Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE lens newly announced

By Louise Carey
last updated

New Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE lens promises to deliver portrait-worthy quality in a compact, lightweight package

Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE
(Image credit: Samyang)

Samyang has announced the launch of the new telephoto Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE, a devilishly compact piece of glass that promises to intrigue Sony E-mount shooters. Weighing in at only 230g (without the lens-hood or cap), this lens is apparently the lightest and smallest autofocus 75mm currently on the market – according to Samyang.

The new Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE is seemingly perfect for Sony E-mount users who don't want to be lumbered down with hefty kit that gets in the way of their creativity. The lens promises to deliver fast, quiet and accurate autofocusing using a new Linear Stepping Motor (STM). It also has a custom-mode switch that allows you to control the function of the focus ring to your own preference.

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The built-in custom switch allows users to  adjust the aperture by using the focus ring. (Image credit: Samyang)

Joining Samyang's "Tiny but Almighty" AF series first introduced in June 2017, the Samyang 75mm f/1.8 FE is the perfect telephoto focal length to round out the series, which also consists of a 35mm f/2.8, 18mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8 and 45mm f/1.8. 

While a typical modern portrait lens would usually consist of an 85mm focal length now, Samyang has designed their latest lens with a 75mm focal length. This slightly wider angle of view is still able to effectively isolate the photographer's subject, but it also includes enough background to tell the subject's story.

The Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE lens has a total ten elements in nine groups, using five special elements (including three Extra Low Dispersion and two High Refractive). These are designed to produce results with sharpness, low chromatic aberration and minimal distortion.

The lens is expected to go on sale from 11 May for £379.99. The lens will be sold under the Rokinon brand in North America for $399.

• Preorder the Rokinon 75mm f/1.8 AF at Adorama

• Preorder the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 at Wex Photo

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Louise Carey
Louise Carey

With over a decade of photographic experience, Louise arms Digital Camera World with a wealth of knowledge on photographic technique and know-how – something at which she is so adept that she's delivered workshops for the likes of ITV and Sue Ryder. Louise also brings years of experience as both a web and print journalist, having served as features editor for Practical Photography magazine and contributing photography tutorials and camera analysis to titles including Digital Camera Magazine and  Digital Photographer. Louise currently shoots with the Fujifilm X-T200 and the Nikon D800, capturing self-portraits and still life images, and is DCW's ecommerce editor, meaning that she knows good camera, lens and laptop deals when she sees them.

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