Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E

Description

Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Overview

By Photo’s Matt Cottom

Designed for portraiture, landscapes, and astrophotography, the AF 135mm f/1.8 FE from Samyang is a medium-length telephoto prime designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Offering outstanding resolution, the optical design incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements and an ultra-precision aspherical element, which suppresses both chromatic and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness, color accuracy, and clarity. An ultra multicoating has also been applied to reduce ghosting and flare in order to achieve higher contrast when working in strong lighting conditions.

The lens has a linear STM autofocus motor for quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance, plus a minimum focusing distance of just 2.3″ to suit working with close-up subjects. Three different customized buttons for enhanced functionality include a focus hold button, a custom switch, and a focus range limiter switch. It also features an astro-focus function for astrophotography. The weather-sealed construction offers protection against dust, light rain, and snow.

Medium-length telephoto prime designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 202.5mm equivalent focal length. Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords significant control over depth of field for working with selective focus techniques. Three extra-low dispersion elements reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater clarity and color rendering. Ultra-precision aspherical element provides natural and refined bokeh. Ultra multicoating reduces flare and ghosting for increased contrast and a neutral color balance. Linear STM autofocus motor works in conjunction with Sony cameras’ focusing systems for quick, quiet, and precise AF control. Custom switch can be used for lens-based control over select exposure or shooting functions, such as aperture selection, with additional settings coming via future firmware updates. Focus hold button lets you keep the lens locked to your desired focusing distance. Also allows you to assign functions such as Eye AF in settings on the camera body. Focus limiter switch lets you constrain the focusing to two different ranges to suit different applications: 27 to 79″ for closeup shooting or 59″ to infinity for standard shooting. Astro-focus mode for astrophotography. Eleven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out-of-focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques. Weather-sealed construction helps protect against dust and moisture. Included lens hood helps to block stray light from causing flare and ghosting. UPC: 084438767360

In the Box

• Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood
• Lens Pouch

User Manual

5.4 MB

Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Specs

Packaging Info

Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Reviews

Fantastic lens with great bokeh

By Phillip Rated 5 out of 5 Date: 2023-02-04

Watch out Sony, the optics and build quality of this new Samyang lens are great. I have this lens mounted to an A7iv and the AF is fast. If you are looking for an alternate to the Sony 135mm, you will not be disappointed.

Great 3rd party fast tele prime

By Richard Rated 5 out of 5 Date: 2023-01-06

Mainly using this Samyang 135mm 1.8 for full body portrait photography. So far, I am really impressed with the IQ. This is my first Samyang lens and it’s build is decent compared to my Sigma, Tamron, and Sony lenses. Got it on sale here on . I received the firmware version 2 which fixed the battery drain issue. The newest is version 4, but I do not own the dock yet to update. The only lens in the same sharpness class close to the focal range is my stellar Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN. I think this 135mm lens will quickly become one of my favorites, time will tell.

So impressive!

By Marc Rated 5 out of 5 Date: 2022-12-30

After seeing some comparisons to the Sony 135 GM, I decided to give it a try. Out of the box, i was blown away with the images that were coming out of my A7RV. Super sharp at 1.8 which is what I was looking for. I’m very pleased with the value and quality of this lens. Definitely will recommend to anyone looking for that perfect portrait lens.

A FANTASTIC Lens for the Price

By Nicholas V. Rated 4 out of 5 Date: 2022-11-25

Don’t let my 4-star rating fool you, this is an incredible lens that produces sharp images. I purchased this lens because I’ve been intrigued by the 135mm focal length for awhile and it has certainly not disappointed me. The only reason I rated at 4-stars is for fast moments I wish the auto-focus was just slightly faster than what it is. Hoping a future firmware update may help. I highly recommend this lens to anyone getting into prime lenses or who usually use wide lenses and are interested in viewing things from a new/telephoto perspective.

Best 135mm for Sony E

By Jonathan Rated 5 out of 5 Date: 2022-11-20

I love the 135mm focal length and this is the best I’ve used all things considered (size, weight, image quality and price). Just as sharp as the GM though I personally very slightly prefer the bokeh and rendering of the GM, but a decent amount lighter and much much cheaper. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a 135mm and does not need blazing fast focus (e.g., sports). Focus is fast enough to keep up with my fastest needs (kids, pets).

Absolutely phenomenal!

By Chris Rated 5 out of 5 Date: 2022-10-02

I’ve used all of the available 135 1.8 lens for the e mount. This lens by far exceeds the expectations I had for it. It is easily sharper and renders a more beautiful image than the sigma 135 1.8 and every bit as sharp ( and in some occasions sharper ) than the Sony 136 1.8. All of this for a more affordable price. Samyang have hit a home run here!!!

Amazing lens

By Dmytro Rated 5 out of 5 Date: 2023-02-03

Amazing lens! Very sharp and very light. I’m happy! Thank you b&h for good service!

Awesome IQ but…

By Richard Rated 3 out of 5 Date: 2023-01-12

This lens has top notch IQ, but I’m worried that the build quality will suffice for the long term. I also question the weather sealing, when I mounted the lens, there was zero friction from the gasket to the mount, like it did not even seal. This is a big problem when shooting in adverse weather. For the money you can’t beat it.

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