Review: Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

About the Zeiss 135mm. I heard the man who's the head of the Otus design team in Zeiss that the 135mm is the lens ''we could spray the text yellow and just call it the Otus 135mm". Makes it very intuiguing for me after knowing how the Otuses perform an look, absolute heaven.

That's pretty much true. It is the closest thing to the Otus optics that I've used.

Dustin, have you ever compared IQ from Zeiss 135 Apo and Canon 200 2.0?

I haven't. I've never gotten to use the 200mm f/2L, although it is very high on my personal wish list.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

Friend of the site Dustin Abbott has completed his review of the brand new Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC manual focus lens. Dustin came away thoroughly impressed with the optics of the $549 Samyang, and thinks it’s better than Canon’s 135mm f/2L in that regard.</p>
<p>As always, the review is a good one with lots of sample images, as well as a video version of the review. As always with Samyang lenses, it comes down to whether or not you’re willing to sacrifice focus aids such as autofocus and focus confirmation (for Canon) for great optics and a lower price.</p>
<blockquote><p>I would be happy to own this lens – no question. The question is whether or not I would choose it over a lens like the Canon 135mm f/2L despite the fact that that the Samyang beats the pants off it optically. As an owner of the 135L, I can’t say that I am personally compelled to make that switch. But if you are in the market for a 135mm f/2 lens and want both better optics and a cheaper price, this lens is worth a very long look. It has the ability to produce images that are amongst the finest possible with this focal length.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://dustinabbott.net/2015/03/samyang-135mm-f2-ed-umc-review/" target="_blank">Read the full review</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1110689-REG/samyang_sy135m_c_135mm_f_2_lens_for.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Samyang 135mm f/2 at B&H Photo $549</a></p>

Amazing results from Samyang, I have been tempted to get the Canon 135L but the lack of IS has stopped me to do so. Now I own the 70-200mm f2.8L IS II and I am very happy with my decision, even though if doesn't offer the same bokeh quality.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Friend of the site Dustin Abbott has completed his review of the brand new Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC manual focus lens. Dustin came away thoroughly impressed with the optics of the $549 Samyang, and thinks it’s better than Canon’s 135mm f/2L in that regard.</p>
<p>As always, the review is a good one with lots of sample images, as well as a video version of the review. As always with Samyang lenses, it comes down to whether or not you’re willing to sacrifice focus aids such as autofocus and focus confirmation (for Canon) for great optics and a lower price.</p>
<blockquote><p>I would be happy to own this lens – no question. The question is whether or not I would choose it over a lens like the Canon 135mm f/2L despite the fact that that the Samyang beats the pants off it optically. As an owner of the 135L, I can’t say that I am personally compelled to make that switch. But if you are in the market for a 135mm f/2 lens and want both better optics and a cheaper price, this lens is worth a very long look. It has the ability to produce images that are amongst the finest possible with this focal length.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://dustinabbott.net/2015/03/samyang-135mm-f2-ed-umc-review/" target="_blank">Read the full review</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1110689-REG/samyang_sy135m_c_135mm_f_2_lens_for.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Samyang 135mm f/2 at B&H Photo $549</a></p>

Amazing results from Samyang, I have been tempted to get the Canon 135L but the lack of IS has stopped me to do so. Now I own the 70-200mm f2.8L IS II and I am very happy with my decision, even though if doesn't offer the same bokeh quality.

I know. I have the Tamron 70-200 VC (which actually has significant nicer bokeh than the Canon). Despite the slightly better IQ from the 135L I rarely use it. The amazing stabilization on the zoom and almost as good image quality means that I get more consistent results from it along with the versatility of a zoom. I'm actually considering selling my 135L despite its optical excellence.

 

[sdsr]

Amazing results from Samyang, I have been tempted to get the Canon 135L but the lack of IS has stopped me to do so. Now I own the 70-200mm f2.8L IS II and I am very happy with my decision, even though if doesn't offer the same bokeh quality.

I know. I have the Tamron 70-200 VC (which actually has significant nicer bokeh than the Canon). Despite the slightly better IQ from the 135L I rarely use it. The amazing stabilization on the zoom and almost as good image quality means that I get more consistent results from it along with the versatility of a zoom. I'm actually considering selling my 135L despite its optical excellence.

I bought a Samyang/Rokinon a few weeks ago and yes, it's every bit as wonderful as Dustin says - better than the 135 L and, when attached to a mirrorless camera, more accurate focusing too (though I don't photograph fast-moving things where AF has an obvious advantage); the short mfd is appealing too. Add the image stabilization of Sony a7rII (and a7II too, presumably) and the results can be pretty stunning (I've not done any extreme tests, but I get perfectly sharp shots at the Sony default of 1/60, whereas I wanted at least 1/320 on the a7r). I would also note that my copy doesn't have the focus ring problem that Dustin's does/did.