Samyang 135mm F1.8 AF Lens Review: Precision and Performance

Introduction

As an avid portrait and wildlife photographer, I was on the lookout for a lens that offered both sharpness and fast autofocus, and that's when I stumbled upon the Samyang 135mm F1.8 AF Telephoto Lens. This lens has quickly become a trusty companion for my Sony E mount camera, standing out for its impressive optical quality and user-friendly features. It's ideal for both seasoned professionals and enthusiasts alike who want to capture stunning images with ease.

Key Features

• Fast & Quiet Autofocus: The Samyang 135mm lens boasts a fast and quiet autofocus system, which is a game changer for both photography and videography. It allows for smooth focusing transitions without any distracting noise.

• Focus Hold Button: The Focus Hold Button locks the focus at a specific distance, letting you quickly take sharp shots without the concern of losing your focus on a moving subject.

• Custom Switch: This lens features a custom switch that allows you to silently adjust the aperture by rotating the focus ring, adding to its versatility especially when shooting video.

• Focus Range Limiter: The built-in Focus Range Limiter optimizes autofocus speed by pre-defining the focus range. This is particularly useful in situations where you know the distance to your subject.

• 11-Blade Diaphragm: With an 11-blade diaphragm, this lens delivers beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for portrait photography where you want your subject to stand out against a smooth background.

Benefits

• Enhanced shooting versatility due to the customizable settings.

• Reduced focus hunting, particularly useful when capturing fast-moving subjects.

• Smoother video footage thanks to the quiet autofocus and aperture adjustments.

• Exceptional optical performance, yielding sharp images even at wide apertures.

• Lightweight design perfect for long shooting sessions.

Real-World Use Cases

• Capturing Portraits: The lens excels in portraiture, allowing for exquisite background separation and sharp focus on the subject's eyes.

• Nature Photography: Its long reach and fast autofocus make it ideal for capturing wildlife, enabling quick shots of animals without disturbing them.

• Filming Performances: Whether it’s a theater show or concert, the quiet autofocus and custom aperture adjustments are fantastic for video work.

Pros and Cons

Comparison

• Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM: While the Sony lens offers arguably better autofocus performance, the Samyang provides excellent value for money and quality close behind.

• Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art: The Sigma lens is heavier and may be overkill for many users; however, it does offer slightly better low-light performance.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samyang 135mm F1.8 AF lens has exceeded my expectations. It offers impressive performance, especially for its price point, and is a fantastic choice for anyone who values image quality and usability. I highly recommend it to photographers and videographers looking for a reliable telephoto lens.