Samyang has long been known for creating very sharp and affordable manual focus lenses, but in the past few years, they have started offering autofocus-capable options while still keeping those budget prices. One such lens is the AF 135mm f/1.8 FE, which offers a lot of bokeh at a popular portrait focal length, and this great video review takes a look at if it can unseat first-party options with its performance and image quality.
Coming to you from Stefan Malloch, this great video review takes a look at the new Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE lens. At just $999, the 135mm f/1.8 is quite affordable when compared to many other similar options and offers and a nice alternative to the traditional 85mm lens for portraits. It comes with a range of features, including:
- Three extra-low dispersion elements for reduced chromatic aberrations and better clarity
- Ultra multicoating for reduced flares and ghosting and deeper contrast
- Linear STM focusing system for fast and quiet autofocus
- Customizable lens switch and focus hold button
- Astro-focus mode for astrophotography
- Ultra-precision aspherical element and 11-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh
- Weather-sealed design
Altogether, the 135mm f/1.8 looks like quite the nice lens. Check out the video above for Malloch's full thoughts.
You would have done well to mention that the lens is available in Sony E Mount only, I wouldn't have clicked further had I known, as great as the lens seems…
I think thats why they left it out, so you'd click
They did mention it was Sony E Mount only. The designation "FE" is Sony fullframe E mount. Had it been Canon, "RF", Nikkon, "Nikkor"
2-foot close focus opens up some unusual possibilities for really tight, close-up portraiture.That's nearly a foot closer than the typical 85mm, and with much greater magnification. Very interesting. I'll be getting this for event work, but nice to know it has other charms.
FWIW, the Rokinon version was available to order on Amazon, with delivery "in 1-2 months", for just $822. I decided to cogitate for a day before making the purchase, and the next morning it was back up to $999. Doh! We can probably expect a similar deal around Black Friday.