Choosing the right 135mm f/1.8 lens for your Sony E-mount camera can be tricky, especially with options ranging from the high-end Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM to the budget-friendly Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE. Each lens offers unique strengths, from image quality, to price, and more.
Coming to you from Mark Bennett's Camera Crisis, this detailed video compares the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8, Sony 135mm f/1.8, and Samyang 135mm f/1.8 lenses. Build quality varies significantly across the three. The Sony GM boasts top-tier construction with a metal body, aperture ring, and weather-sealing. It includes a focus limiter and customizable buttons, reflecting its premium status. The Viltrox lens closely follows with a similar build, though it adds a USB-C port for firmware updates and an LCD screen for aperture and focus distance. While the Samyang lens is lighter and still well-made, it lacks the high-end feel of the other two, with fewer weather-sealing features and no aperture ring.
Weight is another factor to consider. The Samyang is the lightest at 774 g, making it a good option for extended handheld use. The Sony GM weighs 950 g, while the Viltrox is the heaviest at 1,233 g.
Key Specs Comparison
-
Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE
-
Weight: 1,233 g
-
Features: LCD display, USB-C port, weather-resistant
-
Price: $899
-
-
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM
-
Weight: 950 g
-
Features: Aperture ring, advanced weather-sealing, focus hold buttons
-
Price: $2,099
-
-
Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE
-
Weight: 774 g
-
Features: Lightweight design, focus hold button
-
Price: $759
-
The optical performance of all three lenses is outstanding, though nuanced differences emerge. The Viltrox stands out for sharpness, tonality, and contrast, particularly in skin tones and texture. The Sony GM is close behind, offering equally impressive image quality and strong performance across lighting conditions. The Samyang, while slightly less vibrant, still delivers exceptional sharpness for its price point, making it an excellent value.
Autofocus performance varies depending on use. The Sony GM excels in low-light video autofocus and tracking fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for professional work. The Viltrox follows closely, though its video autofocus lags slightly in darker conditions. The Samyang is slower to focus and less consistent for moving subjects but still effective for general photography.
For video creators, focus breathing is another consideration. Sony's GM lens supports focus breathing compensation on compatible cameras, a feature missing in the Viltrox and Samyang. This can be critical for cinematic focus pulls, giving Sony an edge for hybrid shooters. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bennett.
