Purchased this lens several years ago to use with my 24 megapixel Sony A99, the image quality was jaw dropping. Using it today on my 61 megapixel A7R4 the results are stunning and virtually flawless in every way. Focusing is a bit of a challenge but one that's well rewarded when done properly. Great review.
135mm lenses are often forgotten for portrait shots for the 85mm lenses which is a shame, 135's are lovely to use. I use so many manual focus lenses on my d810 that I installed a split prism focus screen in mine, it helps a lot with manual focus.
I think this lens a good option for experienced portrait photographers. But for someone like with me having achieved only few portrait shoots or even starting out from scratch I think it's too difficult to begin with a manual focus lens, unless you're using a mirrorless camera with all the fancy helping tools around. That is because I'm already busy enough with the light (or even strobe), settings, and mainly the model(s) as for being able to concentrate moreover on a perfect manual focus. But for for those already mastering the process I think this is a great choice. Not for me anyway, as the 105/1.4 is what I'll keep using for that kind of thing.
Very clearly informed, with the exact practical touch. No BS, just honest information. Don't worry if an opinion is slightly subjective, that's what I look for too. You are very natural and relaxed with a vibe of passion... Thank you, I really like the way you make review video. Keep this up!
This lens is trumped by the Sigma 135 f1.8 which is even sharper, especially to the edge fo the frame and it has AF, but as you say the Samyang is a fantastic performer and at it's current retail price is literally a steal! Cheers. PS I do like this format of video for lens reviews, you've covered the basics well and it's interesting to see examples and hear of your experience using the actual lens!
This lens makes FF pictures to look like taken on 4x5 large format camera. Something about the quality of the bokeh. It is not artificial as on most other modern lenses. This lens has a vintage artistic rendering as well. Samyang managed to make it super sharp but keeping image not clinical. I bought EF version to work with Sony FF and Olympus m43 bodies. Amazing and not expensive lens.
Thanks Rob, I picked up this lens (Sony E mount version) based on this review and additional research. I will comment once I receive it. Unfortunately it doesn't have any electronic contacts to transfer EXIF information. It will be difficult to determine the aperture in which a shot was taken. I bought it to complement my Samyang 85mm F1.4 AF which I believe it to be a fantastic autofocus portrait lens. It is sharp and produces lovely results wide open. From this lens I am also looking for a unique look that I believe would be difficult to replicate with any other lens. I rented the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens which is a superb lens optically and the autofocus is great but it is also 4x the price tag. I am looking forward to slow down the process a bit and enjoy a bit of MF for a change. I think the results will definitely be different and worth it.
Very clear exposition - thanks. I have been interested in getting this lens for a few months but just noticed that used Sony FE versions are about half the price of the Nikon AE and I can just use it on a Z6 with a simple dumb FE to Z adapter as I do for some other MF lenses. Don't need EXIF or body aperture control. Looks a complete bargain if you want this nice subject isolation and almost no LOCA at about £200. I don't think I would want to use it on my aps DSLR in any case - MF very tricky through the OVF and I don't like live view. Just bought one for £190 - sensational on Z6.
So if you put that lens on an Olympus OMD EM-5 II camera, you'll get 270mm and if you take a high res 64mp RAW shot with it you might blow yourself away. Interesting!
You will miss focus slightly most of the time with a manual lens on a dslr - as demonstrated in this video - so it will not be an option for serious portrait work also useless for action. Great for astro.
I agree it has a dreamy look. So did you have problems nailing focus with the d810 and samyang ? im thinking of buying this lens and i have a d810. Any tips to nail focus ? After watching the whole video you missed focus more than you nailed it, that maybe the down fall of shooting on a camera with no focus peaking to help.
Thanks for the video and review. I had a Samyang 24mm f1.4 - great little lens. Loved the aperture ring (great for timelapse) but the lens decentred after a small drop. Won't buy another samyang - they are a bit too flimsy.
Hey Rob nice video but I have a question . I have canon M50 I want to make some hair beauty portrait is this lens good for me ? And can I use one my camera with viltrox speed adapter ? Tank you keep up with nice videos
Hello. Is there any problems with the chromatic aberrations on Rokinon 135? And there is a rumors, that to buy Rokinon better see it face to face, even if the lens is new, just out off the box. Se it fits perfect and so on. And finally, i use a Sony a 6000 wich is is a APS_C... how do You think will, Rokinon 135, work with APS_C cfvtra on its full capabilities? Thank You for answer and review
If we only take into account the lens, yes. Except that on a full frame we exploit the integrality of the light which enters the lens and we did not have the same rendering. We collect more light. If it was the same, someone please explains to me why we bother with telephoto lenses of several killos that worth more than 10,000 euros. Companies lie to you by making you believe that aps-c is equivalent to full frame. Be careful, I am not saying that the aps-c is worse. Just that if you need low light performance full frame is better. Aps-c is good for increasing range at the expense of light gathering.
Yep. Sensor size has no impact on depth of field or bokeh. All the sensor does is record what the lens spits out. The optical properties of a lens doesn’t change no matter what size sensor you put behind it. The only thing that changes depth of field is if you physically back up to achieve the same framing as full frame. Depth of field changes then, not because of sensor size, but because you moved further away.
@@brandonezekiel4993 You are incorrect. This sensor size difference (when all other things are equal) is what will dictate the amount of area in focus, as well as the size of the bokeh in the out of focus area. Lets consider using a Fuji crop body with the 56mm f/1.2 lens, and a full-frame Canon with the equivalent focal length 85mm f/1.2 L lens. If we use both lenses at f/1.2, shooting a stationary subject 10 feet away, from the same camera position, the only significant difference will be the depth of field (and thus bokeh) - by around 1 stop. There is more about this on the Cambridge in Colour website.
@@AntPDC nope. If you mount the same lens on a full frame and crop sensor, and take the photo from the same position without moving your body, depth of field is exactly the same. The only thing that changes is you see less of the scene captured by the smaller sensor. Fact.
@@brandonezekiel4993 There are plenty of articles on the Web which flatly contradict your position, including among the most respected: look up "Digital camera sensor sizes" on Cambridge in Colour.
@@AntPDC and there are plenty of articles and videos on UA-cam that prove my point! Depth of field does not change based on what sensor is behind the lens. Focal length, aperture, and distance to subject are the 3 main factors in depth of field.
how many nikon 50mm 1.8G have you tested? you may have a lemon copy. the nikon 50mm 1.8g is one of the sharpest lenses ever made. even sharper than the more expensive 1.4G variant. fortunately, mine is very sharp. lol
Only one. It's possible I had a lemon, but the review sites I've seen all show pretty average performance wide open. For example LensTip's MTF tests show this Samyang as sharper wide open than the Nikkor is at f/5.6.
The lens itself is great and can produce beautiful pin-sharp images. But manually focusing the lens accurately really depends on how good the live view is (you need to quickly get high magnification without lag). Some cameras like the D5300 are too laggy for this. I don't know about the D300s. You can also focus through the viewfinder, but it's very difficult to get the focus exact (take multiple shots until you get a sharp one).
Do some lenses have "magic"? Probably not, but what lenses have a look that you love?
58 1.4g magic bokeh.
I love the Sony Zeiss 55mm 1.8 Sonnar. It has beautiful contrast and incredible sharpness. Expensive for a nifty-fifty but truly "magical"
Purchased this lens several years ago to use with my 24 megapixel Sony A99, the image quality was jaw dropping. Using it today on my 61 megapixel A7R4 the results are stunning and virtually flawless in every way. Focusing is a bit of a challenge but one that's well rewarded when done properly. Great review.
Totally agree. I just can't believe how great this lens is. Beautiful Beautiful Bokeh, and sharp sharp portrait lens.
135mm lenses are often forgotten for portrait shots for the 85mm lenses which is a shame, 135's are lovely to use.
I use so many manual focus lenses on my d810 that I installed a split prism focus screen in mine, it helps a lot with manual focus.
Where did you get the split prism screen? I'd love to have one for my d700!
I think this lens a good option for experienced portrait photographers. But for someone like with me having achieved only few portrait shoots or even starting out from scratch I think it's too difficult to begin with a manual focus lens, unless you're using a mirrorless camera with all the fancy helping tools around. That is because I'm already busy enough with the light (or even strobe), settings, and mainly the model(s) as for being able to concentrate moreover on a perfect manual focus.
But for for those already mastering the process I think this is a great choice. Not for me anyway, as the 105/1.4 is what I'll keep using for that kind of thing.
Very clearly informed, with the exact practical touch. No BS, just honest information. Don't worry if an opinion is slightly subjective, that's what I look for too. You are very natural and relaxed with a vibe of passion... Thank you, I really like the way you make review video. Keep this up!
This lens rarely leaves my D800. I typically shoot on a tripod (car photography) so manual focus isn't a big deal. Great lens!
Can I please see your portfolio? I want to get this lens for exactly that.
135mm for me is the ultimate portrait lens followed closely by the sigma 105mm f1.4
This lens is trumped by the Sigma 135 f1.8 which is even sharper, especially to the edge fo the frame and it has AF, but as you say the Samyang is a fantastic performer and at it's current retail price is literally a steal! Cheers. PS I do like this format of video for lens reviews, you've covered the basics well and it's interesting to see examples and hear of your experience using the actual lens!
This lens makes FF pictures to look like taken on 4x5 large format camera. Something about the quality of the bokeh. It is not artificial as on most other modern lenses. This lens has a vintage artistic rendering as well. Samyang managed to make it super sharp but keeping image not clinical. I bought EF version to work with Sony FF and Olympus m43 bodies. Amazing and not expensive lens.
Thanks Rob, I picked up this lens (Sony E mount version) based on this review and additional research. I will comment once I receive it. Unfortunately it doesn't have any electronic contacts to transfer EXIF information. It will be difficult to determine the aperture in which a shot was taken. I bought it to complement my Samyang 85mm F1.4 AF which I believe it to be a fantastic autofocus portrait lens. It is sharp and produces lovely results wide open. From this lens I am also looking for a unique look that I believe would be difficult to replicate with any other lens. I rented the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens which is a superb lens optically and the autofocus is great but it is also 4x the price tag. I am looking forward to slow down the process a bit and enjoy a bit of MF for a change. I think the results will definitely be different and worth it.
I will go with the Samyang 135mm for Astrophotography. I already have the 14mm for Sony, and the 12mm for Fujifilm. I will get the 135mm for Canon. ❤
Very clear exposition - thanks. I have been interested in getting this lens for a few months but just noticed that used Sony FE versions are about half the price of the Nikon AE and I can just use it on a Z6 with a simple dumb FE to Z adapter as I do for some other MF lenses. Don't need EXIF or body aperture control. Looks a complete bargain if you want this nice subject isolation and almost no LOCA at about £200. I don't think I would want to use it on my aps DSLR in any case - MF very tricky through the OVF and I don't like live view.
Just bought one for £190 - sensational on Z6.
Just ordered it for M43/MFT - looking forward to having a play and taking some long shots in dim light for the first time :-)
Great Video mate.
So if you put that lens on an Olympus OMD EM-5 II camera, you'll get 270mm and if you take a high res 64mp RAW shot with it you might blow yourself away. Interesting!
You will miss focus slightly most of the time with a manual lens on a dslr - as demonstrated in this video - so it will not be an option for serious portrait work also useless for action. Great for astro.
what about ther Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5?
I agree it has a dreamy look. So did you have problems nailing focus with the d810 and samyang ? im thinking of buying this lens and i have a d810. Any tips to nail focus ? After watching the whole video you missed focus more than you nailed it, that maybe the down fall of shooting on a camera with no focus peaking to help.
Very good review!
ordered mine today.. cant wait 🙂🙂
so which camera u used for these pics?
lovely portraits
Nikon D810 & D850.
I sold it when I have the sigma art, but still regret it since it is a fun to use. supersharp wide open at f2.
They say the focal length equivalent is 202 mm when shooting on micro four thirds..what does that mean?
Lovely Sue
Hello, I have a question is it possible to adapt a 135mm samyang to a Nikon D90? Thank you for answering me
Thanks for the video and review. I had a Samyang 24mm f1.4 - great little lens. Loved the aperture ring (great for timelapse) but the lens decentred after a small drop. Won't buy another samyang - they are a bit too flimsy.
Will Goodlet Thank you for the information. Did you repair it?
Rob,
Please fix you focus on you Vlogcamera.
Informative!
+1
Hey Rob nice video but I have a question .
I have canon M50 I want to make some hair beauty portrait is this lens good for me ?
And can I use one my camera with viltrox speed adapter ?
Tank you keep up with nice videos
one is at 1.8 and the other is at f2 that's why the sharpness is different
Hello. Is there any problems with the chromatic aberrations on Rokinon 135? And there is a rumors, that to buy Rokinon better see it face to face, even if the lens is new, just out off the box. Se it fits perfect and so on. And finally, i use a Sony a 6000 wich is is a APS_C... how do You think will, Rokinon 135, work with APS_C cfvtra on its full capabilities? Thank You for answer and review
Hey Rob, crop factor does not affect the speed of the lens. This is f2 on every sensor sizes.
If we only take into account the lens, yes. Except that on a full frame we exploit the integrality of the light which enters the lens and we did not have the same rendering. We collect more light. If it was the same, someone please explains to me why we bother with telephoto lenses of several killos that worth more than 10,000 euros. Companies lie to you by making you believe that aps-c is equivalent to full frame. Be careful, I am not saying that the aps-c is worse. Just that if you need low light performance full frame is better. Aps-c is good for increasing range at the expense of light gathering.
I have a question i m thinking of buying it for nikon d7200 apsc camera what do you think will it produce that amazing bokeh on apsc size camera
Yep. Sensor size has no impact on depth of field or bokeh. All the sensor does is record what the lens spits out. The optical properties of a lens doesn’t change no matter what size sensor you put behind it. The only thing that changes depth of field is if you physically back up to achieve the same framing as full frame. Depth of field changes then, not because of sensor size, but because you moved further away.
@@brandonezekiel4993 You are incorrect. This sensor size difference (when all other things are equal) is what will dictate the amount of area in focus, as well as the size of the bokeh in the out of focus area. Lets consider using a Fuji crop body with the 56mm f/1.2 lens, and a full-frame Canon with the equivalent focal length 85mm f/1.2 L lens. If we use both lenses at f/1.2, shooting a stationary subject 10 feet away, from the same camera position, the only significant difference will be the depth of field (and thus bokeh) - by around 1 stop. There is more about this on the Cambridge in Colour website.
@@AntPDC nope. If you mount the same lens on a full frame and crop sensor, and take the photo from the same position without moving your body, depth of field is exactly the same. The only thing that changes is you see less of the scene captured by the smaller sensor. Fact.
@@brandonezekiel4993 There are plenty of articles on the Web which flatly contradict your position, including among the most respected: look up "Digital camera sensor sizes" on Cambridge in Colour.
@@AntPDC and there are plenty of articles and videos on UA-cam that prove my point! Depth of field does not change based on what sensor is behind the lens. Focal length, aperture, and distance to subject are the 3 main factors in depth of field.
how many nikon 50mm 1.8G have you tested? you may have a lemon copy. the nikon 50mm 1.8g is one of the sharpest lenses ever made. even sharper than the more expensive 1.4G variant. fortunately, mine is very sharp. lol
Only one. It's possible I had a lemon, but the review sites I've seen all show pretty average performance wide open. For example LensTip's MTF tests show this Samyang as sharper wide open than the Nikkor is at f/5.6.
Hi, I am using the nikon d300s and want to take samyang 135 mm manual focus for outdoor shooting. What do you think about the lens?
The lens itself is great and can produce beautiful pin-sharp images. But manually focusing the lens accurately really depends on how good the live view is (you need to quickly get high magnification without lag). Some cameras like the D5300 are too laggy for this. I don't know about the D300s. You can also focus through the viewfinder, but it's very difficult to get the focus exact (take multiple shots until you get a sharp one).
I take from this the idea is to focus on the eyeball not the eyelash or eyebrow 😂 If I get the subject in the viewfinder I’m having a good day 😂😂😂😂
Stupid question, but can I zoom with this and how? 🤔
Daniel Watson nope it’s a prime
Yep you can. Zoom with your feet.
Its just ED glass ,
...on my nikon camera