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Perfect Lens Even for Shooting Food, Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE

Nic Taylor

Photographer from England

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Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE mounted on Sony A7RIII

Samyang kick off another new year with another exciting new lens, the AF 135mm F1.8 FE. I was excited to get my hands on and try out this new lens, as it’s a focal length quite a way outside my usual focal length range for the type of work I shoot. I normally shoot with the 50mm, 75mm, or my macro lenses which are 90mm and 100mm. Why do I shoot with two macro lenses that have very similar focal lengths, I hear you ask. Well, the 100mm has 2:1 magnification, so is very useful to get some seriously close-up shots with incredible details. Although I must say I hardly ever use that feature - I digress. I also own a 70-200mm, but I cannot remember the last time I took that to a commercial shoot, so shooting with this 135mm lens would kind of take me out of my comfort zone and make me think differently while shooting with it.

The original (manual focus) 135mm F2 lens from Samyang was released back in 2015 and is rated highly amongst portrait photographers and astrophotographers in terms of bang for buck performance. It was always a very capable lens, and I’ve seen numerous stunning images captured using it. It’s not a lens that I’ve used, however. This new lens is a completely new design and construction but adds auto-focus and an extra third of a stop of light to the maximum aperture.

Build Quality

Build quality is on par with Samyang's other AF lenses, with the main construction being made of high-quality plastics and a reasonable weight (for this type of lens) that feels good in the hand when mounted to my camera with added battery grip. The Samyang AF 135mm weighs in at 772g which is quite a bit lighter than other brands’ AF 135mm lenses (One is at 950g and another is 1130g). Size-wise, it's very similar to the other brand’s much expensive AF 135mm lens, but a little smaller than another brand’s AF 135mm lens. It comes with a lightweight cylindrical type lens hood which has a bit of a rubbery coating around the front edge.

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Features

It features a focus hold button, a custom switch (featured on the last few new Samyang lenses which allows adjustment of aperture via the large focus ring), and also a focus limiter switch, a first on Samyang lenses. In addition to a feature first debuted by Samyang on their AF 24mm F1.8 lens released last year, this lens also has the Astro Focus mode which when activated the lens will automatically move to the infinity position after the LED has blinked once. This is a feature I haven't tested as to where I'm based in the UK I have found it difficult to get good astro images due to light pollution and poor weather conditions at this time of year. It has weather sealing to protect the lens from light rain and dust and the front of the lens features an 82mm filter thread.

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Bokeh

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LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F4.5
SPEED 1/200 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F4.5
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

The lens has an aperture range from f1.8 up to f22 with 11 aperture blades, which make the lens capable of producing images with that beautiful, buttery Bokeh (out-of-focus parts of the image).

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LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F6.3
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 160
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5.6
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

It features a minimum focusing distance of just 69cm (from subject to the sensor) which is quite close for a lens of this type and allows you to really fill the frame with your subject and get some nice close-up shots with that awesome smooth bokeh that will really separate your subject from the background. This will work great for me shooting food.

High Resolution

It features a complex construction of 13 elements in 11 groups. Three of which are extra low-dispersion lenses, two high refractive lenses, and an ultra-precision aspherical lens which all help control chromatic aberration enabling the lens to produce stunningly sharp images with beautiful colour rendition.

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LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 80
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5.6
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

Autofocus Performance

The lens takes advantage of Samyang's fast and quiet Linear Stepping Motor (STM) to minimize focus breathing when focusing from close-up all the way through to infinity.
As you can see on the image, AF performed great to track the lady moving away from camera.

zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 80
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/80 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Aperture
priority
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

Conclusion

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LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5.6
SPEED 1/125 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

During my relatively short time with this lens up to the point of publishing this short review, I thoroughly enjoyed using this beautiful piece of glass. It's quite a lot larger and heavier than the lenses I'm used to shooting with, but then again it's totally different from the lenses I tend to gravitate towards for my day-to-day work.

It also produces a different look as it compresses the images a lot more and separates the subject from the background even at quite narrow apertures (depending on the distance from the subject), whereas wider focal length lenses would have more in focus at the same aperture.

Autofocus performance is very good on this lens. I love that you can toggle the focus limit depending on how far your subject is away from you (a feature I have on one of my macro lenses).

Images are sharp, and I like how you can get in close and shoot some really nice detail shots, which is perfect for the sort of work I shoot. In terms of price point for Samyang lenses, it's certainly one of the most expensive AF lenses, but you're getting a lot of lenses for your money especially when you take a look at the prices of its competitors then it makes it a no-brainer.

zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F2.8
SPEED 1/800 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Aperture
priority
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5.6
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 160
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 160
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 135mm
F1.8 FE
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7RM3
DIAPHRAGM F5.6
SPEED 1/160 sec
ISO 125
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 135mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

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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
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M6
M5
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M2
DSLR / APS-S
7D Mark Ⅱ
7D
80D
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30D
D60
D30
77D (9000D)
760D (8000D / Rebel T6s)
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1200D (Kiss X70 / Rebel T5)
200D (Kiss X9 / Rebel SL2)
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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)
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DSLR / Full Frame
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DSLR / Full Frame
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* Cameras released within 5 years from 2019 are tested.

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