My Rokinon 135mm f/2 came in today....

[TheBeard]

and good lord is it nice! After reading up on a few postings here, and seeing some images, I thought I'd give it a shot, and order one myself.

Now I've never owned a Samyang/Rokinon lens before after reading a few blogs, and reviews about some needing 3-4 copies of one before finding a good copy. That has always left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm still not sure why I went ahead, and placed the order on this one? Maybe it was the images I've seen it produce, and the great reviews it's been receiving? Hell, maybe it's the fact I've never owed a 135mm before? Which ever it may be, I'm glad I picked up a copy, because this lens is a dream for the price!

First impressions right out the box was, this lens is huge, and heavy! Didn't think it would look odd on my a7R though... as I already run around with my 70-200mm attached to the body most of the time anyway. The body feels, and looks extremely durable in every way. On the camera I felt like it needed a tripod collar due to it's size though.

Anyway, after inspecting the lens to make sure it was all good, it was time to put it to the test. Just walking around my neighborhood taking random shots of anything, and everything, I've gotta say I was extremely impressed with this big boy! I've never been a big time manual shooter in the past due to most, or should I say all my lenses support auto focus. When I've tried manual in the past, I wind up saying... screw this, I've got auto on this thing! With being forced to use just manual on this lens, I must say it was a joy using it. Both focus peaking, and zoom worked just fine. The focusing ring felt tight, but yet smooth.

The images... shot after shot, I was more, and more impressed with this lens. I couldn't believe I just paid less than $600 for a lens that was giving me sharp, beautiful images! If any of you were on the fence about this lens, don't be. It good! It's damn good!

Here are some of my test samples today...

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www.flickr.com

Enjoy!

 

[Derek Dean]

VERY nice set of images, and they really go a long way to showing off the qualities of that lens, which seems to be not only sharp, but with very pleasant bokeh as well.

 

[Alupang]

Stop it you are killing me--I really want this lens.

My big and heavy lens (1000 grams) is the Canon FD 300 f4 L...but his lens I will try one day.

 

[rogerjosem]

You will quickly fall in love with this lens







Roger

 

[Alupang]

I have little doubt that the optics in the Samyang 135 are superb.

My only reservation is its build quality compared to, say, Canon nFD 135mm f2 (or my 300mm f4 L).

How will it hold up over time? I concerned the focus will become sloppy with play. I have read Samyang's interior mechanics are not high quality--plastic self tapping screws for example.

So for about $400 I can buy a mint Canon nFD 135mm f2 VS $470 for the Samyang. It's a tough decision. Better built quality VS better optical performance. The Canon is smaller, lighter and has a cool built in hood too.

 

[rogerjosem]

Yes, the Canon has a superior build, but this Samyang is very good built as well (I see the construction design for this lens, the 35 F1.4; the 24 F1.4 and the new macro 100 F2.8 macro as way better than many of their other "previous" models). I don´t find it unreliable -mechanically speaking- but time will tell...

I am not fan of buying used lenses, the risk of short-life or defects is higher. Luckily here in Norway we have "reklamasjonsrett". The prices are comparatively higher but you can get a replacement unit if anything fails with any electronics or lenses bought here within 5 years (-by that time significantly better optics technology might be available and/or my GAS has already brought me to that future Otus-Batis-other superior 135mm lens-)

 

[dbm305]

You could consider the EF canon 135 on an AF adapter

It's a little pricier, but not much. It's a little better than the Samyang wide open (according to Photozone) but otherwise optically the same.

But it's built like a tank, is easy to get fixed, will give you EXIF and auto aperture, and not entirely useless autofocus (I find the AF especially useful on Canon lenses adapted when using the remote app on the phone because you can then focus remotely)

 

[Darwinrox]

Gorgeous images. Nice work.

After seeing your photos, and a few other threads on the 135, I was prompted to do a little shopping.

I was *this* close to picking up a Samyang/Rokinon but, in the end, opted for a legacy Zeiss 135MM f2.8 Sonnar T*, and a dumb adapter, because I fell in love with the bokeh.

That Rokinon sure looks like one sharp lens...

 

[jhinkey]

Reports thus far show that it's right up there with the 135/2 APO Zeiss except in the area of flare against backlighting. I will certainly get one and directly compare to my Zeiss to see how they compare for what I shoot - candids and landscapes. Would love to be able to swap it out for the Zeiss and take the $1K to use on the A7RII . . .

 

[Alupang]

You could consider the EF canon 135 on an AF adapter

It's a little pricier, but not much

Isn't the EF 135mm about $800? Plus an AF adapter? That would total about 2X as much as the Samyang and 2.5X more than the Canon nFD.

Nice lens for sure--but best left on a Canon EF body I think. Autofocus with an adapter? I'm not convinced it's worth the trouble over MF.

And MF with Canon EF lenses? No. Not for me, thanks.

It's a little better than the Samyang wide open (according to Photozone) but otherwise optically the same.

That contradicts the well known comparisons showing the samyang absolutely destroying the Canon, especially wide open.

So which is the better lens optically? I'm confused now.

But it's built like a tank, is easy to get fixed, will give you EXIF and auto aperture, and not entirely useless autofocus (I find the AF especially useful on Canon lenses adapted when using the remote app on the phone because you can then focus remotely)

 

[neil holmes]

You could consider the EF canon 135 on an AF adapter

It's a little pricier, but not much

Isn't the EF 135mm about $800? Plus an AF adapter? That would total about 2X as much as the Samyang and 2.5X more than the Canon nFD.

Nice lens for sure--but best left on a Canon EF body I think. Autofocus with an adapter? I'm not convinced it's worth the trouble over MF.

And MF with Canon EF lenses? No. Not for me, thanks.

It's a little better than the Samyang wide open (according to Photozone) but otherwise optically the same.

That contradicts the well known comparisons showing the samyang absolutely destroying the Canon, especially wide open.

So which is the better lens optically? I'm confused n

I have not seen any reviews saying that......any links?

I only have the Canon and while it may not be quite as good as the Sony Zeiss 135 1.8 it is not far behind that from what I have seen and much more usable to me......AF while still somewhat slow is actually quite ok for AF-S and does double duty on my Canon 7D now too and possibly triple duty on my GX7 when the Kipon M4/3 AF adapter is released.

Being able to use the Canon for any AF point like a native E mount is a big plus for me over the Sony Zeiss......of course if money is no object, the Zeiss f2 APO would be the one (assuming MF is ok).

Just my feeling on what I have seen but so far I still much prefer the Canon for image quality over the Samyang but then the Canon costs a fair bit more too.

Who is hanging out for a 135mm Zeiss Batis 1.8 or f2 stabilized AF E mount lens?

ow.

But it's built like a tank, is easy to get fixed, will give you EXIF and auto aperture, and not entirely useless autofocus (I find the AF especially useful on Canon lenses adapted when using the remote app on the phone because you can then focus remotely)

 

[NumberOne]

and good lord is it nice! After reading up on a few postings here, and seeing some images, I thought I'd give it a shot, and order one myself.

Now I've never owned a Samyang/Rokinon lens before after reading a few blogs, and reviews about some needing 3-4 copies of one before finding a good copy. That has always left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm still not sure why I went ahead, and placed the order on this one? Maybe it was the images I've seen it produce, and the great reviews it's been receiving? Hell, maybe it's the fact I've never owed a 135mm before? Which ever it may be, I'm glad I picked up a copy, because this lens is a dream for the price!

First impressions right out the box was, this lens is huge, and heavy! Didn't think it would look odd on my a7R though... as I already run around with my 70-200mm attached to the body most of the time anyway. The body feels, and looks extremely durable in every way. On the camera I felt like it needed a tripod collar due to it's size though.

Anyway, after inspecting the lens to make sure it was all good, it was time to put it to the test. Just walking around my neighborhood taking random shots of anything, and everything, I've gotta say I was extremely impressed with this big boy! I've never been a big time manual shooter in the past due to most, or should I say all my lenses support auto focus. When I've tried manual in the past, I wind up saying... screw this, I've got auto on this thing! With being forced to use just manual on this lens, I must say it was a joy using it. Both focus peaking, and zoom worked just fine. The focusing ring felt tight, but yet smooth.

The images... shot after shot, I was more, and more impressed with this lens. I couldn't believe I just paid less than $600 for a lens that was giving me sharp, beautiful images! If any of you were on the fence about this lens, don't be. It good! It's damn good!

Here are some of my test samples today...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/great_one/sets/72157649979432893/

Enjoy!

Thank you very much for posting - And congratulations for your new lens - The photos look great! !

Any shortcoming in the lens/camera/software communication, ie, functions, exif, profiles, etc. you care to share?

TIA,
All the best,
Pedro

 

[dbm305]

You could consider the EF canon 135 on an AF adapter

It's a little pricier, but not much

Isn't the EF 135mm about $800? Plus an AF adapter? That would total about 2X as much as the Samyang and 2.5X more than the Canon nFD.

Nice lens for sure--but best left on a Canon EF body I think. Autofocus with an adapter? I'm not convinced it's worth the trouble over MF.

And MF with Canon EF lenses? No. Not for me, thanks.

It's a little better than the Samyang wide open (according to Photozone) but otherwise optically the same.

That contradicts the well known comparisons showing the samyang absolutely destroying the Canon, especially wide open.

So which is the better lens optically? I'm confused n

I have not seen any reviews saying that......any links?

It's based on the Photozone reviews of the two lenses on the same Canon body. Check them out.

It's got the Canon slightly ahead wide open, and the Samyang very slightly ahead stopped down.

The EF does seem to have gone up in price since last time I looked, but should be available second hand.

 

[Edmond Dantes]

Reports thus far show that it's right up there with the 135/2 APO Zeiss except in the area of flare against backlighting. I will certainly get one and directly compare to my Zeiss to see how they compare for what I shoot - candids and landscapes. Would love to be able to swap it out for the Zeiss and take the $1K to use on the A7RII . . .

Let's not get carried away now. This is a beautiful lens and a terrific deal, but I haven't heard anybody reputable or otherwise say this is around the level of the Zeiss. I haven't seen any evidence that it is either. There's no shame in that. This is a terrific lens, but the Zeiss is probably the best 135 ever made. The images I've seen from that lens are in the league of the Otus lenses. I'm not sure any lens has inflicted more gear lust in me than that one.

 

[jhinkey]

Reports thus far show that it's right up there with the 135/2 APO Zeiss except in the area of flare against backlighting. I will certainly get one and directly compare to my Zeiss to see how they compare for what I shoot - candids and landscapes. Would love to be able to swap it out for the Zeiss and take the $1K to use on the A7RII . . .

Let's not get carried away now. This is a beautiful lens and a terrific deal, but I haven't heard anybody reputable or otherwise say this is around the level of the Zeiss. I haven't seen any evidence that it is either. There's no shame in that. This is a terrific lens, but the Zeiss is probably the best 135 ever made. The images I've seen from that lens are in the league of the Otus lenses. I'm not sure any lens has inflicted more gear lust in me than that one.

 

[Edmond Dantes]

Reports thus far show that it's right up there with the 135/2 APO Zeiss except in the area of flare against backlighting. I will certainly get one and directly compare to my Zeiss to see how they compare for what I shoot - candids and landscapes. Would love to be able to swap it out for the Zeiss and take the $1K to use on the A7RII . . .

Let's not get carried away now. This is a beautiful lens and a terrific deal, but I haven't heard anybody reputable or otherwise say this is around the level of the Zeiss. I haven't seen any evidence that it is either. There's no shame in that. This is a terrific lens, but the Zeiss is probably the best 135 ever made. The images I've seen from that lens are in the league of the Otus lenses. I'm not sure any lens has inflicted more gear lust in me than that one.

 

[jhinkey]

Reports thus far show that it's right up there with the 135/2 APO Zeiss except in the area of flare against backlighting. I will certainly get one and directly compare to my Zeiss to see how they compare for what I shoot - candids and landscapes. Would love to be able to swap it out for the Zeiss and take the $1K to use on the A7RII . . .

Let's not get carried away now. This is a beautiful lens and a terrific deal, but I haven't heard anybody reputable or otherwise say this is around the level of the Zeiss. I haven't seen any evidence that it is either. There's no shame in that. This is a terrific lens, but the Zeiss is probably the best 135 ever made. The images I've seen from that lens are in the league of the Otus lenses. I'm not sure any lens has inflicted more gear lust in me than that one.