Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

It's exciting to see another lens in Samyang's persuasive 'Tiny but Mighty' series - hopefully one day these lenses will find their way onto Canon EOS R and Nikon Z mount cameras, too.
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All pictures taken by me on Sony a7R II and a5100 cameras.
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[@SatanSupimpa]

The focal length I'm most familiarized with is a 50mm on an aps-c body. So I think this is the lens for when I move to full frame.

[@RealRaynedance]

Leica would probably thank you for that too.

[@SatanSupimpa]

@@RealRaynedance I shoot a Sony a6000. Leica will have to wait, for a very long time.

[@Reviews4fun1]

Yeah I was like what’s got everyone all off kilter? This is the APSC 50 in a full frame

[@octaviomoran8475]

Viltrox 85mm 1.8?

[@danielbarakat]

I’m curious. How is a 55mm or 75mm on a full frame the most you’re familiar with. I was shooting a baby shower today and a 50mm on a full frame was too zoomed in for me. Are you mostly shooting outdoors?

[@ChimaChindaDev]

If it’s Christopher Frost, I like before I watch.

[@Froggy16788]

it won't help him in the youtube algorithm, watch at least a minute then like if you want to help his channel.

[@ChimaChindaDev]

Little Fun Bin I didn’t know that. He’s doing a great work. Thanks

[@christopherfrost]

That's interesting, I didn't know that :-)

[@momchilyordanov8190]

This one, plus the 18/2.8 and 45/1.8 are absolutely gorgeous. They cost about £1080 for all three and they weigh 540g. All 3 of them weigh 540g combined lol!

[@vpr5562]

i was thinking for 18, 24, 45, 75 as primes

[@rusinsr]

@@vpr5562 I own the 45, I think I'll sell it if I get the 75. Not much point for the in-between imo.

[@trym2121]

@@rusinsr get the upcoming 35 1.8

[@rusinsr]

@@trym2121 I have the 24mm F2.8, so I don't think I'd see much usage from the 35mm, but thanks!

[@TaylorPassofaro]

I really didn't want to get out of bed this morning, I was so tired, but I was so excited to watch this simple lens review that it literally dragged me out of bed so I could watch it. Thank you again, I don't know how these videos have such a power over my schedule 😅

[@legend240891]

I messaged Samyang wanting a small 85mm lens just like their 45mm 2 months ago. They saw my message on Facebook, didn't reply to it but released this lens 2 weeks ago. Love you Sammy!

[@90s_Hardcore_Gabber]

They produced a lens in 2 months because a message on Facebook... your ego is more than a small 85mm for sure

[@angeloop]

Since eye autofocus performance has become essential for most photographers, I think you should include a special section for that within your reviews, testing for example a moving subject in burst mode how many photos are focused on the eye.

[@therealcinnimo]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@jimyungwoo1123]

absolutely!!

[@charmerci]

I love that you test corner sharpness at various apertures and that you are precise and to the point. Thanks!

[@gmeardi]

Just received this mighty lens for my A7r3 and I can say that’s really an excellent purchase! More, testing the AF speed with the R3 is MUCH FASTER than with the R2, as by this video. So, really happy on this. For months I was undecided if to go for the by-far-more-expensive Sony 85mm GM, or waiting for fhe future new Sigma 85mm ART especially designed for mirrorless (eg. smaller and cheaper than Sony), but this is never announced. So I decided to go for this Sammy and... super happy to have made the choice (F1.4 vs 1.8 is really such a small difference for the benefit in size and cost).

[@pinkplease2374]

Hi, I would like to ask about this lens?is is still working after using it for a long time ? how is the image quality?thank you. any reply is greatly appreciated.

[@ekkanofiqandriyana7325]

with that kind of detailed "busy bokeh" this lens should be very good for B&W photography

[@stuffnuns]

It’s great to see Samyang upping their game. IMO, Samyang is doing a great job of throwing down the gauntlet to others as far as bang-for-buck value. I appreciate them upgrading their lens firmware when they can. The have improved the focusing on both my 24mm and 45mm mini’s. Great value, and great fun, cause the lenses are light, so my A7ii doesn’t feel front heavy when walking about, runnin’n’gunnin’.

[@tombreen7927]

such a great channel for honest reviews i was thinking about buying the sony 85 for some wedding and potrait work but dang after seeing this i think it will be a purchase

[@eliseogermanstenta]

All SY lenses look amazingly small & compact and that is the original philosophy of mirrorless cameras. I own the 35 2.8 and the 18mm and I'm very pleased with them.

[@Fsyic]

Interesting. I have the Samyang 45mm f1.8 and I love it. I think I'll hold off on the 75mm though as I have the Sony 85mm f1.8 (which is excellent)

[@TreParker2016]

I think you should stop using a7rii to measure focusing speed. It has serious focusing issues compared to Sony a7iii which uses 93% of the sensor.

[@ivedigga]

I prefer a 75mm over 85mm all day & this lens is a beast & I can’t wait for version 2 of it

[@baddoggi4238]

Got myself the Samyang 18mm and 75mm it's so tiny, it can fit into my money pouch with its own capsule pouch. Performance wise it's dam good for its size and price. Been looking for tiny lenses for my mirrorless and this is it. So far I'm happy VS the gigantic and very heavy Sigma ART ones at 1/8 of the cost.

[@jonny5723]

Looks like the perfect budget friendly portrait lens I was searching for. 😊

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

I wish these Samyang lenses were available for Nikon Z and Canon RF mounts.

[@JoshuaValerio]

Sony mount lenses can be adapted with autofocus to Nikon Z with the Techart Pro adapter!

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

@@JoshuaValerio I know, but it costs $250!

[@johnlochness]

The Samyang 12mm F2 is one of my favourite lenses and my goto for landscapes, so I've love to get my hands on this.

[@MarkusGebhard]

I have three copies of the lens at home right now. All of them are noticeably softer at the top left corner. Yours looks way better. Not sure whether that's simply how the 75mm performs or I just got unlucky three time in a row. I'm also using an a7rII.

[@cinegenies4651]

Having mine for few years I discovered this flaw few weeks ago, the left side is way softer. I have seen the same on the Lenstip test of the lens. I think the whole serie is decentered.

[@shootermcgavin4999]

I like when you show other competing lenses at the end.

[@kenspo]

My experience with the AF is different then yours. My copy was pretty quick!

[@AmbroseLiu]

It could also be because he's possibly using an older camera

[@InterMaus]

Would be nice if we saw third party autofocus lenses on Nikon and Canon mirrorrless systems too. I think Canon has some, but no nikon ones so far, only manual focus ones.

[@JoshuaValerio]

Sony mount lenses can be adapted with autofocus to Nikon Z with the Techart Pro adapter!

[@InterMaus]

@@aceflibble "year or two" that's exactly what i mean, those systems came out in 2018. That was one and a half year ago.

[@jimstirling7223]

@@JoshuaValerio I have the TZE-01 which works very well though it does not work properly with the Samyang FE AF lenses

[@trym2121]

These lens were designed 2-3 years back so it's safe to say we need another 2-3 years for third party to go with new mounts.

[@nicolask.3825]

This seems to slot in with their 45mm f/1.8 - both are focal lengths I've only ever heard of after a 1.5x aps-c crop.

[@RealRaynedance]

Have a look at some Leica lenses and drool along with the rest of us. They've been doing them for 13 years if you don't count the 73mm f/1.9 from the 1930s.

[@nicolask.3825]

@@RealRaynedance I think my wallet would thank me if I didn't. I believe you on that drooling part, though!

[@itimonium9062]

45mm was a really common focal length for cheap fixed prime lens 35mm cameras in the 60s and 70s. But with the SLRs of the 70s and 80s the 50mm Standard won over.

[@RealRaynedance]

@@itimonium9062 Would be kind of nice if 45 had stuck around. It's way closer to the 43mm that apparently best mimics the human eye's central FOV.

[@AmbroseLiu]

As good as the AF system is on the A7RII, the newer cameras have significantly better AF systems. That doesn't necessarily negate your findings, but a disclaimer about that may have been more fair. Great review overall though!

[@AmbroseLiu]

Yes, so that experience is helpful.

[@juantristan_la_muerte]

awesome reviews, Long live to Christopher!

[@haywoodgiles713]

That's a lot of focus breathing! Still great value relative to SONY offerings. Thanks Chris!

[@marcjones7486]

75mm is nice for indoor use, I've been impressed with many of the Samyang lenses , and you can't beat their prices.

[@FlosBlog]

50 on apsc is such a joy so I am really looking forward to this lens!

[@TechAddict8642]

wow nice review as always!!! this is a bang for buck carry all day lens!

[@NickL0VIN]

It really is. So small if I put it in my bag and don't use it I won't feel guilty. But man I can't decide this or the Samyang 85mm f/1.4

[@eliseogermanstenta]

@@NickL0VIN i would go for the viltrox if you're looking for a 85. But this is a kinda rare focal too. So i can't figure out i f it can be in the 85 group.

[@User_dprmsthd]

It will be great to see a comparison video between this and the new Viltrox 75mm lens

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I wish Sony could make a full frame camera with the size of the a6000 to go along these compact lenses

[@RealRaynedance]

Their full frame cameras are already around the size of M4/3 cameras and unbalanced with longer glass. How much smaller do you really need them to be? (I'm genuinely curious. I personally can't stand holding an a6000 for very long because of the size of my hands, even though I use one for infrared.)

[@JackieSemple]

A leicable lens and a well balanced review. Thanks.

[@garypardyphotography]

I've been holding off on committing to a portrait lens since I rarely shoot portraits. This might be the right balance between the short telephoto range I prefer and a dedicated 85mm portrait prime. Still difficult to compete with the 85 f/1.8 FE - that size though...

[@garypardyphotography]

@Foto4Max good to know! Chris' focus test didn't inspire confidence in the lens either

[@cinegenies4651]

Thanks for the review! Other tests actually show that the Samyang is sharper than the Sony FE 85mm f1.8...

[@christopherfrost]

They are very close

[@16-bit-trip5]

Thanks for the review Chris! I recently picked up the Rokinon/Samyang 45mm 1.8 as a walk around lens and am very happy with it. This also looks like another good value from Sammy but since I already have a 24-70mm 2.8 GM an 85mm probably makes more sense.

[@alexandrepapon2466]

Thanks ! Perfect review as the others ! I was waiting for this one too !

[@navagiopoint]

this is a defective copy. a good copy is as good as the sony 85 1.8. both very sharp

[@domtomazo]

Seems like a great lens to complement a 35mm for two-lens combo. A similar lens that is worth mentioning is the excellent SMC Pentax FA 77mm F1.8 Limited, similar in size, speed, focal length, weight.. designed for SLR but very good!

[@michaeljimenez7465]

24/75 or 35/85 That would be nice!

[@maZec31]

I WANT THIS LENS! ... and did not even see this review yet! But i will

[@adamg.manning6088]

I’ve been waiting for this. Looks like a great buy.

[@Jimmyageek]

Just for 75mm F1.8 I m Getting the A7C

[@polarized8708]

There are some lenses, which aren't that great between center and corner. If that lens is poorer in the corner on an APSC body, I guess that is something to check on fullframe and maybe in further reviews. I guess, the Sony 85 FE 1.8 would be the better choice, because of better sharpness and a not better Autofocus (from what you say). The 85 1.8 is a great indoor sport lens. But good to know, that there are some lightweight lenses.

[@haydar9004]

Great review as always, thanks chriss

[@georgestancl2283]

yeeey i was hoping for early review of this lens on your channel! Now let's get to real businessy by testing Tamron 70-180 :-D

[@chrismcgrew4692]

+1

[@narennarinsuksanti3746]

Always good review.

[@andreasmaier3034]

I would like to see this for the Canon R system.

[@benf0466]

Your the best reviewer ever. Thanks

[@NickL0VIN]

you're*

[@iamjessehamad]

@@NickL0VIN *yore

[@kunstfuhrer]

Thanks man, very informative

[@ericty6494]

I'm using a Sony apsc... Would you choose this over the Sirui 75mm 1.2 IQ consideration only? Hoping to get your opinion. 😊

[@oguzbenice7423]

Thank you Chris!

[@GaryJahman]

Not sure about this one from Samyang as Sometimes the samyang 85mm F1.4 is around 500 or so

[@mihir1997]

was really hoping they'd do some fuji lenses now that Fuji has committed to opening up X mount a bit.

[@KwonPhoto]

첫번째 댓글 인가요 ㅎㅎ 영광입니다 크리스토퍼 신부님~ ^^

[@christopherfrost]

고생했어요!

[@KwonPhoto]

@@christopherfrost 감사합니다 ^^

[@frankfeng2701]

A7rii is a bit outdated for AF test.

[@RobertsWidagdo]

great review.. thank you.

[@divuk83]

Great review, stop tempting me to buy more lenses! Just a quick suggestion/thought: When reviewing a lens could you put which firmware you were using for it in the blurb below? Often AF accuracy and speed are improved with firmware updates and it would be helpful to know which one you use in your reviews. Thanks

[@christopherfrost]

I would do, but you'd never really be able to know for sure if the update would definitely improve the speed, or if the camera had already pushed the lens's AF to the limit

[@nightdonutstudio]

looks like a better optical than Sony 85mm f1.8.

[@TaanielMalleus]

I wish you'd review these lenses on newer cameras.

[@ElReySupr3me]

Is the samyang 85mm 1.4 a more superior lens over this 75mm?

[@NowyKurs]

Not bad. Looks like a good lens. Few more years and they will be as good as Canon or Sigma.

[@bodkinsbestphotography]

Was hoping you could do a review of the nikkor 20mm f/1.8 now that you've got a nikon body. That'd be great. Thanks.

[@trym2121]

No apsc test? I'd like to see how it performs with 24MP instead of 18MP

[@peteryvr3329]

Hi Chris. 1 US dollar is worth 0.77 GB pound so still gouging at 380£ when it should be 310£.

[@christopherfrost]

That's just the price it's selling at right now.

[@brunofalcone9979]

Seems to have very circular bokeh. Very nice!

[@aghitube]

I love these reviews. But I have one question. How can corner sharpness be worse in apsc than full frame? Isn't apsc just a a crop of the same image circel at the same flange distance? I guess you would not see this drop in sharpness on a full fame camera in crop mode, right? Thanks!

[@badfishinghabit5458]

Full frame lenses are not physically optimized for crop sensors so you have to be very careful when choosing - one of the reasons I love these reviews in particular. If you watch more of Chris’s reviews, you’ll see some lenses do fine on APSC while others are far worse with respect to sharpness & chromatic aberration usually. I chose to only use APSC lenses on my A6600 for max image quality. Sucks for future upgrades (which I’m doing right now to the A7C) but there’s no point handicapping a good sensor with the wrong lenses IMO. Re: FF crop mode - yes, no additional optical issues are introduced as the physicals are the same, just less of the sensor is being used (except for only shooting at 40% of the megapixels - 10MP on a 24MP sensor).

[@GilbertTV]

im sorry I know we've been here before but how can you say the AF is averagely quick when you are using a 5 year old camera .. I wish you'd get a newer Sony body as it would give your reviews some better credibility.. Samyang lenses are very good I have the 85mm & 45mm & on the newer camera bodies a7iii on wards are really quick & not average as you have found ..

[@christopherfrost]

You mean my Sony a7R II? That camera is very quick to autofocus. I've tested many lenses with it that focused very, very quickly.

[@GilbertTV]

@@christopherfrost if you used a a7iii or a7riv or a a9 etc you would not be saying the AF is average .. you would be saying its very quick.. you are under selling the lenses you are reviewing . its your channel ..& if you dont want to iinvest in a new camera thats your shout.. I advised you before to monetise your channel which it is.. or use Amazon links & with the huge amount of views you've had over the years you could afford all the cameras ive mentioned ,buy me one too & donate the rest to charities that im sure you are involved with in your work .

[@MR-AK]

Great review. Will it crop the image on a full frame camera ? Is it a true fullframe lens?

[@kavan82]

Thank you for helping us to choose right lens by reviewing over 300 lenses- Since you have reviewd some expensive lenses. would it be possible to review Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f:1,4?

[@christopherfrost]

Maybe one day, although it's not a top priority for me - people are generally more interested in less expensive lenses

[@andriandri4735]

Better than Lens samyang 75mm f1.8 or lens sony 85mm f1.8 FE ?

[@Jakob-we4dk]

Could you please test the new Sony G 20mm f/1.8

[@christopherfrost]

When the lens hire company gets one in, I will :-)

[@dwk239]

Can you review the tamron 35-150mm f2.8-4.0 plz?? I need YOUR review before making decision

[@anulearntech]

It seems only the contrast detect was used during af testing. Not sure if this is a lens issue or setting.

[@akivabernstein4723]

I love the new control ring.

[@kenspo]

I see we both are in the same newsletter from Samyang :)

[@tonyandjeaninehoppers2872]

Thanks for great review videos. It’s a plus knowing you are a Christian!

[@yifeip2361]

Where is the fuji version？samyang needs to work with viltrox！

[@johnwells2908]

Christopher which would you have for the a7r3, this or the viltron 85mm, im asking as im torn between them

[@tommygunraw_6566]

I love the form factor and general look of this lens. But why would you take this over the 85mm 1.4? - similar in focal lengh - similar in price - similar in image quality - 1.4 vs 1.8 I mean yeah they are different, but not that much. But 1.4 is 1.4 just saying

[@neilcameron434]

I'm hoping this drops further below the 85mm. It has a considerable size and weight advantage. I would like to see a bokeh comparison, from what I have seen so far I might slightly prefer the 75's bokeh.

[@christopherfrost]

This 75mm lens is far, far smaller and lighter, and less expensive - that will draw in lots of people

[@michaeljimenez7465]

Why the strange focal lengths from samyang? 45mm and now 75mm? Just to get those between options in framing? Smaller size? Seems like a cool thing to do!

[@christopherfrost]

I think it's cool, too :-)

[@bagushernawan7721]

Thanks!

[@itzamna3080]

6:30 not very close, but very nice, indeed.

[@shadyninja1]

They need to make it for Nikon Z mount

[@wimair_at]

I love you! Waited for this!

[@JB_Hobbies]

Is the custom switch programmable? As in, can people switch it to be an AF/MF switch or is it stuck doing its default function for the focus ring?

[@youmysterious]

Big problem for me now... with one is better regarding color rendering and bokeh: Samyang AF 75 or Viltrox AF 85? Please help!

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at my review of the Viltrox lens :-) it bokeh might be a bit better than the Samyang

[@NickL0VIN]

Thank you for the review. Would you prefer this or the Samyang 85mm f/1.4?

[@christopherfrost]

If you want a small, light, inexpensive lens, then go for the 75mm. If you want everything bigger, then the 85mm

[@NickL0VIN]

@@christopherfrost thanks but my actual question was meant for you, I already know what I want, lol: Do you, Christopher, like this Samyang 75mm or Samyang 85mm f/1.4 more? Lol.

[@roland_6496]

"Leicable" ? :D

[@lipshaha7411]

저는 한국 사람이지만 삼양렌즈는 목사님 덕에 알게되었습니다. 사진 잘 찍는 방법도 유튜브에 올려주세요.

[@marcofrosinini8530]

what about this lens vs the samyang 85 f1.8? is it much better?

[@kenspo]

Yes! This is equally good as the 84 F/1.4. Quick AF, Sharp and gorgeous bokeh. I've used this lens last 2-3 weeks. :)

[@jhosybassman1]

Is this macro?

[@josegulias]

Hi Christopher!! thanks for the video. could you make avaliable subtitles for non english subscribers? Many thanks mate!!

[@我喜欢吃咖啡]

I'm sold on its 230 grams. Never a fan of big heavy glasses....

[@Anarki2U]

You are making great reviews, but please drop the background music, it is very annoying.

[@HGQjazz]

It's the same everytime. Its kind of signature, I think.

[@keystonebrotherb]

Just picked up mint for $225 on eBay!

[@mehedi1448]

Do it support on canon 90d,,

[@MrLambda48]

No. Its for mirrorless cameras

[@Haribollll]

Where do you live? Those sceneries are breathtaking

[@christopherfrost]

Wales, UK

[@AfifZulkifli]

7:43 I see what you did there 😏

[@KhmeMediaOFFICIAL]

How much bro?

[@christopherfrost]

Watch the video, and you'll find out!

[@우동수-r5y]

Awesome. :)