If you're a Sony mirrorless camera owner with a penchant for portraits, landscapes, and the night sky, Samyang has just thrown in a potential bargain in the form of its new AF 135mm f/1.8 telephoto lens.
Compatible with full-frame and APS-C E-mount cameras from Sony, the 135m prime lens is the latest in a line of autofocus-equipped competitors from the South Korean manufacturer (which also markets under the Rokinon brand in the US). U.S).
The lens specifications and bright maximum aperture suggest it could be a good alternative to the more expensive Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM, which costs €2,099 / €1,750 / AU$2,649. By contrast, Samyang's new 135mm alternative will cost just £999 / £799 (around AU$1,515) when it arrives in March.
Understandably, it will be difficult for Samyang's first lens to fully match the optical performance of Sony's 'G Master' lens, the latter being a pointless marker of quality. But previous Samyang lenses (including 24mm, 35mm, 45mm, and 75mm) have given Sony's high-end lenses a run for their money, and this new one is their longest autofocus option.
Thanks to waterproofing and a rubber focus ring, the AF 135mm F1.8 FE is protected from light rain, snow and dust. The linear STM (stepping motor) should also ensure quiet autofocus performance, making it suitable for video shooters as well.
A focus range limiter, which only works in AF mode, is also available to make your focusing faster. Along with the standard "full" focus range (where the AF searches from its minimum focusing distance of 0,69m to infinity), you can set it to search between 0,69m and 2m or from 1,5m to infinity . These three options should set you up just fine for portraits, landscapes, and astrophotography.
As you'd expect from a 135mm f/1,8 lens, it's not exactly small. But it is slightly lighter and more compact than Sony's 'G Master' equivalent, weighing in at 901g and measuring 129,6mm in length. Both lenses also share the same 82mm filter thread size.
With other perks like a focus hold button and custom switch, the Samyang 135mm f/1.8 AF should be a popular choice when it arrives in March for $999 / £799 (around AU$1,515). We can't wait to test it out to see how closely it compares to rival Sony.
Review: More third-party joy for Sony cameras
The fact that Samyang's 135mm f/1,8 AF telephoto lens is their fifth telephoto lens for the E-mount illustrates the strength in depth that Sony's mirrorless cameras have when it comes to full-frame glass.
While its main rivals, the Canon RF and Nikon Z systems, have rapidly upgraded their lens lines in recent years, these systems remain more closed than Sony's and don't offer the same level of third-party choice.
That may well change in the near future, but the upside for Sony mirrorless camera owners is the potential for more affordable equivalents of Sony's expensive G-Master lenses. Although Canon and Nikon mirrorless cameras offer adapters that allow you to use your old DSLR lenses.
While Sony's FE 135mm f/1.8 GM is a great lens, Samyang's new AF 135mm f/1.8 is effectively half the price, and could be a great value for amateur photographers who can't justify the labels. Professional level price, especially for a relatively specialized focal length.
Of course, we'll have to wait and see how Samyang's new lens performs in the real world, but it's shaping up to be another good option for portrait and landscape photographers looking for a lens that offers a bit more range than the current 75. mm. .