In the last few years, Samyang has added autofocus to their already affordable and sharp lenses, making them all the more useful for any photographer looking for good optical quality that will not break the bank. If you are looking for such a lens, check out this great review of the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE lens for Sony E mount cameras.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost Photography, this excellent video review takes a look at the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E. Like most Samyang lenses, the 75mm f/1.8 is very affordable, coming in at just $399. It is also pleasantly light, weighing just 8.1 oz (230 g), making it quite portable compared to most wide-aperture portrait lenses. It also comes with three extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and increase clarity, two high refractive index elements for reduced distortion and improved sharpness, Ultra Multi-Coating for reduced flares and ghosting and better contrast, manual focus override, custom function switch, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Altogether, it looks like a great portrait lens option for lots of Sony shooters at a very affordable price. Check out the video above for Frost's full thoughts on the lens.
I think you can only go so cheap on a lens. When the Sony 85mm f/1.8 is generally sharper than even the 1.4 model, you really wonder if this Samyang is worth it. I don't think the aperture/focus switch adds much value. I understand you have an affiliate link but you should reply with an affiliate link to the Sony 85mm f/1.8 instead. It's worth the $200 more honestly. I'm still closely looking at the cheaper alternatives. A 85mm is on my list to get. And If it's good, it's good but I wasn't impressed by the center results. I noticed this even on a 1080p screen.
Anyone think the 85mm Samyang is worth it? I really like that extra lens button Sony offers though. I'm really going towards that.
It's a hard sell given the value proposition of the Sony 85mm f/1.8. The autofocus isn't exactly compelling either. However, the size and weight are definite advantages of the Samyang if you were looking for a more casual, everyday, out-and-about, environmental portrait prime... if there is such a thing?
Of course it is worth it. It's a different focal length, size, weight, price, etc. The review is not of the 85mm lens, so there's no reason to post an affiliate link to the 85mm lens.
I suppose there's a market for this among hobbyists, though I think most pros, like me, will choose the well-priced Sony 85/1.8 instead. There are still gaps in the FE lens lineup that I think are more deserving of Samyang's attention, such as a price-competitive AF version of their very nice manual-focus 135/2, or a 100/2 macro or quasi-macro, which would be a nice event & portrait lens. My colleague had a manual-focus Zeiss 100/2 macro, and the combination of focal length, large aperture, and close focus made for some really intriguing close-up portrait possibilities.
I really like his reviews and I believe he is competent. Bought 3 lenses in the last 3 years, partially based on recommendations by him and another youtuber Dustin Abbott. All 3 were just as they described them - both strong and weak points.