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Samyang's 135mm F1.8 AF for Sony E comes across as a sharp portrait telephoto with smooth bokeh and standout value at $553. The lens is described as extremely sharp on high resolution Sony bodies, and the optical results are strong enough that it stays mounted often. Autofocus is the main tradeoff, since it trails Sony G Master speed and can feel weak for video or fast action. Firmware updates appear to improve AF, but older copies may need the separate dock. A strong fit for portraits if speed is not the priority.
Portrait photographers who want a very sharp 135mm prime, because it delivers crisp subjects and smooth bokeh at a much lower price than premium alternatives.
Photographers who plan to update firmware and use the lens for still subjects, because autofocus can improve after updating and the optics stay strong for portraits.
Autofocus is sharp for stills but not as fast as a Sony G Master, and some copies have been reported with lackluster AF on older bodies like the A7R III. Updating to Version 5 firmware can make a real difference, but it still may not be ideal for sports or fast action.
At $553, it is described as an excellent value for the optical performance, with very sharp images and smooth bokeh. It is also about $250 cheaper than the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB, though Samyang QC can vary.
Some copies ship with Version 3 firmware, and updating to Version 5 can improve autofocus. Samyang lenses require a separate docking station, reportedly around $50, to perform firmware updates.
It is reportedly not a good choice for video autofocus and may need to be switched to manual focus for that use. It is better suited to portraits and similar still-photo work than continuous video tracking.
Crazy good lens for the price. I'm a professional photographer and I own lenses that cost .any times over what this does and for the price this is a absolute bargain.
Good lens. Samyang QC tends to be all over the place but this is still $250 cheaper than the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB, which is an amazing steal in its own right, but still 50% more expensive than this.
Good lens. Samyang QC tends to be all over the place but this is still $250 cheaper than the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB, which is an amazing steal in its own right, but still 50% more expensive than this.
The Viltrox seems available for Nikon Z and the Samyang isn't, hopefully they're working on it.
The Viltrox seems available for Nikon Z and the Samyang isn't, hopefully they're working on it.
Yeah Nikon opened up the mount but brands have been surprisingly slow with adding to it.You can use a z mount to e mount adapter but at that point it's basically the price of the Viltrox
Good lens. Samyang QC tends to be all over the place but this is still $250 cheaper than the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB, which is an amazing steal in its own right, but still 50% more expensive than this.
What would I look for to test quality of a lens? I feel like I always just buy them and go "I think it's good!?"
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Does anyone know if the recent production of this lens comes with the new firmware and no longer has the focus issue? I heard that a few years ago, this lens had a focus problem that could be fixed by a firmware update. However, Samyang lenses require a separate docking station (sold for about $50) to perform the firmware update.
Brilliant less. The only problem with it is that there is something more brilliante in 2025. That is he Viltrox 135 1.8.
I also note that I returned my Samyang 135 1.8 because, in spite of all the rave YouTube reviews, my copy had lackluster AF on my Sony A7R III. It's not impossible that it would do better on a newer body.
Brilliant less. The only problem with it is that there is something more brilliante in 2025. That is he Viltrox 135 1.8.
I also note that I returned my Samyang 135 1.8 because, in spite of all the rave YouTube reviews, my copy had lackluster AF on my Sony A7R III. It's not impossible that it would do better on a newer body.
My copy came with Version 3 firmware, and I have ordered the dock as I would like to update it to the latest firmware. Presently, the autofocus is not great, but I have a real hope it will improve. I would not be using this lens for sports or other action anyway, but for portraits and similar photo situations. Even if the autofocus does not greatly improve, I am very happy with my purchase. In my limited testing, subjects have been quite sharp and the bokeh has been nice and smooth. Optically, it is an excellent lens, and at the $553 price point, an excellent value, too.
My copy came with Version 3 firmware, and I have ordered the dock as I would like to update it to the latest firmware. Presently, the autofocus is not great, but I have a real hope it will improve. I would not be using this lens for sports or other action anyway, but for portraits and similar photo situations. Even if the autofocus does not greatly improve, I am very happy with my purchase. In my limited testing, subjects have been quite sharp and the bokeh has been nice and smooth. Optically, it is an excellent lens, and at the $553 price point, an excellent value, too.
I totally agree. Great lens. Phenomenal value! It'll give you fantastic images.
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Community Reviews
Samyang's 135mm F1.8 AF for Sony E comes across as a sharp portrait telephoto with smooth bokeh and standout value at $553. The lens is described as extremely sharp on high resolution Sony bodies, and the optical results are strong enough that it stays mounted often. Autofocus is the main tradeoff, since it trails Sony G Master speed and can feel weak for video or fast action. Firmware updates appear to improve AF, but older copies may need the separate dock. A strong fit for portraits if speed is not the priority.
Firmware updates can improve autofocus performance after using the required dock.
The lens delivers very sharp optical performance on a Sony A7R IV body.
The lens can produce smooth bokeh and sharp portrait subjects in limited testing.
The lens is positioned as a strong value versus the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB option.
Autofocus speed can lag behind Sony G Master lenses on Sony E bodies.
Autofocus may be unreliable for video use, requiring manual focus instead.
Some copies have shown lackluster autofocus on a Sony A7R III, leading to a return.
Samyang QC can vary, which may affect consistency between individual lens units.
Common Questions (4)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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It's wildly sharp on my A7RIV
The Viltrox seems available for Nikon Z and the Samyang isn't, hopefully they're working on it.
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I also note that I returned my Samyang 135 1.8 because, in spite of all the rave YouTube reviews, my copy had lackluster AF on my Sony A7R III. It's not impossible that it would do better on a newer body.
I also note that I returned my Samyang 135 1.8 because, in spite of all the rave YouTube reviews, my copy had lackluster AF on my Sony A7R III. It's not impossible that it would do better on a newer body.
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