Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Lens - Telephoto Excellence

Introduction

In the realm of telephoto prime lenses, the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Lens has carved a notable niche for itself among photographers and videographers alike. Designed for full-frame mirrorless systems, particularly Sony E-mount cameras, this lens stands out for its exceptional image quality, fast aperture, and surprisingly lightweight build. But what truly makes this lens a game-changer for portrait, event, and even astrophotography enthusiasts?

This comprehensive review dives into the build, performance, real-world use cases, and how it compares with other similar lenses. By the end, you'll have a complete understanding of why this lens continues to garner attention from professionals and hobbyists across the globe.

Key Features of the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Lens

1. Ultra-Bright f/1.8 Aperture

One of the standout features of the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 is its incredibly fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. This wide aperture is not just about bokeh (though it delivers beautifully smooth background blur); it also excels in:

Low-light performance: Ideal for indoor and nighttime shoots.

Shallow depth of field: Perfect for isolating subjects in portrait photography.

Creative control: Enables more artistic freedom with lighting and focus.

2. Optical Construction & Image Quality

The lens features an advanced optical design:

13 elements in 11 groups

Includes one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and two High Refractive (HR) elements

Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) for reduced ghosting and flare

This construction ensures high resolution from edge to edge with minimal chromatic aberration, even when shooting wide open. The image quality is consistently sharp and contrast-rich, with natural color rendering.

3. Autofocus Performance

Equipped with a Linear STM (Stepping Motor), the lens provides:

Fast and quiet autofocus: Excellent for both stills and video.

Accuracy: Focuses quickly and reliably, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Manual override: Allows seamless switching between AF and MF when needed.

4. Build Quality & Ergonomics

Despite its long focal length and wide aperture, the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 is relatively compact and lightweight at approximately 820 grams. Key build features include:

Weather-sealed construction: Protection against light rain and dust.

Custom switch and focus hold button: Enhances usability for different shooting scenarios.

Smooth focus ring: Offers excellent tactile feedback for manual focus operations.

Real-World Applications

Portrait Photography

The 135mm focal length is a classic for portraiture. It compresses features slightly, delivering flattering results with creamy bokeh. Combined with the wide f/1.8 aperture, the subject separation is exquisite, making this lens a favorite among portrait photographers.

Event and Wedding Photography

Its ability to capture candid moments from a distance without interrupting the scene makes it ideal for weddings, concerts, and other live events. The quick autofocus and excellent low-light capability are critical assets in dynamic environments.

Astrophotography and Nature

Surprisingly, this lens performs exceptionally well in astrophotography. The sharp optics and wide aperture make it possible to capture stars with minimal coma and distortion. It’s also well-suited for shooting wildlife and distant landscapes thanks to its reach.

Comparison with Competing Lenses

When compared to lenses like the Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM and Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art, the Samyang holds its own impressively:

Feature	Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8	Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM	Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art
Price	Affordable	Expensive	Mid-range
Weight	820g	950g	1130g
Autofocus	Fast, Quiet	Extremely Fast	Fast, Noisy
Build Quality	Weather-Sealed	Premium	Sturdy
Image Quality	Excellent	Outstanding	Excellent

For photographers looking for top-tier performance without the hefty price tag, the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Lens offers incredible value.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Wide f/1.8 aperture for exceptional low-light and bokeh

High sharpness across the frame

Weather-sealed and lightweight

Fast and silent autofocus

Excellent value for money

Cons:

No built-in image stabilization

Limited to Sony E-mount systems (at present)

Lacks customizable ring compared to higher-end models

FAQs About the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Lens

Q: Does the lens come with a lens hood?

Yes, it includes a dedicated lens hood to help reduce lens flare and protect the front element.

Q: Is it good for video work?

Absolutely. Its quiet autofocus and sharp optics make it a solid choice for cinematic shots.

Q: How does it handle chromatic aberration?

Thanks to its optical design, chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, even in high-contrast scenes.

Integration with the Samyang Ecosystem

As part of the broader Samyang lineup, this lens complements a range of other high-quality optics designed for creatives. Whether you’re building your first kit or expanding an existing one, it fits seamlessly into any professional workflow.

To explore more from this trusted brand, consider other options within the Samyang Lens collection.

Conclusion

The Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 Lens proves that high-end optical performance doesn’t have to come at a prohibitive cost. With its lightweight design, stellar image quality, and versatile application across photography genres, it is a lens that meets the demands of both professionals and advanced hobbyists.

Whether you're capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments at a wedding or composing dramatic portraits in natural light, this lens has the tools you need to create impactful imagery.

What do you think about this telephoto gem? Have you used it in your work? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow creatives!