s a reliable, professional tool that has stood the test of time in the industry.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ND Filter
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PolarPro PMVND II | Pro Video | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Nano-X Pro | Enthusiasts | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Urth Variable ND | Budget/Eco | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Freewell Magnetic | Speed/Events | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen Variable ND | Classic Film Look | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 67mm filter cause vignetting on the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 II?
Generally, no. The Samyang 35mm f/1.4 FE II is designed with a 67mm thread, and most modern slim-profile ND filters are built to avoid vignetting even on wider lenses. However, if you stack multiple filters (like a CPL on top of an ND), you might see some darkening in the corners. I always recommend using a single high-quality variable ND to keep the profile as slim as possible.
Do I need a 2-5 stop or a 6-9 stop filter for this lens?
For the Samyang 35mm f/1.4, a 2-5 stop filter is usually the most versatile. It allows you to shoot at f/1.4 in bright daylight while keeping your shutter speed at 1/50 or 1/100 for video. The 6-9 stop filters are better suited for very long exposures (like blurring waterfalls) or shooting in extremely bright environments like snow or white sand beaches at noon.
Does the ND filter affect the Samyang’s autofocus performance?
In most conditions, no. Modern mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 series are very good at focusing through ND filters. However, if you use a very dark filter (like a 10-stop) in low light, the camera may struggle to find contrast. For typical daylight use with the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 II, you won’t notice any difference in the lens’s snappy AF-VCM motor performance.
Is the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE II weather-sealed with a filter?
The lens itself has weather sealing at the mount and around the rings, but adding a filter provides an extra layer of protection for the front element. While the filter doesn’t “complete” a seal, a high-quality filter with water-resistant coatings (like the K&F Nano-X) makes it much easier to wipe away raindrops or sea spray without scratching the actual lens glass.
Can I use my old 77mm filters on this lens?
Yes, you can use a “step-up ring” (67mm to 77mm). This is actually a popular trick because it completely eliminates the risk of vignetting and allows you to share one set of filters across multiple lenses. The only downside is that you won’t be able to use the Samyang’s original lens hood while the larger filter is attached.
Final Verdict
For professional hybrid shooters using the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE II, the PolarPro PMVND is the clear winner for its zero-compromise optics. However, if you’re a hobbyist looking to capture better vacation videos or street portraits, the K&F Concept Nano-X Pro offers nearly identical performance for significantly less money. Beginners should start with the Urth for a sustainable, high-quality entry into the world of ND filters.