Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 Definitive Review | Samyang's Best Yet?

[@sammyh9542]

Bought this lens at a discount. This lens gives me the best image quality out of my whole collection of lenses. It’s simply amazing. Thanks for the review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That recent discount was stunningly good.

[@Riskbreaker2009]

Love this lens

[@ramblr5900]

@@DustinAbbottTWIi seen a ised one for 630 dollars. Is it still a good deal? Also what are the other hand ful lens that get 7 score?

[@ramblr5900]

@@DustinAbbottTWIalso i have a a6000 will it be a 205mm lens? And will it give the camera body new life?

[@yipkk]

I got the old 135/2 and got this one literally the first day it was released in Korea and really pleased with its build and image quality, I really hope Samyang will keep making lenses at this high quality

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good for you!

[@nicedward7544]

How do they compare in your opinion? I know the new one is sharp but from sample images the old f2 seems like it has better pop and the fall off seems more graduated and smoother. Am I crazy?

[@firpofutbol]

This is an incredible lens. When you factor in the price compared to the GM, it's insane value. Well done Samyang. 👏

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely.

[@stevesvanderpool8653]

Good morning Dustin! I own the GM (Thanks to you 🙄) lol. But I am in a position to be able purchase this used for $450. Do I need to (no) Will it hurt (absolutely not) Would you personally purchase it in this scenario? Thanks!

[@nat-lj8kt]

Another great review Dustin! Very interesting to see very good close focus performance with a single moving focus group (meaning no floating elements during focus I think). There has to be a conpromise somewhere either close or far or Samyang has really figured out a crazy design. For example Voightlander macro apo-lanthars have 3 focusing groups (of course no af) to optimize lens at different distances. Zeiss 135mm f2 APO also has floating elements and so does Sony 135mm GM with multiple groups and focus motors. Anyway a brilliant and practical lens in terms of price and performance.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's definitely a well engineered lens.

[@nat-lj8kt]

​@@DustinAbbottTWIwell I bought it and had a comparison with 135mm f2 Zeiss and also Voigtlander 110mm. I would never guess this day would have come but the Zeiss appears to be outclassed. Voigtlander 110mm has maybe less chromatic aberration but Samyang is faster, sharper across frame and the sharpness holds up both at close up and infinity with no field curvature. The character and colors remind me of the 110mm but somehow 110mm sometimes feels like the photos have more bite despite maybe being equally sharp. It is that Cosina/otus magic (more likely it is lack of astigmatism). Beautiful bokeh & transition. An overall winner in every area and my best overall performer.

[@AnjumanSharma]

Always prefer and recommend your reviews over many others.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@_rhapsodist]

I own one and its easily my favourite lens, despite the fact that its less versatile than an 85mm as you mentioned.

[@JohnBelknap]

Same, my 135 hasn't come off my A9 except for a quick indoor family shoot since I got it three weeks ago.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not surprised. It's a lovely lens.

[@JohnBelknap]

Excellent review as always. I've yet try mine with action sports but LOVE the street photography I've shot with it. Merry Christmas

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm gald to hear that.

[@aurimaspovilionis3304]

And how was it with fast moving objects? I’m considering one for family portraits which includes my 3yr old daughter.. you know kids are fast and I would like to know if Samyang will “catch up” with my daughter. Thank you in advance!

[@izcinema831]

Interestingly, for video purposes, the **slightly slower ** auto focus is actually preferable on the Sammy as the transition is a more natural "rack" feeling. I get that for photo the autofocusing speed of a a half second is the difference between missing or getting an action shot but in video it's rare that we'd use a shot that involved a focus jump unless it was a slow rack anyway. It would be interesting to see if the lag time shown here for still objects was the same when switching focus on moving ones.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair.

[@RCGJR_]

Just got mine a couple of days ago and first time buyer of samyang/rokinon lens and i got to say i’am not disappointed at all the image quality is top notch plus it’s light enough to balance on my DJI RS3 mini gimbal! P.s i bought this lens because of your review, thanks dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to hear it.

[@mohakhu]

Thank you so much Dustin, after this video I decide I am going to sell my 135 GM. THANKS SO MUCH

[@_rhapsodist]

if you need to photograph fast moving subjects then don't otherwise you can really save a lot of money if you do

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've considered doing the same and investing in the 50mm F1.2 GM instead. The Samyang would cover my needs at 135mm and I would love to have the 50GM

[@anulearntech]

That's Why I love the Sony platform so much. So much choice, so much flexibility.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@ryanbeer5262]

Wow, sincerely hope they'll release this in X mount at some point. I have the 12 & 75mm. Really impressed how far Samyang has come. Maybe they can do a fast 27mm, about the size of the 12.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely. BTW, Viltrox has a 27mm F1.2 in the works, and if it is anything like the 75mm F1.2, it will be a stunningly good lens.

[@ryanbeer5262]

@@DustinAbbottTWI ty, good to know, hopefully it'll have decent close focus as well, nothing crazy, I'd be happy around 20-25cm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

So far none of the viltrox lenses have excelled in that area. That's the one area they need to work on.

[@JoATTech]

I wonder if 0.4 firmware removes problems with micro focus adjustments in video (pulsing background).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've got the most recent firmware on there, and I don't think I've had issues with that.

[@JoATTech]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thx. Already updated to 0.4. Gonna test it tomorrow when it stops raining. 0.3 was kinda annoying in that regard. Pulsed like autofocus on Lumix GH5.

[@Rankhole123]

How do I update this lens? I just bought it and I'm not even sure what firmware it will be..

[@JoATTech]

@@Rankhole123 You can check the version connecting lens to your camera and going to "version" in menu (different locations depending on camera model). To update you need lens station (it's sold separately or together with this lens).

[@OneRiley]

Hi Dustin, not sure if you noticed it, but at 6:38 mark, there's a light leak coming from the Astro-mode led indicator at the left center of the frame (where the LED is situated). I addressed this one from Samyang and they replaced my lens but I'm still getting it. They told me that the newer version with specific serial nos. doesn't have this light bleed/leak issue. You can try this again by just shooting with the lens cap on at ISO 3200, f/1.8 and 20-30" exposure , a shade of "green" light leak will appear when the Astro-mode is on, likewise an amber will also show if you manually adjust it (shifting the green led to red). The only way I can get away with this is by shooting with lower ISO or my manually setting it to infinity without turning on the Astro Mode. Otherwise, the lens excels a lot and everyone's expectation.

[@OneRiley]

My Astro-mode video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYfVd2Njjs-Sedk) starting at 3:39 will show this issue. After I posted the video was the moment that I realized that it wasn't just a regular cloud but a light leak coming from the internal led (Astro Mode indicator). I however managed to removed the "green" light leak using PixinSight and Photoshop.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

On that night there were clouds, so in my shot it is just a passing cloud. I've got other shots at different angles (where there were no clouds), and there is no light leak in them. Obviously that can be a problem or Samyang wouldn't have replaced your lens, but I didn't encounter it on my copy.

[@OneRiley]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for your response and it’s good to know that you didn’t encounter any light leak problem, you probably have the new batch with serial nos. FDP. Mine with FAP & FBP have this issue so I’m not turning on the Astro Mode for this matter if I’m shooting long exposure with ISO 3200 and above. All the best and Happy New Year.

[@Shaari]

This is a no brainer for Sony users. But for us on L mount, a fast 135mm for mirrorless is long overdue. I can't believe Sigma still hasn't released a DG GN version. Hopefully Samyang comes to our rescue soon.

[@CameraRay]

After I updated to firmware version 4 the lens has much slower autofocus. Hunts more and is noisier. Has anyone else had this issue? 😪

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't noticed that

[@CameraRay]

@@DustinAbbottTWI After looking into my problems more I have discovered others that are having the same issues. All the other firmware updates went well but version 4 is causing the most problems.

[@malikdod4773]

Same problem. Just updated to version 4 and it has made my lens worse. I hunts for focus way more than before and it sounds louder. Is there a way to roll back the firmware. I am very disappointed now with my new lens.

[@stevefuncke9798]

Been waiting for this review! Bought the 135 a while ago and have been wondering how you’d like it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The answer is very well!

[@samtaylor4592]

Wow, Samyang have knocked it out of the park here, bravo. Another great advert for more affordable 3rd party options ... canon!!

[@joe2snj]

Probably the exact reason why they aren’t allowing 3rd party AF lenses on RF is price. Here in the UK the new Canon 135mm f1.8 is £2599 whereas the Samyang is £798.

[@samtaylor4592]

@@joe2snj Their prices for lenses are kind of absurd, 135gm was extremely well received, tested as one of the sharpest full frame lenses ever made and priced at £1750. Canon's option is nearly a grand more, ridiculous

[@joe2snj]

@@samtaylor4592 Yes I genuinely shocked when I saw the UK price of the RF 135mm f1.8, but as they have no competition they can charge much higher prices for their glass. Lots Canon shooters think that’s a good thing for some reason.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Canon's policy thus far has been pretty small minded. I think it will cost them market share.

[@photographerjonathan]

Nice video. the 135 seems like an amazing deal. I have never gone for a 135 before even though I love the look it creates. because I like a closer working distance like an 85 f1.4. but this lens has me considering getting one. I was looking to see if you did a video of the new Samyang 35 to 150 Fe lens. and I was hoping it was also a comparison with the Tamron. but I don't see it. is it a lens that you are going to review soon ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do have it planned, but am waiting for a review copy from Samyang.

[@markdbey]

Can’t wait until you review the RF 135 1.8 when it’s released! That is the one I have my eye on. I always say that your review of the RF 85 1.2 made me purchase it. That review was SO SO good… 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I look forward to testing it, though I don't have a date yet.

[@johanr207]

Bought this lens for 540 before taxes. I think it's a great value

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a stunningly good value.

[@averobinramos1496]

Excellent review Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you.

[@chrisrout1654]

Excellent review as ever Dustin, love the sample images too! .. This lens is certainly a beauty from what you have shown here!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you, Chris!

[@aratafreecs3445]

Hello Dustin, thank you for your review. It was as thorough as I expect it from you and I actually ended up getting this lens as a result of that. I might have missed the part, but I do have a question about the lens. I notice that, at f/1.8 my images often come out quite soft (spherical aberration?) at that aperture. I don't see that at all from f/2.8 and beyond, where the lens is essentially perfect. It is mostly on my a7R IV where I do see this issue, on the a7CII, this is almost not a problem, which comes down to the megapixel count. In the images you shared in this video, I also didn't really see the problem. Can you comment on if this might be an issue with this lens or is this just a problem with lens variation and I ended up getting a particularly bad copy? In the end, I might still end up buying the Sony GM 135mm, because my Samyang's AF really can't keep up when I shoot cars or my cats.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say you may have gotten a soft copy, as mine is really sharp at F1.8. But yes, the AF cannot compare in any way to the GM.

[@closedclosed3798]

You really deserve more subscriptions! Thank you, Mr Abbot for another Top Quality Professional review~!! From South Korea.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@johnrverno1]

You are the reviewer I trust most. Any news on when the r6 ii full review will come out?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It won't be for a month or two because I'm completely booked up into February already. I'm doing both the Fuji X-T5 and Sony a7R5 during that time already.

[@kzr83]

Thanks for another fantastically helpful review, Dustin 👌🏼👏🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@charbelesber1257]

Great complete review as always, do you consider it the best samyang lens to date ? Followed by the 24mm f1.8? IQ department

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is definitely the best Samyang lens to date.

[@mjphotos]

Thankful for the review. Just got this on eBay brand new £679. Perfect for the catwalk. Time will tell

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@MichaelRoachWV]

I'm not seeing a lens profile in Lightroom under either Samyang or Rokinon for this lens. I'm not seeing one on either the samyang or rokinon sites either...

[@mikeruggles8676]

I, like many people I'd guess, have been having the internal debate on whether the auto-focus performance is enough of a factor to justify the extra money on the GM. Unfortunately for my wallet, I'm leaning towards "yes", but I'm wondering if you say (in your experience or opinion) if the AF performance gap between the GM and the Samyang be widened, narrowed, or stay the same if they were shooting on an A7RIII body with its slower burst speeds and less advanced AF system? Apologies if I missed this in any of your videos about the this lens! Thanks for this, and all the other amazingly thorough content!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would have to guess, as I haven't tested the Samyang there. I don't think the performance gap would feel as wide on the RIII.

[@nicedward7544]

How does it compare in your opinion to the old MF? I know the new one is sharp but from sample images the old f2 seems like it has more pop and the fall off seems more graduated and smoother. Am I crazy? I think I'm just becoming more partial to older glass lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really like this new lens. The old one was great, but so hard to use. This new lens is just as good (if not better) optically, and so much more accessible.

[@AR-vf7vg]

What about Tele-Converters ? (Sorry if I overheard !)

[@PKmode]

TC have never been applicable to any of the Samyang/Bower/Rokinon lenses so I can't imagine they started with this. The only lenses in the sony lineup that work with a TC are the 70-200GMs, the 100-400GM, the 200-600G, the 400GM, the 600GM and that's it. No other E-mount lenses work with a TC.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thus far only native Sony lenses have been "allowed" to be teleconverter compatible.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Oh ! So the GM is ? That could very well be THE factor a user would pay those 1000 extra, or THE reason why he/she would regret having bought the Samyang...!

[@piyhaw]

Great review! Did you notice any battery drain issue? I recently purchase the lens and see the camera battery getting discharged. I am on V.02 I thought that issue was fixed.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't say that I've seen that phenomena.

[@SteveKershaw]

Excellent review, appreciate your effort, I have the sigma 85f1.4dndg, love it and was waiting for a 135 dndg, but as you say it’s a no brainer,

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It will be interesting if/when Sigma brings out a DN version, but the Samyang is such a good lens for the money already.

[@kaimelis]

Bought this lens only after your approval, as always.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you ;)

[@AJCoReTV]

Its “open-box” price is currently $699. Based on your review I’m thinking it’s a must-buy.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a pretty fair assumption.

[@AJCoReTV]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you, price has been lowered to $670. My only reservation is that I already own 85mm 1.8 (Sony), so how much diff between those focal lengths. Would I end up reaching for 85mm more than 135mm… hmmm something I’ll be thinking over.

[@derekwin13]

About to shoot a lantern parade at night and wondering about the autofcus. I shot it last year with a panasonic g9 and olympus 75mm f1.8 and It kept missing focus. I know it is extreme conditions. Should I get the sony or will the samyang be good enough?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Samyang really should be enough.

[@Riskbreaker2009]

Best lens at this price. A fully recommended buy

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely

[@morethan4098]

what kind of tripod is in the video? Thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Oben Tabletop Tripod shown in video: bhpho.to/3vL8YWy

[@longingbydesign]

In Germany, you can get a new Samyang 135mm for around 850 €, and a used Sony GM 135 1.8 in perfect condition for around 1100 €. Would you, for 250 € difference, still consider the Samyang?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I might be tempted to go with the GM for its better focusing abilities and resale value.

[@navis5284]

Forgive if this has been already addressed by you, but is the Samyang the same as the Rokinon? Thank you Dustin, for your excellent reviews!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes. For some reason they market lenses in different markets under two different names...but it is the exact same lens.

[@navis5284]

@@DustinAbbottTWI - much obliged.

[@karlnotyourbusiness4429]

You can stick this on an APS-C body or up the mode in the A7RIV to get a 200mm f1.8 with 24mp. Excellent for sports.

[@_rhapsodist]

the AF really can't keep up with any fast moving subject so unless by sports you mean chess I wouldn't recommend it 😛 otherwise easily the best lens I own

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

In terms of focal length, yes, though I'm not sure the AF speed is really top notch for sports.

[@OkwyUgonweze]

You are getting f2.7 at 202.5, not 200 1.8.

[@crismi144]

Have this lens when I look at the images they are so sharp the photo's look unreal

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a crazy sharp lens.

[@gregoryreneau1052]

Do you think you could get away with this for weddings over the Sony? IQ looks great, and don't need the extra FPS from the GM.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't see why not.

[@cr4zyg047]

Ordered this lens during the Samyang/Rokinon sale for $678 I could buy THREE Samyang 135mm lenses for the cost of the Sony GM

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow - that is a stunningly good price!

[@JoATTech]

Even with firmware v0.4 there are still some problems with AF in video with Samyang 135mm. Video proof on my channel. Other users confirm the problem. For photos it seems all good.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmmm, I haven’t had any issue that I’m aware of with my copy.

[@JoATTech]

@@DustinAbbottTWI It happens less with firmware 0.4, and generally in some circumstances - bright changing background - but other lenses in the same situation does not suffer from this (Sonys, Sigmas or other Samyangs). It looks a bit like old Panasonic AF :D.

[@alfoutdoors9660]

This might be a problem unique to using the lens on the A7IV as I have not not noticed such an issue when using it on my A7C.

[@zm4518]

How it compares with 85 f1.4? Which one is better buy?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If the 135mm focal length works for you, it is the more exceptional lens of the two.

[@hamzatosun3696]

Perfect review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SonnyNguyen.]

How are the quality control on these lenses I have heard samyang hasn’t been so great in the past

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have found them to be really improved in recent years.

[@SonnyNguyen.]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I’m still deciding whether to trust samyang lenses some other reviewers saying it feels cheap in the hand with a little accident can compromise the mount I don’t like all plastic lenses I had sigma art lenses and have made many accidents and it holds up like a tank

[@benjamindover4337]

Very appealing rendering

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed

[@Flburr99]

On sale on Amazon for 6 8 5 USD as of today. 1-30-23

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's an unbelievably good price for this lens.

[@Loscyc360]

Is it as sharp as the Samyang 135/2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sharper, I would say

[@furmstons]

I really hope they bring it out on Z mount

[@elkwewwef]

Should work OK with the $249 MEGADAP ETZ21 adapter.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's probably a possibility, as Nikon seems to be opening the mount.

[@stilmotionpicture]

Is this the same as the brand Rokinon? If not, what are the differences? Because they look the same 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Samyang lenses are also sold under the Rokinon brand in North America, and yes, they are the same.

[@nogerboher5266]

I've tried 14 135mm lenses over the years. Ignoring trivial stuff like vignetting, corner sharpness and so on, looking strictly at optics aka. overall image quality, the best you can buy are: Sony - 1. Sony GM f1.8 and 2. Zeiss Batis f2.8 Canon - 1. Zeiss APO Sonnar f2, 2. Zeiss Milvus f2, 3. Canon RF f1.8 and 4. Canon EF f2 Nikon - 1. Zeiss APO Sonnar f2, 2. Zeiss Milvus f2 and 3. Nikon f2 DC

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Have you tested this lens? I'm not sure I would rante the Batis (which I have tested) over the Samyang.

[@alfoutdoors9660]

The Samyang is sharper than the Sony GM right across the frame, it has far less CA, less distortion and much better flare resistance. Where other 135mm lenses start getting soft from diffraction at f16, the Samyang is still razor sharp at f16 and doesn't start getting soft from diffraction till f22!...It's not only the best Samyang lens ever made, it's possible that its the best 135mm lens ever made, and perhaps even the sharpest lens ever made!

[@AngelFromHeaven000]

@@alfoutdoors9660 the GM elitists will always have their bias skyrocketing when it comes to other lenses :D I'm a Sony fan aswell, but I will always choose price/performance over anything. Samyang clearly wins against the GM across the board, unless you are a videographer or sports photographer enthusiast, there is no reason to get the GM.

[@wolfrainerschmalfuss3515]

I guess, that any lens test, are only guilty for the lens you're actually testing, and must not be guilty for other lenses of the same brand! Especially, the quality controls of SAMYANG lenses are unfortunately not rated to the best!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

One thing that I rely on is if the results that I see are consistent with the manufacturers published MTF charts. I'm happy to say that Samyang has improved their quality control in recent years.

[@wolfrainerschmalfuss3515]

The majority of well known Lens makers are publishing theoretical MTF measurements only! These are "eye wash" to my opinion, and therefore not very helpful!

[@AR-vf7vg]

Incorporating a direct comparison with the 135 GM would have been irréprochable (at least by 99% of the subscribers - I dont know about Sony or Samyang, lol. (Yes of course : For that there was no GM at hand, and/or reasonable time constrains... ;-)

[@elkwewwef]

Samyang 135mm vs GM 135mm kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6PWmZWZgb-Lfbc

[@AR-vf7vg]

Hey THANK YOU@@elkwewwef !!! Made me realize the Samyang does not have a dedicated apperture-ring. That would definitally make me watch out for a good second hand GM copy (- If I felt a need for longer then my FE f/1.4 105mm. Unlikely need to me)

[@elkwewwef]

@@AR-vf7vg Note the M1/M2 switch - e.g. M1 may be configured to have the ring as an aperture ring, M2 as manual focus. Also the Focus Hold button which can be programmed on the camera body to whatever you fancy.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@elkwewwef Ok, I see, rather well implemented then, you describe it well. But I'm not sure if I'd not rather prefer the on camera wheel, in practice, still. ... but ok, a real interesting alternative. Just that all my lenses (except my 105mm) have the dedicated aperture ring, just as from my first gear 35-40 years ..almost ever since ...

[@elkwewwef]

@@AR-vf7vg If you need to have both physical aperture ring & MF ting *at the same time* you're likely to choose a mechanical MF lens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZqxl3mjeKqAqtU or its recent weatherproofed reincarnation as MK2 of the video lenses series.