Earlier today Samyang announced a new fast, lightweight portrait lens – the AF 135mm F1.8 FE which also comes with impressively close focus distance and several control functions.
Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE main features
The new Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE brings with it several innovations and it seems that Samyang was eager to include its most recent technologies into this lens.
In terms of optical formula, this lens is completely different than the Samyang existing 135mm F2.0 ED UMC lens which is an MF-only design that was developed during the DSLR area. Unlike the MF version which has 11 elements in 7 groups the new lens has 13 elements in 11 groups including some advanced elements such as 3 ED, one HR, and one U-ASP element).
The lens has two switches and a single button. The Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE has a focus-hold programable (from the camera) button a limiter (first for Samyang) with 3 modes – full, 69cm-2m and 2m-infinity and an M1/M2 switch that can be programmed and changes by default to control the aperture from the ring).
One feature which we really appreciate on this lens is the close-up focus distance. On the AF 135mm F1.8 FE Samyang was able to get it to only 69cm (closer than all other 135mm lenses) with an impressive close up macro magnification of 1:4.1
The button and switches on the new Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE lens
Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE Lens Specs
Here are some of the main specs for the Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE lens:
- 135mm f/1.8 FF lens.
- The lens has 13 elements in 11 groups (including 3 ED, one HR, and one U-ASP elements).
- Linear STM AF motor.
- Dust and water-resistant.
- Min focus distance – 69cm (1:4 magnification).
- 11 rounded blades aperture.
- 82 mm filter.
- Weight – around 772g (27.2oz).
- Mounts – Sony E.
Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE external design and internal sealing
Pricing and availability
The Samyang will start shipping globally in February 2022 for around $1000 (just for comparison, the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM sells for $2100).
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Iddo Genuth 
