I have been a professional advertising/commercial photographer for 30 years yet never shot macro photos or took photo walks you have inspired me to do both! thanks for the great videos.
As a Canadian, with similar climate, I was just looking into this type of lens for my Fuji. I actually enjoy shooting with manual a lot, I feel more in control. It has it's own advantages with workflow. Thanks for sharing this.
Honestly, this is what I'm trying to get back to. I've been a photographic prisoner of my cell phone for a long time, but I remember a day when I had a manual focus film camera, and a used 135mm F2 that I had bought at KEH. Those days are what I want to get back to. It brought Paul Simon's song to life for me.
It is a heavy lens for walking but probably one of the best FF lenses ever made. Optical perfection. For me it is not only about its incredible sharpness but mostly about its classic 3d rendering and magical bokeh. On Sony 7ARII it creates images as they came from an old large format camera.
I love your photography. I hope to someday be a good photographer. What holds me back is time other lack of it. Enjoy watching the incredible photo's that you capture.
What a great review. I just ordered this lens for my A6600. Originally I got it for astrophotography, but after watching your video I'll be trying it our during the day as well.
Ive had several samyang lenses over the last few years and they have consistently been amazing performers regardless of their price. The 135mm is my new portrait lens and it does no disappoint. Beautifully sharp and pleasing background blur at F2.
Wait I think I'm in love. Your voice is so soothing and the quality of the content and photos is amazing. I live in the UK where the weather isn't so great right now either, but you're inspiring me to get out and make the most of it!
You should call yourself Macro Micael!!! Great video by the way.Looking forward to try some of your macro and telephoto techniques i am just getting into photography since Covid era Love how you approach Macro photography and your ease to explaining how your photos are taken you have a new subscriber on all your platforms!!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾📸
This is really nice thanks for sharing your creativity, you have taught me some good tips in this video, thanks again. I love the way you compose your shots awesome. Tak.
I really enjoyed this video! It's close to poetry how you describe the lens😊 This comes from an amateur Fuji photographer😎 I'm quite inspired by your videos. Thank you so much and take care!
I think was Christopher Frost that reviewed this lens few years ago, and said it was sharper than the Canon 135 L. Oh boy, Canon fans weren't happy, even with him showing side by side comparison, with clear results. But I think after years being abused by the cripple hammer, Canon fans are a little less intense these days.
Interesting to see how good the rumoured / upcoming Canon RF 135mm f/1,4 will be. Based on what the RF 85mm f/1,2 gives that will be amazing - but the price will be 😱💀 😅.
Fina bilder! Angående brus så har du en jättefin sensor i din a7 mark iii, låt inte brist på ljus och högre iso hindra dig från att skapa en minnesvärd bild som gör livet enklare i dessa solfattiga tider! Ha en trevlig vecka!
I´ll Keep mine Sony 135mm 1.8 GM ;) With most of my lenses I focus manually nearly all the time, but with the 135mm I use often autofocus at longer than close-up distance, at the closest distance I use manual focus, I also use manual focus for landscap with the 135, but for photography with more or less action I use it with autofocus. The Sony 135mm have a very nice close distance of 0.7 meter.
Not sure if it is the best lens for food photography, but I guess it would work. I am not that experienced in food photography so I am not sure what lenses to recommend for that.
I have bought those lens and your videos had a lot to do with that buy. My street photography style of taking photos is not so easy to use it but I dont regret buying it. A few days ago I saw that Samyang has a lens 135mm f1.8 with AF but the price is much higher.
I own this lens and it is by far the sharpest. Way sharper than 85 1.8, 50 1.8, 35 1.4 or anything Else i own. Only downside IT was my first lens on my A7i and now i have the A7iii and af is a nice luxery which is needed for Most pictures. But slower Portrait are awesome with this lens cost ~300€ new at e Infinity.
Has anyone tried putting this lens on medium format? Some FF lenses have a big enough image circle for medium format. I kinda want it for both my Fuji systems.
Micael, have you ever used the Laowa 100mm 2.8 2x macro lens for astrophotography? Astrophotography, like macro photography, are primarily using manual focus. The Laowa 100mm 2.8 focuses from 2x macro to infinity, so it may be an option for astrophotography if chromatic abberation and coma are limited when at f/2.8 and infinity focus.
Thanks for this review. I wanted this lens mainly for astrophotography but I wasn't sure how good it would do at daytime Photography because otherwise it wouldn't be worth buying for me. I think I'm gonna buy it anyway then👍
Just like you, this is a lens I owned and sold, but I still regret it. I really enjoy the rendering and all of the autofocus 135mm are incredibly expensive. I may have a chance to pick it up for 220 (used) ...
Hey, Micael just saw you on Mattias' premiere... That is a lovely photo you shot with that lens @ 1:50 great video I appreciate the UA-camrs that love shooting and focus more on the photography experience. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas... Mele Kalikimaka!
Thank you! I love both gear and shooting, and try to find a balance between them in my channel :) I mean what good is a new lens with perfect specs, if you aren't using it to make nice photos?
Agreed. You do an excellent job of conveying the gear's benefits combined with the shooting experience on your channel. That is why you are one of my top go-to UA-camrs. Maybe it is a Swedish thing but you and Mattias are my favorite UA-camrs. I always feel calmer after watching your videos. Keep up the good work. -Aloha Nui Loa!
@@SpaghettiPaparazzi Thank you for the kind words. And yes, Mattias is one of my personal top 3 favorite youtubers as well, so that you mention him to describe my videos is a true honor that makes me very happy. Have a nice day :)
beautiful - had this lens but had to return it because i need autofocus to photograph the kids. this video makes me to want it again :D or samyang - please: make an autofocus version for sony e mount finallly! :)
Yeah that was exactly what I did. I sold it because I became a father and needed AF. But now when I could get it for a good price I couldn't resist. There is something truly magic with this lens, such a joy to use.
This lens is one of the most popular lenses among astrophotographers. plenty of subjects that fit the frame, super sharp and no chromatic aberration and all that combined with a good price. Need a tracker though. Astrophotography could be a way to get over the dark weeks?
Yeah problem though is that it is so cloudy right now in Sweden :) But would be fun to do some tests with astrophotography. I also need to find the time to go outside the city in the night.
Ohh, I didnt know this lens had so beautiful colors and micro-contrast. Ive watched other videos as well. The colors are great, exactly my type of "mood" that you can get out of the lens when it comes to color contrast. Got kinda dissapointed since there is not auto-focus but anyway I shoot with many vintage lenses so it wont be that a big problem. Will love to use it for portraits and other close up shots. Guess I got lucky, just checked one site to buy it from a second hand for 250€ only in a brand new condition. 👌
Hello Micael. I am already subscribed, I really like your videos and photographs. I’m also grateful for your encouragement to go out and take photographs when lacking motivation on those grey days. I’ve been thinking about picking up a Samyang 135mm f/2.0 for a while now, you’ve convinced me to buy one. I was wondering are there any advantages of getting a Fuji X mount over an E mount or vice versa ? I have both the X-T3 and the A7 III and I would be interested to get some advice.
Hi! Thank you for the kind words. I also own both of these cameras, and if you are going to buy a 135mm lens I would buy it for full frame. Because 135mm on APS-C becomes 200mm in 35mm equivalent, so you need to be pretty far away from your subject. Also the bokeh will be creamier on full frame. But it depends - if you want lots of reach maybe you should buy it for Fuji.
Why are you not using your Fugi X camera anymore? I was considering the Venus Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Fujifilm X. Do you still think this is a macro lens?
I use it when appropriate. I still think it is great for insect photography. Relax man, just because it hasn't been in my videos for a couple of months doesn't mean it is a bad camera. The Laowa 65mm lens is the best macro lens I have seen for Fujifilm.
Boy ! Now you are confusing me... I m now postponing Laowa 65 and looking forward to buy this one for canon & use it with an adapter on my Fujifilm... And I thing Fujifilm a TC shall go with the lens converter... What say ??
I would buy a lens made for APS-C instead, such as the Samyang 85mm f/1.8 UMC CS. A 135mm on APS-C becomes extremely long (200mm equivalent), and the lens will be very big and heavy compared to your camera.
@@MicaelWidell my both cameras are canon 7d mark 2 & XH-1 with battery grip . I think it will go with both... BTW i already ordered this lens as soon as I saw your review video 😉
First: nice video. Super chill other than other reviews. My question: is this a lens that will work out for mostly street photography and some portraits? But mainly street. I’m a hobby photographer and would need to Safe my money for at least 9 month to get the sigma 135 1.8. but my budget is not that high now. Would you save the money for the sigma 135 1.8 or would you get the samyang 135 2.0 for less than half the price? Bcs it’s my hobby I don’t want to buy a lens for 500€ and regret it that I don’t safed my money for the autofokus sigma art lens bcs that lens is also great. Maybe you can give me an advice 😃 thanks for reading if you come that far 👋🏻✌🏻
If you need to take quick shots and focus fast this might not be the perfect lens, as it is manual focus. The main difference between this one and the sigma is that the sigma is heavier, bigger, and more expensive but has autofocus. But I think the Samyang 135 is a great lens if you are on a budget to get started - you can sell it later and switch to an autofocus lens. Another great budget option is the Canon EF 135mm if you have an adapter, that lens can be found for around 600 dollars used.
Thank you for the great video Michael! Amazing pictures from Stockholm again. Thanks for the test and your recommendation. I am sure this is a nice lens but I don't pay 5500 SEK for a manual lens at the checkout.
You can actually buy it at 3500 - 3800 SEK depending on the mount. It's a real bargain even at 5500 SEK though. Some manual lenses cost 8 times more (like ZEISS Otus 100mm).
I recently have been doing more macro photos. I have a nikon 105mm macro AF (not the vr). However I was thinking yo play with higher magnification. What route do you think is best at first? Just get some extension tubes?
The problem with extension tubes combined with that lens is that you would need a lot of them to get to 2x magnification (you need 105mm of extension tubes for that). I would either buy a Raynox DCR-250 and put in front of it, or buy a Laowa 2x macro lens (or the 2.5-5x), or reverse a vintage lens on extension tubes, depending on what amount of money you are willing to spend.
Hmm. I use focus peaking and sometimes focus magnification. And I take a lot of photos - some of them often turn out good. Other than that it is mostly just training.
If you like the results from this lens on an A7 III, wait until you attach it to an A7R III or A7R IV! Then substitute it with the 135mm G Master and your mind will implode (but your credit card would melt as well ;-)
💌 newsletter: mwroll.com
🌄 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll
🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell
📷 Get the Samyang 135mm f/2.0 lens here: amzn.to/3aacp00
I can highly recommend that you try the Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 110mm 2.5
2:48 that satisfied, contented smile you give is one of the most wholesome, feelgood things you could've shared with us. Thank you.
I have been a professional advertising/commercial photographer for 30 years yet never shot macro photos or took photo walks you have inspired me to do both! thanks for the great videos.
So happy to hear that from a real pro. Thank you Robert!
This lens is quite popular among astrophotographers because it is insanely sharp. It's on my bucket list!
As a Canadian, with similar climate, I was just looking into this type of lens for my Fuji. I actually enjoy shooting with manual a lot, I feel more in control. It has it's own advantages with workflow. Thanks for sharing this.
Honestly, this is what I'm trying to get back to. I've been a photographic prisoner of my cell phone for a long time, but I remember a day when I had a manual focus film camera, and a used 135mm F2 that I had bought at KEH. Those days are what I want to get back to. It brought Paul Simon's song to life for me.
It is a heavy lens for walking but probably one of the best FF lenses ever made. Optical perfection. For me it is not only about its incredible sharpness but mostly about its classic 3d rendering and magical bokeh. On Sony 7ARII it creates images as they came from an old large format camera.
I love your photography. I hope to someday be a good photographer. What holds me back is time other lack of it. Enjoy watching the incredible photo's that you capture.
Thank you :)
What an excellent honest production and lovely lens.
What a great review. I just ordered this lens for my A6600. Originally I got it for astrophotography, but after watching your video I'll be trying it our during the day as well.
Ive had several samyang lenses over the last few years and they have consistently been amazing performers regardless of their price. The 135mm is my new portrait lens and it does no disappoint. Beautifully sharp and pleasing background blur at F2.
Wait I think I'm in love. Your voice is so soothing and the quality of the content and photos is amazing. I live in the UK where the weather isn't so great right now either, but you're inspiring me to get out and make the most of it!
That's very kind of you. Happy I could inspire :)
I love your micro photography
This is exactly why I love my Laowa lenses! ✨
If you think the 135mm f2 is good you need to try the new AF 135mm f1.8 FE...It's probably the best 135mm lens ever made!
You should call yourself Macro Micael!!! Great video by the way.Looking forward to try some of your macro and telephoto techniques i am just getting into photography since Covid era
Love how you approach Macro photography and your ease to explaining how your photos are taken you have a new subscriber on all your platforms!!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾📸
This is really nice thanks for sharing your creativity, you have taught me some good tips in this video, thanks again. I love the way you compose your shots awesome. Tak.
Samyang 135mm f/2 utmanar fotografen och ger fantastiska resultat! hur kul som helst!
Thanks Micael, great video. I enjoy photographing mallards that live close by. his lens would be fun to try on them.
Ducking beautiful! Currently using vintage lenses to practice full MF (budget), but will certainly want to add a Samyang!
I really enjoyed this video! It's close to poetry how you describe the lens😊 This comes from an amateur Fuji photographer😎 I'm quite inspired by your videos. Thank you so much and take care!
Tak for en super fin video Michael 🙏🙏🙏 Har selv tænkt på at få en 135, og også denne Samyang.
It is truly a great manual lens. I should use mine more😃
I can highly recommend that you try the Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 110mm 2.5
Great video mate. Have just bought the cine t2.2 version which I believe is optically identical to the f2 version.
Yes probably only different exterior
I think was Christopher Frost that reviewed this lens few years ago, and said it was sharper than the Canon 135 L. Oh boy, Canon fans weren't happy, even with him showing side by side comparison, with clear results. But I think after years being abused by the cripple hammer, Canon fans are a little less intense these days.
I own both lenses and I can confirm that this one is noticeably sharper.
Interesting to see how good the rumoured / upcoming Canon RF 135mm f/1,4 will be. Based on what the RF 85mm f/1,2 gives that will be amazing - but the price will be 😱💀 😅.
Fina bilder!
Angående brus så har du en jättefin sensor i din a7 mark iii, låt inte brist på ljus och högre iso hindra dig från att skapa en minnesvärd bild som gör livet enklare i dessa solfattiga tider!
Ha en trevlig vecka!
I love your photos!!! Oh man I which I could do pictures like that :'( those ducks are lovely too
Just subscribed. This lens is said to b one of the sharpest. I am also thinking about buying one. Thanks again
It is incredibly sharp. Also have a look at Samyangs new 135mm autofocus lens.
Good review, its on my list to get one day.
What do you think about macro (insects) photography with a monopod?
I´ll Keep mine Sony 135mm 1.8 GM ;) With most of my lenses I focus manually nearly all the time, but with the 135mm I use often autofocus at longer than close-up distance, at the closest distance I use manual focus, I also use manual focus for landscap with the 135, but for photography with more or less action I use it with autofocus. The Sony 135mm have a very nice close distance of 0.7 meter.
Yeah the Sony 135mm seems like the ultimate one for the Sony system. Hope to own it one day!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful landscape/nature photos.
Is it a good lens for food photography kind of "macro" lens?
Not sure if it is the best lens for food photography, but I guess it would work. I am not that experienced in food photography so I am not sure what lenses to recommend for that.
I have bought those lens and your videos had a lot to do with that buy. My street photography style of taking photos is not so easy to use it but I dont regret buying it. A few days ago I saw that Samyang has a lens 135mm f1.8 with AF but the price is much higher.
and the f1.8 AF is only for sony :/
Very awesome lens
I own this lens and it is by far the sharpest. Way sharper than 85 1.8, 50 1.8, 35 1.4 or anything Else i own.
Only downside IT was my first lens on my A7i and now i have the A7iii and af is a nice luxery which is needed for Most pictures. But slower Portrait are awesome with this lens cost ~300€ new at e Infinity.
This video is so ducking awesome 🔥
Has anyone tried putting this lens on medium format? Some FF lenses have a big enough image circle for medium format. I kinda want it for both my Fuji systems.
Have you tried it for astrophotography? 🤔 I'm getting 150mm f1.8 soon
Thank you for your video!
Micael, have you ever used the Laowa 100mm 2.8 2x macro lens for astrophotography? Astrophotography, like macro photography, are primarily using manual focus. The Laowa 100mm 2.8 focuses from 2x macro to infinity, so it may be an option for astrophotography if chromatic abberation and coma are limited when at f/2.8 and infinity focus.
Haven’t tried it.
Thanks for this review. I wanted this lens mainly for astrophotography but I wasn't sure how good it would do at daytime Photography because otherwise it wouldn't be worth buying for me. I think I'm gonna buy it anyway then👍
Probably the sharpest lens I have ever used!
Just like you, this is a lens I owned and sold, but I still regret it. I really enjoy the rendering and all of the autofocus 135mm are incredibly expensive. I may have a chance to pick it up for 220 (used) ...
Hey, Micael just saw you on Mattias' premiere... That is a lovely photo you shot with that lens @ 1:50 great video I appreciate the UA-camrs that love shooting and focus more on the photography experience. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas... Mele Kalikimaka!
Thank you! I love both gear and shooting, and try to find a balance between them in my channel :) I mean what good is a new lens with perfect specs, if you aren't using it to make nice photos?
Har varit sugen på den där ett tag. Verkar fin.
Agreed. You do an excellent job of conveying the gear's benefits combined with the shooting experience on your channel. That is why you are one of my top go-to UA-camrs. Maybe it is a Swedish thing but you and Mattias are my favorite UA-camrs. I always feel calmer after watching your videos. Keep up the good work.
-Aloha Nui Loa!
@@SpaghettiPaparazzi Thank you for the kind words. And yes, Mattias is one of my personal top 3 favorite youtubers as well, so that you mention him to describe my videos is a true honor that makes me very happy. Have a nice day :)
May look at some of these lenses for some night photography as autofocus is useless at night anyway.
Beautiful!
beautiful - had this lens but had to return it because i need autofocus to photograph the kids. this video makes me to want it again :D or samyang - please: make an autofocus version for sony e mount finallly! :)
Yeah that was exactly what I did. I sold it because I became a father and needed AF. But now when I could get it for a good price I couldn't resist. There is something truly magic with this lens, such a joy to use.
Great video!
8:24 A lot of potentially subscribers :)
This lens is one of the most popular lenses among astrophotographers. plenty of subjects that fit the frame, super sharp and no chromatic aberration and all that combined with a good price.
Need a tracker though.
Astrophotography could be a way to get over the dark weeks?
Yeah problem though is that it is so cloudy right now in Sweden :) But would be fun to do some tests with astrophotography. I also need to find the time to go outside the city in the night.
@@MicaelWidell Oh, yes, I agree the light pollution will be an issue in Stockholm.
wonderful place.
Ohh, I didnt know this lens had so beautiful colors and micro-contrast. Ive watched other videos as well. The colors are great, exactly my type of "mood" that you can get out of the lens when it comes to color contrast. Got kinda dissapointed since there is not auto-focus but anyway I shoot with many vintage lenses so it wont be that a big problem. Will love to use it for portraits and other close up shots. Guess I got lucky, just checked one site to buy it from a second hand for 250€ only in a brand new condition. 👌
That sounds like a very good price. Go for it :)
Hello Micael. I am already subscribed, I really like your videos and photographs. I’m also grateful for your encouragement to go out and take photographs when lacking motivation on those grey days. I’ve been thinking about picking up a Samyang 135mm f/2.0 for a while now, you’ve convinced me to buy one. I was wondering are there any advantages of getting a Fuji X mount over an E mount or vice versa ? I have both the X-T3 and the A7 III and I would be interested to get some advice.
Hi! Thank you for the kind words. I also own both of these cameras, and if you are going to buy a 135mm lens I would buy it for full frame. Because 135mm on APS-C becomes 200mm in 35mm equivalent, so you need to be pretty far away from your subject. Also the bokeh will be creamier on full frame. But it depends - if you want lots of reach maybe you should buy it for Fuji.
@@MicaelWidell Thanks for the advice.
Why are you not using your Fugi X camera anymore? I was considering the Venus Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Fujifilm X. Do you still think this is a macro lens?
I use it when appropriate. I still think it is great for insect photography. Relax man, just because it hasn't been in my videos for a couple of months doesn't mean it is a bad camera. The Laowa 65mm lens is the best macro lens I have seen for Fujifilm.
Boy ! Now you are confusing me... I m now postponing Laowa 65 and looking forward to buy this one for canon & use it with an adapter on my Fujifilm... And I thing Fujifilm a TC shall go with the lens converter... What say ??
I would buy a lens made for APS-C instead, such as the Samyang 85mm f/1.8 UMC CS. A 135mm on APS-C becomes extremely long (200mm equivalent), and the lens will be very big and heavy compared to your camera.
@@MicaelWidell my both cameras are canon 7d mark 2 & XH-1 with battery grip . I think it will go with both...
BTW i already ordered this lens as soon as I saw your review video 😉
First: nice video. Super chill other than other reviews.
My question: is this a lens that will work out for mostly street photography and some portraits? But mainly street. I’m a hobby photographer and would need to Safe my money for at least 9 month to get the sigma 135 1.8. but my budget is not that high now. Would you save the money for the sigma 135 1.8 or would you get the samyang 135 2.0 for less than half the price? Bcs it’s my hobby I don’t want to buy a lens for 500€ and regret it that I don’t safed my money for the autofokus sigma art lens bcs that lens is also great.
Maybe you can give me an advice 😃 thanks for reading if you come that far 👋🏻✌🏻
If you need to take quick shots and focus fast this might not be the perfect lens, as it is manual focus. The main difference between this one and the sigma is that the sigma is heavier, bigger, and more expensive but has autofocus. But I think the Samyang 135 is a great lens if you are on a budget to get started - you can sell it later and switch to an autofocus lens. Another great budget option is the Canon EF 135mm if you have an adapter, that lens can be found for around 600 dollars used.
Thank you for the great video Michael! Amazing pictures from Stockholm again.
Thanks for the test and your recommendation. I am sure this is a nice lens but I don't pay 5500 SEK for a manual lens at the checkout.
You can actually buy it at 3500 - 3800 SEK depending on the mount. It's a real bargain even at 5500 SEK though. Some manual lenses cost 8 times more (like ZEISS Otus 100mm).
I recently have been doing more macro photos. I have a nikon 105mm macro AF (not the vr). However I was thinking yo play with higher magnification. What route do you think is best at first? Just get some extension tubes?
The problem with extension tubes combined with that lens is that you would need a lot of them to get to 2x magnification (you need 105mm of extension tubes for that). I would either buy a Raynox DCR-250 and put in front of it, or buy a Laowa 2x macro lens (or the 2.5-5x), or reverse a vintage lens on extension tubes, depending on what amount of money you are willing to spend.
@@MicaelWidell thanks Michael! I appreciate your advice!
Any practices that you follow to master manual focus ?
Hmm. I use focus peaking and sometimes focus magnification. And I take a lot of photos - some of them often turn out good. Other than that it is mostly just training.
This lens looks incredible .. how much does it costs ??
letmegooglethat.com/?q=samyang+100mm+price
Get some flextape on that boat.
Suggestion: watch the video in 1.25x speed and it's better. Aside of that - good review of the lens, well done.
is this a full frame lens ?
Yes
Does anyone know if this lens would be good for sports photography.
Since it is manual focus I would not recommend it. Unless you are okay with missing a lot of shots due to out of focus
Nope. This samyang lens would be better 😎
ua-cam.com/video/f3ckHO7SgLY/v-deo.html
Maybe for a slow sport? Golf or something idk.
I did already
Support you by like and Abo for sure!!
Привет из России
ok there is my sub if it meant the world to you hehee..
🙏 🌎
If you like the results from this lens on an A7 III, wait until you attach it to an A7R III or A7R IV! Then substitute it with the 135mm G Master and your mind will implode (but your credit card would melt as well ;-)
Haha I was actually thinking exactly that on this photo walk "I wonder how this lens would perform on a A7R IV" :D I bet it is really nice
Thanks Micael, great video. I enjoy photographing mallards that live close by. his lens would be fun to try on them.