Samyang/Rokinon has announced the launch of a new 75mm f/1.8 autofocus lens for Sony full-frame cameras. It weighs a mere 8 oz (230 g), and this prime has another interesting feature that will make you wonder why it’s not been done before.
Being a fan of lightweight glass, this is an exciting new release from the Korean manufacturer. Building on the success of its eminently affordable 85mm f/1.4, Samyang has opted for another lightweight prime, this time at a more unusual focal length.
Check out the specifications of the AF 75mm F1.8 FE:
- Aperture range: f/1.8 to f/22
- Angle of view: 32.9 ˚
- Lens optical construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.69m (2.26ft)
- Filter size: 58 mm
- Number of blades: 9
- Diameter: 2.56” (65 mm)
- Length: 2.72 “ (69 mm)
- Weight: 8 oz (230 g)
For reference, these dimensions make it very similar in size to Sony’s nifty fifty, the 50mm f/1.8.
From samyanglensglobal.com.
As is typical of Samyang lenses, there is no weather sealing, no customizable button, and no autofocus on/off switch. However, this lens includes an interesting new feature that I’ve not encountered before: a switch on the lens barrel allows you swap the functionality of the focusing ring so that it controls the aperture.
This article will be updated with price and availability as soon as the information becomes available. For more details and sample images, check out the Samyang website.
Will you be adding this lens to your bag? Will we soon be wondering why more lenses don't include the ability to switch the control ring from focusing to aperture? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
You had three chances to mention the feature.. three!
"a switch on the lens barrel allows you swap the functionality of the focusing ring so that it controls the aperture"
If I was interested in this lens, that switch would have zero impact on that decision. As someone who makes a living in this field, I only care about the optical quality. I wouldn't even care if it was heavier. My 85 portrait lens is a tank (Tamron 85 1.8 VC), but man, the quality of that lens is spectacular.
Samyang has been coming out with pretty darn good AF lenses for Sony E of late. Good quality, minus weather resistance, nice size and good optics. Most of all very competitive pricing. In fact E mount is thriving with Sigma, Tamron, Voight etc.
I'd love this one for Canon.
Canon has had this feature on low-end RF glass since July 2019. However, Canon opted to label the options as "focus" and "control" instead of the less-straightforward "mode 1" and "mode 2".