![]() ![]() On a positive note, the automatic magnification of the active focus area is engaged with the lens, which helps make the manual focus process more intuitive and accurate. So, while the feel of the focus action isn’t bad, I feel like it could be more precise and easier to make focus changes on. You need about 5 normal focus rotations to travel the extremes of the focus range, and I estimate the whole focus throw at somewhere near 380°. The focus action appears to be linear (non-speed dependent), which is good for repeatability, though the focus throw is too long for major video focus throws. The damping of the focus ring is fairly heavy, though it moves smoothly overall. I like the tactile feel of the “micro pattern” (as Samyang calls it) and feel like it offers good grip. The manual focus ring is nice and wide and has that new textured surface (with a rubberized finish). There’s also now a focus hold button which can be programmed to a variety of functions from within the camera just like on a Sony lens. ![]() This gives you the functionality of an aperture ring and an AF/MF switch in one. My preferred setup is that the M1 position has the ring focus as an aperture ring and the M2 position automatically enables manual focus. This might help with some improvement to performance and also will keep your investment “future-proofed”). #35mm textured bokeh lens updateYou can tweak the options via the Samyang Lens Station ( a $60 purchase I definitely recommend as it also allows you to quickly update the firmware. One is a custom switch that gives you some options for how the focus ring will be used. ![]() We’ve also got a couple of newer features for Samyang which have debuted over the past two years. The resulting lens design is clean and modern, and scales up nicely to a slightly larger lens like this one. That lens was the first to highlight the new diamond pattern texture of the focus ring and to transition Samyang’s red ring to the new “hidden ring” design where the red is only visible from the front of the lens as it is somewhat hidden in the front fascia of the lens barrel. It actually takes most of its design clues from their most recent APS-C lens – the AF 12mm F2 (my review here). Samyang AF 50II Build, Design and HandlingĪs noted, the AF 50II is a reflection of Samyang’s growing design evolution. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the new Sony Alpha 1 which will serve as my benchmark camera for the foreseeable future ( my review here) and have supplemented with photos taken with the new Sony a7IV which I’m concurrently testing. As always, this is a completely independent review. I want to thank Samyang for sending me a test retail copy of the lens for review. You can get all the details by watching my deep dive definitive video review or get the highlights in my quick video review…or just keep reading…įollow Me Patreon | My Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook | DA Merchandise | Flickr | 500px This is now a much more compelling alternative to the first-party Sony options, and I’ll detail how it compares in this review. All of this in a lens that at roughly $700 USD retails for about half what the Sony Zeiss Planar lens costs, and closer to a third of what the new high end (and amazing!) Sony 50mm F1.2 GM costs ( my review here). It’s better optically, has much better autofocus, and now has more modern features like a focus hold button, custom switch to give more physical control on the lens, and weather sealing. ![]()
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