The new AF 135mm F1.8 E telephoto lens is optimized for portraits, astrophotography, landscapes and video shooting. It includes Samyang's key features, such as: focus lock button, custom switch, and focus range limiter switch.
With Samyang's announcement of the new AF 135mm F1.8 E, its Auto Focus F1.8 E series now includes: 24mm, 35mm, 45mm, 75mm and 135mm focal lengths, completing the lineup from wide-angle to telephoto.
AF 135mm F1.8 FE Key Features
Superb Resolution
Unsparing application of Samyang's most advanced optical technologies has produced a large-aperture prime telephoto lens that delivers outstanding corner-to-corner resolution. The AF 135mm F1.8 FE delivers an 18.9˚ angle of view for full-frame and 12.5˚ for APS-C. It features a bright maximum aperture of F1.8 throughout the entire image, as favoured by full-frame camera users. In particular, optimum resolution is achieved through the optical design of 13 elements in 11 groups (1 U-ASP, 2 HR and 3 ED). Combined with Sony's full-frame image sensor, this lens delivers superior sharpness and contrast in all areas of the image.
Able to deliver extremely narrow depth of field, with beautiful bokeh
The AF 135mm F1.8 FE uses a large-diameter aperture to provide smooth background blur. It effectively allows separation of the subject from the background, by using a shallow depth of field. Also, it is equipped with a UA (Ultra-precision Aspherical) lens, which delivers natural and refined bokeh. Using this smooth bokeh, you can freely create images highlighting your subjects against stunning backgrounds, whether shooting portraits, close-ups or even cityscapes.
Fast and Quiet Auto Focus Performance
Tracking the subject accurately and quickly, the AF also operates quietly and smoothly when shooting video. Samyang's Linear STM (Stepping Motor) satisfies both photographers and videographers with quieter and more accurate control of the focusing lens groups.
Enhanced Operability and Reliability
Important features include customisable: A Focus Hold button, Custom Switch and Focus Range Limiter. Overall, this is a lens that meets or exceeds professional requirement for control and reliability for both stills and movies.
1) Focus Hold Button
Pressing this button on the lens will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. You can assign functions such as Eye AF in settings on the camera body.
2) Custom Switch
There is a custom switch, which can be set to allow adjustment of the aperture silently by rotating the focus ring. Using the optional Lens Station, you can set up the mode to suit your own preference*. (*More functions will be added through firmware updates in the future.)
3) Focus Range Limiter switch
The Focus Range Limiter only operates in AF mode.
• It is useful when the distance from an object has been determined.
• Move the Focus Range Limiter forward or backward to select the focus range.
- FULL: The AF range is set to infinity at a minimum focus distance of 0.69m. (AF search may take slightly longer.)
- 0.69m - 2m: The AF range is set between 0.69m and 2m, which is suitable for close-up shooting.
- 1.5m - ∞: The AF range is set from 1.5m to infinity, which is suitable for normal shooting.
Short minimum focal distance of 0.69m
Although this is a 135mm telephoto lens that effectively controls aberration at all focusing distances, Samyang has made it possible to achieve a minimum focus distance of just 69cm (2.26ft) and a maximum magnification of 0.243x for close-up photography. Small accessories and other subjects can be captured with remarkable resolution and beautiful, soft background bokeh.
Modern design and weather-sealing
The AF 135mm F1.8 FE has been developed and enhanced, taking into consideration not only the design features but also the user's shooting environment. It has a micro-patterned rubber focus ring, which feels great to operate and the weather-sealing protects the lens from light rain, snow and dust.
Specifications
| Model Name | AF 135mm F1.8 E | |
| Aperture Range | F1.8 ~ 22 | |
| Lens Optical Construction | 13 Elements in 11 Groups | |
| Special Elements | 1 U-ASP, 3 HR, 3 ED | |
| Coating | UMC | |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 2.26' (69cm) | |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 0.243x | |
| Filter Size | Φ82mm | |
| Number of Blades | 11 | |
| Hood | Removable | |
| Mount | Sony E | |
| Angle of View | Full Frame | 18.9˚ |
| ASP-C | 12.5˚ | |
| Maximum Diameter | Φ3.68" (93.4mm) | |
| Custom Switch | Yes | |
| Focus Hold Button | Yes | |
| Focus Range Limiter | Yes | |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | |
| AF Motor | Linear STM | |
| Length | 5.1" (129.6mm) | |
| Weight (without lens cap & hood) | 1.7 lbs. (772g) | |
| Weight | 1.99 lbs. (901g) | |
MTF Chart
Optical Construction
T
I'm giving this a 1 star review because this lens is like a box of chocolates, you don't know what you're going to get. So far, I've purchased 3 of these. 1 directly from Samyang, 1 from marketplace, and 1 from here. All 3 had varying levels of quality and image quality. Now, if you can get a golden copy of this lens, it is magnificent but know that out of the 3 I've gotten, none were the golden copy. Thankfully, I've been able to get my money back on two. For the price, I'll keep it. It frequently goes on sale for sub $500 and at that price, it's a steal.A lot of reviews will say this can compete with the GM 135 but it really can't. With GM glass, you don't have to worry about getting a bad copy like you do with this lens. I'd say, 1 out of 50 copies of this lens might compete with the GM lens, otherwise it performs as I would expect a $500 lens to perform.At MSRP though, this lens is just not worth it. I think Samyang is on to something, and I like that they can provide cheaper lenses, but they need to really fix their variances. Reviews mean nothing when bad copies are so common.
C
This product is simply amazing. If you are looking for a budget friendly but powerful lens
J
This lens is great. It was very sharp in the field. Took this at 1.8, 1/3200, ISO 125. Looking forward to trying sports photography next. Great bokeh. Love the two settings for aperture ring and focus ring. Can't wait to throw an extension tube on it and try some macro photography. Very solid lens!
D
Great lens for Sony cameras. Sharp and fairly fast at focusing.
T
Such a perfect lens. Tack sharp and beautiful bokeh. One of my absolute favorite lenses.
Features
Excellent Expression of F1.8 Telephoto Prime Lens
Superb Resolution in Lightweight 135mm
Amazing Performance from Samyang's Advanced Optical Design
Extremely Narrow Depth of Field and Breathtaking Bokeh
Short Minimum Focusing Distance
Lens for Both Photographers and Videographers
Advanced Fast and Quiet AF for Stills and Movies
Enhanced Usability with Various Features
Customized Buttons to Maximize the Operability and Reliability
The AF 135mm F1.8 E features 3 different customized buttons such as Focus Hold Button, Custom Switch, and Focus Range Limiter Switch to enhance usability.
Focus Hold Button
Pressing this button on the lens will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. You can assign functions such as Eye AF in settings on the camera body.
Custom Switch
There is a custom switch, which can be set to allow adjustment of the aperture silently by rotating the focus ring. Using the optional Lens Station, you can set up the mode to suit your own preference*.
*More functions will be added through firmware updates in the future.
Focus Range Limiter Switch
The Focus Range Limiter only operates in AF mode.
• It is useful when the distance from an object has been determined.
• Move the Focus Range Limiter forward or backward to select the focus range.
- FULL: The AF range is set to infinity at a minimum focus distance of 0.69m.
(AF search may take slightly longer.)
- 0.69m - 2m: The AF range is set between 0.69m and 2m, which is suitable for close-up shooting.
- 1.5m - ∞: The AF range is set from 1.5m to infinity, which is suitable for normal shooting.
Modern Design & Weather Sealing
