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The diverse portraiture from a pocket-sized lens AF 24mm F1.8 FE

Alyssa Zalabai

Photographer from England

How Does the Samyang
AF 24mm F1.8 FE Perform
When a Portrait Photographer Shoot?

Is there an all-around lens that is fast, sharp,
and fits in your pocket?

The new Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE is the new buzz in town,
and as a photographer, I need to check out this tiny lens that is making headlines. When I first read about it, it’s made with a specific feature to cater to Astrophotographers, with that one button to instantly focus infinity is quite mind-blowing! But how will it perform when used on portraits? Well, I happen to test it out myself and it is delightful.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/3200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/5000 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

First of all, the small size is convenient. This is perfect for long outdoor shoots, where my camera dangles on my shoulder or hangs around my neck which can feel rather exhausting and so this lens is hassle-free in that context. I can compare this to a small macaroon oozing with deliciousness and elegance, which we will translate into sharpness and top build quality.

Children Model X Portrait Photographer X AF 24mm F1.8 FE

I get to use this on our trip to see the New Brighton Lighthouse with my family, partly to film a video review of this lens for my YouTube channel. This is a stunning place with the ocean view and rocky shore leading to the lighthouse by the sea, it’s a sight to behold, if you are in the area, best to check it out. When we first got there, we were worried that it will rain – classic English weather, but we got lucky as the sun finally made its appearance. I watched my son play along the shoreline as he observes tiny crabs go about their day, hiding away from his sight.

How do you photograph children that are far more curious about their surroundings than you with your boring camera?
Easy! You make them play! Children are interactive creatures, you need to speak to them, engage with them, ask them questions, and then magic will happen!

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/5000 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

With the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE fast focusing ability, I sure get the shots I like!

And this is very fun because instead of asking him repeatedly to do a pose, I can just go ahead and shoot as many images while he is being himself, enjoying his time in the process. The puddle of saltwater is like a giant mirror indeed added a nice touch.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/3200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

The sun was shining ever so brightly, an opportunity to see what sort of lens flare it will give me……
it didn’t give me any lens flare. What is more impressive is the photos taken directly against the light are still contrasty and sharp which so far in my experience, they should start to become hazy from the sunlight.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/3200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Professional Models X Portrait Photographer X AF 24mm F1.8 FE

I live in the City of Liverpool, the home of The Beatles and historic architectures, from the breathtaking sight of the Liver building or perhaps, a nice romantic walk at Royal Albert Dock during the night. It’s a place with endless picturesque backdrop opportunities. So, I thought, I should go to the city and take portraits there, something in contrast with what I normally do, a bit far from children portraits, because this time, I will be taking photographs of talented models.

This lens will be perfect for shooting models! The right focal length for a city adventure, and with its size,
I won’t be standing out in the crowd.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/1250 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/1250 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F3.5
SPEED 1/250 sec
ISO 200
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F3.5
SPEED 1/2000 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

The diverse images I can create with just this single lens are incredible, this is what I meant that it's delightful to use!

I’ve gone out and explored new places as well as am developing myself as a photographer. I love to photograph movements, one of my most favourite posing ideas. Apart from asking my subjects several questions to make the entire experience engaging, I ask them to either spin, do playful movements with their body or clothes. The Samyang 24mm F1.8 FE excels in these criteria especially paired with my Sony A7III to let out its full potential.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/8000 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

At close-up shots, it gives a nice subtle bokeh that compliments the entire picture. These images were taken outside the Museum of Liverpool because its glass walls and banister made of glass caught my attention.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/3200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

What other ways could you enjoy the city? Evening walks! The bustling street of the capital’s shopping centre is a sight to see. With the lights glimmering in every corner and people going in and out of shops and restaurants. This is the setting I have always wanted to photograph, especially at night but somehow, I felt a bit intimidated by it. Maybe because I have heavily relied on natural light and the shoot at night is unknown territory for me. Even though I like a busy street, I don’t think I can manually remove each person on my photograph on my portrait. Luckily my model was up to the challenge! We shot at a low shutter speed and I have instructed her to not move at all for a couple of seconds. Not only that, but we also needed to deal with the rain, yes, it was raining heavily that night. I had an umbrella over my head to protect my gear, we set up in the middle of the street and we took the shot, needless to say, I am pretty satisfied with the result knowing this is my very first night shot!

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F2.5
SPEED 2.5 sec
ISO 50
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Indoors X Portrait Photographer X AF 24mm F1.8 FE

At last, trying the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 with an artificial light indoor with no other than my husband who was more than willing to pose for me. I would usually use my Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 for this type of photograph, but surprisingly, I like how it distorts just a tad bit when I photograph very close to my husband, it adds that effect. Plus, look at how sharp that is! Another lens was added for my indoor sessions for sure....

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Perfectly Performs in a Diversity of Portraits

In conclusion, Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE can be used by a beginner to a seasoned photographer. The diversity of images you can take from this one tiny lens is impressive. Whether it’d be Astrophotography which it's mainly designed for, landscapes, and/or portraiture. It’s sized perfectly for travelers and outdoor photoshoots, but it just doesn’t limit you there as indoor photos using artificial light as I’ve tested also gave splendid results. I am certain that this pocket-sized lens will always be in my camera bag.

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Samyang’s Guide to Achieving the Optimal Angle of View

The perfect spacing and distance are always necessary when shooting all kinds of subjects, including people, to give them a proper relationship with the beautiful space around them. So, what’s the exact distance that helps you best appreciate a work of art, or a photo?

The correct answer is the diagonal length of the full frame of a subject.

표준화각 자료 이미지
표준화각 자료 이미지

The best standpoint from which to appreciate the full view of a subject is the distance of the diagonal length of the subject frame. This wider angle is superior to standing closer at a 50 degree angle to get a more detailed view. This notion of an ideal distance or view point is also applicable in the world of photography.

For still images, keeping a distance equal to the diagonal length of the full image surface is recommended. The full frame sensor of a digital camera is 36 x 24mm and the diagonal length is 43.26mm so any distance close to this number is nearer to the ideal than the currently accepted industry standard of 50mm.

Back when film cameras were common, 45mm was the industry standard and this continued as reflex cameras needed extra space to fit a mirror. However, as mirrorless cameras become more popular again, there has been a need to return to this industry standard…which is the impetus for the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE. With less distortion than a 35mm lens and wider angles than a 55mm lens, the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE is a perfect lens for portraits, landscapes, architecture photography, and pictures of pets.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

[What is Dolly Shot? How to shoot easily]

[What is Dolly shot?]

A dolly shot, also referred to as a tracking shot or trucking shot, is a camera movement technique used by cinematographers to track and follow a subject in motion. To achieve this, the camera is mounted on a device called a "dolly," which facilitates smooth tracking movement. The dolly can move in front of, behind, or alongside the subject, which can be a person, a location, a product, or any other object of focus in the frame. Through this, you can control the emotional distance between the subject and the viewer by highlighting the audiovisual and dramatic effects.

[How to take a Dolly Shot simply by handheld]

Tip. If the moving distance is long, the camera may shake, so please shoot at a focal length between 35 and 100mm.
1. Stand at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject.
2. Set the custom switch to MF and Mode 3 and adjust the focal length to about 100mm.
3. After focusing on the subject, set the aperture to F8~16.
4. Slowly turn the zoom ring to the left (towards the wide-angle end) while using your upper body and arms to move the camera toward your subject.
5. Dolly Shot complete!
※ When shooting from a farther distance from the subject, use a cart or gimbal for more stable shooting.

DSLR / Full Frame
1D X Mark Ⅱ
1D X
1Ds Mark Ⅲ
1Ds
5DsR
5Ds
5D Mark Ⅳ
5D Mark Ⅲ
6D Mark Ⅱ
6D
DSLR / APS-H
1D Mark Ⅲ
1D
Mirrorless / APS-C
M6
M5
M10
M3
M2
DSLR / APS-S
7D Mark Ⅱ
7D
80D
70D
60D
30D
D60
D30
77D (9000D)
760D (8000D / Rebel T6s)
1300D (Kiss X80 / Rebel T6)
1200D (Kiss X70 / Rebel T5)
200D (Kiss X9 / Rebel SL2)
800D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
700D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
100D (Kiss X7 / Rebel SL1)
650D (Kiss X6i / Rebel T4i)
600D (Kiss X5 / Rebel T3i)
550D (Kiss X4 / Rebel T2i)
500D (Kiss X3 / Rebel T1i)
1000D (Kiss F / Rebel XS)
450D (Kiss X2 / Rebel X냐)
DSLR / Full Frame
D850
D5
D810A
D4S
D810
D750
Df
D610
D4
D800
D800E
D600
D3s
D3x
D700
D3
DSLR / APS-C
D7500
D3400
D500
D5600
D7200
D5500
D3300
D7100
D5300
D5200
D7000
D300s
D300
DSLR / Full Frame
Z6
Z7
D810A
D4S
D750
D810A
DSLR / APS-C
D7200
D500
D3300
D5500
D5600
D3400
D7500

* Cameras released within 5 years from 2019 are tested.

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