Well done Chris... another excellent and informative video. Anyone needing a 90/100/105 for macro work should really give this lens serious consideration.
I purchased a used Canon EF 100mm f.2.8 (non L) macro for less than the cost of this lens. I do use manual focus when doing macro shooting but the auto focus and exposure control is quite nice for non-macro shots...
Mmm looking lovely. And if you go into Macro you need to use manual focus anyway. And having a nice large throw on the ring is awesome for that. So this one seems to be a winner!
Bringing the good, thank you! It makes absolute sense to have a manual macro lens considering you shoot manual all the time anyway. Great review, but hopefully it comes down in price some.
Hmm. Not sure. I actually think the 135 + extension tube might be a little better (although I think it still won't get you quite as close as the 100mm macro lens)
To any noobs = I just want you to know that a manual focus 135mm f/2.8 lens can be had for a very low price. Add an inexpensive set of "extension tubes", and now you have a nice macro lens comparable to this for like 15 ~ 50 dollars. You will likely need an adapter to attach an old manual focus lens to your camera, but these are also very affordable. You do not need to buy a dedicated macro lens to get really good macro performance. See also "focusing bellows". I was worried that noobs might not be aware of this affordable option. For example I could use an Olympus OM mount 135mm f/3.5 lens on a Canon DSLR, it would require an OM to EOS adapter, and also a set of EOS extension tubes. The lot could be purchased for about $60 US dollars on eBay. This is just an example, you could use any lens that can be adapted to EOS.
Preston W. I don't think so. But with macro photography we aren't concerned about losing stops, per se. The depth of field is so shallow, you often want to stop down to f/8 ~ f/22 - of course this is only when you are using a tripod LOL. When hand held you'll want to shoot wide open. So do extension tubes cause us to lose stops? I don't think so. But when you are done doing macro work, you'll want to remove the tubes to regain infinity focus. It's not as convenient as a dedicated macro lens, but my point was showing the noobs a cheaper way to achieve the same macro results. I am only trying to help. The price of macro lenses can be startling LOL.
spystyle Oh I knew you were only trying to help... I wasn't trying to criticize what you said at all. I had just always heard that using extension tubes caused you to lose f stops. But yes, what you suggested would definitely be a cheaper way of doing it.
Preston W. I learned from the linked video that there is a minor loss in maximum aperture (F stops). I didn't realize that. However, if a person's main concern is cost, extension tubes are the way to go. Have fun :)
I think with this lens, if it was considerably cheaper it would be a very good substitution for canons own 100mm 2.8 - but the fact that there's no auto-focus and the manual aperture ring means you'll be shooting with a very dark viewfinder makes this seem like a bit of a lemon. It would be ok if you can set up a tripod and use live-view, but for insect photographers like myself, I don't see the appeal.
i got one and boy it is a challange to use, its great for streetphotography with very busy shop windows but its so wide its hard to use in many circumstances, if you point the camera straight ahead youll get your toes in the frame too xD
Hi Chris, you are great as usual. Nobody in youtube reveiw lenses like you do. You are awesome. why cann't you shift to 4k? Like GH4 or A7s . Please review other lenses like nikon lenses, panasonic lenses or sony lenses.
Thank you for responding me so quickly. I really appreciate your help. Now my question is, how about I use 1/50? I would like to mention that with Nikkor VR lens i can take photograph in 1/10 sec handheld with 108mm zoom. But I have not tried a macro lens before so I am not quite sure if I go for this lens then would it be problematic for me. But yeah now I am understanding what you are trying to say, slightly bit of movement will change the focus position as well, its not only about fuzzy photograph right?
You should shoot at a shutter speed corresponding to the focal length. So for a 100mm lens, you should shoot at at least 1/100 of a second, or faster, although if you have very steady hands then maybe you could shoot slower. Image stabilization systems like VR enable you to shoot slower, too.
Thanks for your response. I am considering to buy a 100mm macro lens and this one is the cheapest together with the 100mm f/2.8 USM. I wonder if I see the difference between these two lenses on a full frame camera.
Hi Chris, how does this lens perform on a pany micro four thirds compared to a Tamron 90mm legacy lens with mft adapter ring and extension tubes? I'm just taking up photography again after a 5yr gap.
hello mr.chris i would like to know if i can use this for portrait lens becoz i would have macro as well so i wsih i could take both results tack sharp,what would you recommend ?
Hi Chris Thank you for the review. Would you be able to advise how does this stack up against Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro? It seems to be just a touch more expensive, but you get auto-focus and OS, which although not very useful for Macro can be an advantage if you want to use this lens for portraits. *Cough* :D All the best
What I didnt saw in your test: I tested my lens and did a range from 2.8 to f 22. The first two full stops ( from 2.8 till 4.0) the image was much darker then the rest of the range. When I gave a +1 full stop overlighting when photographing with 2.8 then only It was just as bright then the rest of the range. So I think 2.8 is not really a 2.8, not even close. Didn't,t you had that experience?
Hey Christ. I have watched this video again and again for a really long time now. And I am thinking of buy a macro lens. In my mind now is the samyang 100mm f2.8 and the sigma 105mm f2.8 with optical stabilization. I like doing video work so it should be great if there is image stabilization, but I also really like sharpness of the samyang lens. So can you tell me which one should I go for and perhaps make a video for compare these two
That's a nice lens! It will not be ideal for those who plan to use it with a 2x teleconverter in order to take a macro shot of the sun due to poor flaring, but for normal people that shouldn't be an issue. To be honest though, due to the lack of Af I'd have wished for this lens to be sensibly cheaper than Canon's own 100mm f2.8.
I would like to see a comparison between the Samyang and Tokina as this is the first lens that comes near it, Although the Tokina as a super sharp and fast auto focus ( one of the fastest I have come across) In fact it is super sharp to Chris how about a head to head .....I have found your reviews the best on ebay and totally honest. Cheers
@@christopherfrost got the t3.1 Version works fine got some testshots and they seem to appear as in your Test. Love youre Videos youre Doping a great job, whenever i wanna buy a lens i check out if you got a video of it
Technology has crippled us to the point that we can take the time to manually focus a camera? Ok Ok there are times where auto focus is amazing and very helpful. I guess what I'm saying is there was a time where auto everything was not available and yet photographers still managed to get "The Shot".
sir i have a budget of 450$ for a macro lens so should i go for canon 30 mm 2.8 macro or Tokina AT-X M 100mm or should i buy an electronic extension tube which is around 200$ and use it with my 50mm prime lens..???.....please help m really confused here
Congrats on tying the knot soon! Visit Cebu Philippines for your honeymoon. Lots of beaches to visit. :) If you need a post nuptial photo, contact me ;) heheheh
I also agree. using a full frame lens on apsc surly shouldn't make the quality 1st the corners worse it should crop out the full frame in sharp corners?
It's true that any lens in the world can be used to take a portrait picture. But most photographers use the term 'portrait lens' to describe a lens like this because it's good for classic portrait photography
Well, that's your preference. You're entitled to your opinions, but the fact remains that this and other 100mm macro lenses also behave as classic portrait lenses, no matter how sharp or soft they are, so, my definition as such was correct.
It looks nice but the tokina 100 is far less expensive ,super sharp and a very fast autofocus.i had the samsung 85mm and it worked great at around F5 so there was no point in keeping it. it would interesting to see who the samyang and tokina match up, because the tokina 100 is possibly for its price the best on the market.........cheer christ mice video
What a fantastic review. If only everyone else's were this quality. Great work Christopher!
really nice lens, nice review, love the part at 2:22 especially because it's also really visually pleasing
I love the Samyang lenses! And MF only is really not a problem at all in Macros. I occasionally do macro photography and never use Autofocus anyway.
Well done Chris... another excellent and informative video. Anyone needing a 90/100/105 for macro work should really give this lens serious consideration.
i bought it yesterday ... big fan of them and also a fan of your channel here
Hi Chris, Do you mind Comparing CANON 100mm MACRO F 2.8 and SAMYANG 100 MM f 2.8, which on is better or the best
The canon is better and also AF. But its 3x the price currently
Thanks again for your very helpful work !
I purchased a used Canon EF 100mm f.2.8 (non L) macro for less than the cost of this lens. I do use manual focus when doing macro shooting but the auto focus and exposure control is quite nice for non-macro shots...
Mmm looking lovely. And if you go into Macro you need to use manual focus anyway. And having a nice large throw on the ring is awesome for that. So this one seems to be a winner!
Good golly.. those are some fantastic sample pics. 👌
Some very nice sample images my friend.
Great review as always, Chris! I'm almost tempted to get one of these now...
Early congrats on the wedding and yet another great informative video!
Bringing the good, thank you! It makes absolute sense to have a manual macro lens considering you shoot manual all the time anyway. Great review, but hopefully it comes down in price some.
Hi Chris. Very clear and precise video. Always like your videos Greetings from New Zealand.
Not Wendy, but Neville.
Thanks Neville :-)
Congratulations, Chris!
Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 VC USM - better chose...
Tamron nice macro lens + good portrait lens with VC (VR/IS) and silent motor. IMHO
Thanks for review!
Thank you very much for this review! :D
please try the Tokina 100mm Macro. Thank you!
Fabio Antonio Costa angry photographer says hi:)
Great review, thank you!
Great review Christ
By the way, can you do a review on the Samyabg 135 f/2.0?
For a LOT less you can pick up the superb Tamron SP90mm (old manual version) Had this lens and still use it.
Talking about macro lens, would you review the Venus Laowa 60mm? Some people say that it's also great, regarding to its ability on 2:1 scale.
2:22 wow, that's cool
I can't decide... Samyang 100 or Samyang 135 + extension tube for macros? which would be sharper?
Hmm. Not sure. I actually think the 135 + extension tube might be a little better (although I think it still won't get you quite as close as the 100mm macro lens)
Congrats Chris! Maybe you'll review the next lens using you're wedding photos? :p
Blades Dark LOL - I certainly hope not ! One occasion when he should be on the "dangerous" side of the lens, and not behind :-)
To any noobs = I just want you to know that a manual focus 135mm f/2.8 lens can be had for a very low price. Add an inexpensive set of "extension tubes", and now you have a nice macro lens comparable to this for like 15 ~ 50 dollars. You will likely need an adapter to attach an old manual focus lens to your camera, but these are also very affordable. You do not need to buy a dedicated macro lens to get really good macro performance. See also "focusing bellows". I was worried that noobs might not be aware of this affordable option. For example I could use an Olympus OM mount 135mm f/3.5 lens on a Canon DSLR, it would require an OM to EOS adapter, and also a set of EOS extension tubes. The lot could be purchased for about $60 US dollars on eBay. This is just an example, you could use any lens that can be adapted to EOS.
spystyle Yes but when you do it this way, aren't you losing a couple of f stops?
Preston W. I don't think so. But with macro photography we aren't concerned about losing stops, per se. The depth of field is so shallow, you often want to stop down to f/8 ~ f/22 - of course this is only when you are using a tripod LOL. When hand held you'll want to shoot wide open. So do extension tubes cause us to lose stops? I don't think so. But when you are done doing macro work, you'll want to remove the tubes to regain infinity focus. It's not as convenient as a dedicated macro lens, but my point was showing the noobs a cheaper way to achieve the same macro results. I am only trying to help. The price of macro lenses can be startling LOL.
spystyle Oh I knew you were only trying to help... I wasn't trying to criticize what you said at all. I had just always heard that using extension tubes caused you to lose f stops. But yes, what you suggested would definitely be a cheaper way of doing it.
Preston W. I learned from the linked video that there is a minor loss in maximum aperture (F stops). I didn't realize that. However, if a person's main concern is cost, extension tubes are the way to go. Have fun :)
spystyle agreed, Minolta has great glass @ 135 2.8, very cheap even with the adaptor.
I think with this lens, if it was considerably cheaper it would be a very good substitution for canons own 100mm 2.8 - but the fact that there's no auto-focus and the manual aperture ring means you'll be shooting with a very dark viewfinder makes this seem like a bit of a lemon. It would be ok if you can set up a tripod and use live-view, but for insect photographers like myself, I don't see the appeal.
Nice lens and nice review
Thanks for your reviews, they are really helpful. Do you think this is better value for money than the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro 'Art' lens?
Hey Chris
Could you do a review on the Samyang 8mm f2.8 fisheye lens as im not too sure if i should get one.
Also nice video as always!
Cheers :)
i got one and boy it is a challange to use, its great for streetphotography with very busy shop windows but its so wide its hard to use in many circumstances, if you point the camera straight ahead youll get your toes in the frame too xD
i have one and i love it :-)
@@izarscharf7845😂 I'm definitely getting one now.
What lens did you use to shoot the intro bit where you held the lens? Looks awesome
The 321 Show Canon 24-105mm f/4 IS USM :-)
great video as usual; now all that's missing is the 135mm f/2 ;)
Matthias Köhler and it turned out to be incredibly sharp
Does anyone notice his voice is really weird? Not "bad weird", just never heard such a "polite" sounding voice before :) . Anyway, great vid
Chris has a very polite voice indeed;-)
Hi Chris, you are great as usual. Nobody in youtube reveiw lenses like you do. You are awesome. why cann't you shift to 4k? Like GH4 or A7s . Please review other lenses like nikon lenses, panasonic lenses or sony lenses.
Really Panasonic or sony should hire you. You are simply marketing for canon without gain.
MOHD Rizz Not sure about that - I've criticized quite a lot of Canon's lenses in my time
I would have liked to see a comparison between this lens and the Canon 100mm macro L
Thanks a lot 👍
Hey Chris, any chance you can do a video on old SLR lenses on DSLR cameras?
How would you compare the Samyang, the fuji 80 and the Laowa 65 ?
I suspect the house test was focused at infinity. Does the lens get sharper at closer distance? As macro lenses often do.
does it become too problematic if I take photo handheld. Thank you for your review. Its really helpful
Depends on your skill as a photographer really
Thank you for responding me so quickly. I really appreciate your help. Now my question is, how about I use 1/50?
I would like to mention that with Nikkor VR lens i can take photograph in 1/10 sec handheld with 108mm zoom. But I have not tried a macro lens before so I am not quite sure if I go for this lens then would it be problematic for me. But yeah now I am understanding what you are trying to say, slightly bit of movement will change the focus position as well, its not only about fuzzy photograph right?
You should shoot at a shutter speed corresponding to the focal length. So for a 100mm lens, you should shoot at at least 1/100 of a second, or faster, although if you have very steady hands then maybe you could shoot slower. Image stabilization systems like VR enable you to shoot slower, too.
thank you very much for your info... :)
Great videos! Would you ever try the tokina 100mm 2.8 macro?
No plans to, really
How is this lens in comparison with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM macro and 100mm f/2.8L USM IS macro?
They're all about as sharp as each other. I slightly prefer the Samyang lens's bokeh
Thanks for your response. I am considering to buy a 100mm macro lens and this one is the cheapest together with the 100mm f/2.8 USM. I wonder if I see the difference between these two lenses on a full frame camera.
Thanks for all your great work! How was the macro performance on the aps-c on thid lens?
Ola Råbius-Magnusson Very similar to the full-frame performance (although f/16-f/32 will be softer, like on any lens, due to diffraction)
Very nice review. Given the same price for a deal, which will you recommend, Samyang Macro 100mm 2.8 or Sigma 70mm 2.8?
If it's the origijnal, older Sigma lens you're talking about, then I'd probably go for the Samyang
Stupid question.. would this lens be a good choice for shooting portraits as well?
Mac Olink macro lenses are often too good for portrait as they are too sharp, revealing facial defects. But aside that, it should be great
Hi Chris, how does this lens perform on a pany micro four thirds compared to a Tamron 90mm legacy lens with mft adapter ring and extension tubes? I'm just taking up photography again after a 5yr gap.
Hi Christopher. Are you able to test out the Tokina 100mm F2.8 Macro?
Maybe one day
How is this lens in comparison with the Tokina 100mm f2.8 macro?
No idea, I haven't tried it!
hello mr.chris i would like to know if i can use this for portrait lens becoz i would have macro as well so i wsih i could take both results tack sharp,what would you recommend ?
Is this lens comparable to the 100mm 2.8L Macro? wich one is better in your opinion?
Hi Chris
Thank you for the review.
Would you be able to advise how does this stack up against Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro?
It seems to be just a touch more expensive, but you get auto-focus and OS, which although not very useful for Macro can be an advantage if you want to use this lens for portraits.
*Cough* :D
All the best
How would you compare this to the laowa 100 macro?
What I didnt saw in your test: I tested my lens and did a range from 2.8 to f 22. The first two full stops ( from 2.8 till 4.0) the image was much darker then the rest of the range. When I gave a +1 full stop overlighting when photographing with 2.8 then only It was just as bright then the rest of the range. So I think 2.8 is not really a 2.8, not even close. Didn't,t you had that experience?
No, I didn't
Hey Christ. I have watched this video again and again for a really long time now. And I am thinking of buy a macro lens. In my mind now is the samyang 100mm f2.8 and the sigma 105mm f2.8 with optical stabilization. I like doing video work so it should be great if there is image stabilization, but I also really like sharpness of the samyang lens. So can you tell me which one should I go for and perhaps make a video for compare these two
+phuong nguyen The Sigma lens should be sharp enough for video work, so I would give that a try
+Christopher Frost Photography Thank you for the advice, really appreciate. Look forward to see more of your video.
Can I use this lens with a sony a6000?
That's a nice lens! It will not be ideal for those who plan to use it with a 2x teleconverter in order to take a macro shot of the sun due to poor flaring, but for normal people that shouldn't be an issue. To be honest though, due to the lack of Af I'd have wished for this lens to be sensibly cheaper than Canon's own 100mm f2.8.
chris where did you get those little people working?
I would like to see a comparison between the Samyang and Tokina as this is the first lens that comes near it, Although the Tokina as a super sharp and fast
auto focus ( one of the fastest I have come across) In fact it is super sharp to Chris how about a head to head .....I have found your reviews the best on ebay and totally honest. Cheers
Sharp and cheaper to decisions decisions lol
cant afford one :S damn i want it.
Some beautiful Lens, i got it for 150€ today used, do you think this is a good price for it ?
That's a great price if it's working properly
@@christopherfrost got the t3.1 Version works fine got some testshots and they seem to appear as in your Test. Love youre Videos youre Doping a great job, whenever i wanna buy a lens i check out if you got a video of it
would this lens fit on my sony Nex-5T or do i need an adapter for the lens?
Technology has crippled us to the point that we can take the time to manually focus a camera? Ok Ok there are times where auto focus is amazing and very helpful. I guess what I'm saying is there was a time where auto everything was not available and yet photographers still managed to get "The Shot".
sir i have a budget of 450$ for a macro lens so should i go for canon 30 mm 2.8 macro or Tokina AT-X M 100mm or should i buy an electronic extension tube which is around 200$ and use it with my 50mm prime lens..???.....please help m really confused here
Personally I'd just get a set of cheap autofocus extension tubes and see how you get on with those on the 50mm lens
is Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro lens suitable for Sony A7 R IV ?
You'll need an adaptor to get it on to your camera
Is this considered a full frame lens or APS-C? I believe the focal length will change between the two?
@@d.k.1394 cool thanks bud.
Congrats on tying the knot soon! Visit Cebu Philippines for your honeymoon. Lots of beaches to visit. :) If you need a post nuptial photo, contact me ;) heheheh
Hi chris, what happen to your 70D? Nowadays you are not using for your reviews. Have you sold it????
MOHD Rizz Read the description :-)
Christopher Frost Photography congrats!!
Can you review the new 35mm f2 from Yongnuo?? Thanks
Fred Hill I just have :-)
Oh nice, cheers
What is camera mode u use when shooting the house fo testing the lens sharpening in multi /f numbers? Is it Av mode?
عمار الشايب Yup, Av mode
Could you tell me the filter thread size on this?
I am a heathen who sometimes uses Macro filters on macro lenses. Arthropods can be small!
67mm
hi christ i just want to ask if you made a review on Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 PRO D Macro Lens? thanks
Maybe one day. Not any time soon, though, too many newer lenses coming out at the moment
I cant wait for your new reviews...specially sigma's new art line-up...thank you once again.
Where did you purchase this lens? I cannot find any in stock anywhere! Thanks, Chris.
Lawrence Scott It can be found on Amazon or eBay :-)
Hi.
there are 2 version of this lens. the video version. Is that also so good for macro photography as this one?
+Sony John They're the same lens optically - just in a different body
Thanx : )
your reviews are awesome chris do you review Nikon fx lenses?
Not at the moment
what lens do you prefer between this and the 85mm? for portraits
Personally, I would try to find a 100mm f/2 / 135mm f/2 lens instead
Wish you two all the best :D
Would you say that you're picky when it comes to lenses that fits APSC cameras?
Petra Wikman What do you mean?
I also agree. using a full frame lens on apsc surly shouldn't make the quality 1st the corners worse it should crop out the full frame in sharp corners?
This or Sigma 105 macro, canon 100 macro, tokina 100 macro or canon 100L macro (more than double the money over the sigma)
Domagoj Kudek I haven't tested half those lenses yet, unfortunately
What about testing the 105 from Sigma. It seems a really good value for money?
I love your camera review.can you please review tamron 90mm vc sp macro 1:1 f2.8
If you stop spamming my videos, then maybe I will someday :-)
House it compare to fe50 macro. Thank you
House?!!
Do i need an adapter if i use this on sony a6000?
This lens has several version for different brands such as Nikon, Fuji and I think Sony as well. I will buy it soon for my Canon camera
This lens is basically on same price as a autofocus sigma 105mm Macro lens with Optical Stablizer. Why would someone buy it?
sharper and better build quality...the autofocus isn't much important on macro lenses.
@@KikujiroChan is it really sharper?
Has some body used this lens with a sony a6000?
i tried, but somehow it doesnt fit. you need an adapter apparently, so i dont know why its advertised as e-mount.
What is the difference between this and the cine version?
Different build quality
so this is worse? by how much? cine version costs 100 more
It's not better or worse, just different. Take a look at their website for more info
Christopher Frost Photography Thank you
can this lens be used on a Canon 70D?
+Ian Hall All Canon mount lenses made since 1987 will work on your APS-C Canon Digital SLR camera, except EF-M lenses
Where is the best place to purchase this??
Lemuel Worrell It can be found on Amazon or eBay :-)
How close could you focus for macro?
+Zhorell Ski Constructed of 15 Glass Elements in 12 Groups and boasts a minimum focusing distance of only 1.0 ft
Portrait is not just a focal length/FOV range. Macro lenses are not portrait lenses.
It's true that any lens in the world can be used to take a portrait picture. But most photographers use the term 'portrait lens' to describe a lens like this because it's good for classic portrait photography
Christopher Frost Photography a classical portrait lens would be a 85 1.4 or 1.8.
Between 85-135mm, according to one's preference
Not the macro's. Too sharp and to little character.
Well, that's your preference. You're entitled to your opinions, but the fact remains that this and other 100mm macro lenses also behave as classic portrait lenses, no matter how sharp or soft they are, so, my definition as such was correct.
It looks nice but the tokina 100 is far less expensive ,super sharp and a very fast autofocus.i had the samsung 85mm and it worked great at around F5 so there was no point in keeping it. it would interesting to see who the samyang and tokina match up, because the tokina 100 is possibly for its price the best on the market.........cheer christ mice video