LensTips: Sony 135mm and Samyang 135mm Review

Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Lenstips posted reviews for the Sony 135mm and Samyang 135mm a few days ago and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the Samyang lens arguably comes out on top. You can view the Sony 135mm review here and Samyang 135mm review here or just check out the excerpts below:

Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM

Pros:

  • solid, weather-sealed mechanical construction,
  • excellent image quality in the frame centre up from the maximum relative aperture,
  • acceptable image qualtiy on the edge of the frame,
  • very good correction of longitudinal chromatic aberration,
  • negligible lateral chromatic aberration,
  • lack of problems with distortion,
  • practically zero coma,
  • out-of-focus images nice to look at,
  • slight vignetting on the APS-C sensor,
  • quick, silend, and accurate autofocus.

Cons:

  • a bit too high astigmatism,
  • visible vignetting on full frame.

Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE

Pros:

  • excellent image quality in the frame centre,
  • good image quality on edges of the frame,
  • slight longitudinal chromatic aberration,
  • negligible lateral chromatic aberration,
  • practically zero distortion,
  • excellent coma correction,
  • low vignetting on the APS-C sensor,
  • silent and accurate autofocus.

Cons:

  • a bit too high astigmatism,
  • problems with the performance against bright light.

The summary of this test should consist of superlatives only. Let’s face it, Samyang offers you an excellent lens. It’s a device that is able to rival on equal terms with the Sony model and, additionally, in many categories it prevails. Mind you, its price is two times lower than the price of the Sony. You have to admit in such a situation it would be difficult not to recommend the new Samyang.

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