Rokinon/Samyang has officially announced its new AF 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E. The lens is available to purchase under either the Rokinon or Samyang name.
The Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8 FE is a medium-length telephoto prime designed for use on full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless hybrid and Cine cameras.
According to Rokinon/Samyang the AF 135mm F1.8 FE is lighter than other 135mm lenses compatible with full-frame Sony FE mount. It tips the scales at 27.2 oz / 772 g. As a comparison, the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens weighs 33.51 oz / 950 g.
Rokinon/Samyang’s Linear STM (Stepping Motor) is claimed to provide both photographers and videographers with quieter and more accurate control of the focusing lens groups. The optical design is said to minimize focus breathing.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 27.2″ / 69 cm which on paper sounds impressive, however, it is only 1cm closer than that of the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens has a minimum focusing distance of 27.6″ / 70 cm.
Rokinon has added three different customized buttons, including a focus hold button, a custom switch, and a focus range limiter switch.
The optical design of the lens consists of 13 elements in 11 groups. This includes 6 pieces of special glass (3 ED, 2 HR, and 1 U-ASP). The three extra low-dispersion lenses (ED) are claimed to produce clear image quality effectively controlling chromatic aberration. The lens is equipped with two high refractive lenses (HR) with an excellent refractive index and an ultra-precision aspherical lens (UA), which is said to deliver excellent sharpness and contrast in all areas of the image. The lens also has 11 aperture blades and an 82mm front filter diameter.
The AF 135mm F1.8 FE features a micro-patterned rubber focus ring and weather-sealing that is claimed to protect the lens from light rain, snow, and dust.
The Rokinon/Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E is now available to pre-order for $999 USD. That makes it less than half the price of the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens which costs $2,098.00 USD.
Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with 30 years' experience working in more than 50 countries around the world. He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010. Matthew has won 43 ACS Awards, including four prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards. Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.
A site for working professionals in the TV & Film industry