New Autofocus Lenses From Samyang Optics

New Autofocus Lenses From Samyang Optics

Anybody that has purchased a lens at anytime knows that it can definitely be a costly endeavor, and most people would argue that frequently, you get what you pay for.  For years Samyang, has produced affordable alternative options that maybe are not as refined as other lenses, but deliver a good bit of optical quality for the price. Up until now, they haven't offered autofocus-equipped lenses, but with this announcement, they have launched two autofocus lenses. 

The lenses are the 50mm f/1.4 and the 14mm f/2.8, and they are the "widest and brightest lenses in their class," as stated in the official press release, offering beautiful bokeh and consistent exposure across the gamut of lighting situations. Alternatively branded as Rokinon here in the States and Walimex on the European market, the lenses are designed to optimize the flow of light at the distance it travels through the lens to reach a mirrorless sensor to produce the clearest images possible. Use of an aspherical element is continued in these two new units to reduce aberrations in the image and to ensure maximum exposure and detail into the farthest corners of the sensor. 

The press release goes on to state that the lenses have both been meticulously designed, all the way up to the 67mm filter at the front of the lens, allowing the most light possible to enter, as well as providing a solid grip point to stabilize both the camera and lens for crisp, clean shots, allowing photographers to utilize the sharpness available on a prime, even in low-light and slow shutter speed situations.  The lenses will debut at the 2016 Photo and Imaging Show in Seoul, South Korea and will be globally available in July of 2016. The full press release can be found in the link at the end of this article.

Previous Samyang users, how has your experience been with their lenses? And for anyone that has stayed away from them, either due to no autofocus or any other reasons, will this development help you possibly give these optics a try?

[via Samyang Global]

Ryan Pramik's picture

Fstoppers Staff Writer, Ryan Pramik is a professional photographer and videographer that specializes in automotive work but crosses the line into other genres for work or for personal projects. Has several publications under his belt for automotive work as well as event coverage for the automotive genre as well as others.

Log in or register to post comments
5 Comments

Samyang ; nice lenses, for their price. for me 50mm, 85 mm and perhaps 35mm of their brand. are reasonable priced. the f speed is very good, a fast lens. I personally disliked the moustace distortion in the 14 mm samyang. manual focus in a prime lens i always prefered as well manual focus gives control. but a great lens range for a good price.

I literally just bought the Rokinon 14mm 2.8 for Sony E mount last week and love it and the only thing i wouldve changed about it is the manual focus. If these new lenses have the same optics as the old ones, itll def be worth checking out. i love mine and theyre much sharpers than I had expected.

Well I'll be keeping an eye out for when they're available to hopefully get my hands on a set to do a comparison between their manual focus models, these new autofocus, and probably another lens manufacturer as well.

Really looking to see how the 50 1.4 compares to the other 50s on the market right now.

I have a Rokinon 8mm 2.8 for my Canon M3 and it's VERY sharp at all apertures. I love using it for 360 Photography.