With the recent introducion of the Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE lens, the number of options for the Sony E mount increased to three, the other two lenses being Sony 135mm F1.8 GM and Sigma 135mm F1.8 ART. At $999, Samyang has a significant price advantage over the Sigma 135mm F1.8 Art which has a selling price of $1399 and the Sony 135mm F1.8 GM which sells for $2099!
As we all know, price alone is not enough of a reason to choose a lens and Samyang is not widely available other than few review samples as far as we know so it is early to make any judgements about its image quality (unless you want to compare the MTF charts) so at this point all we have is the size, features and specs. We use what we have to make comparison of these three lenses and see if we still find the Samyang as a viable alternative to Sony and Sigma lenses.
Sony vs Sigma vs Samyang 135mm F1.8 Lens Size Comparison
Looking at the external dimensions, Sigma lens is the largest and heaviest of the three. This lens was a modified version of the DSLR version, you can see the obvious protrusion on the mount side to adapt the short flange distance of Sony E-mount. At only 772g, new Samyang lens is the lightest by far even though it is slightly larger than the Sony 135mm F1.8.
All three lenses has a 82mm filter thread and they are all weather sealed. Sony with its 0.25x max magnification ratio has the best clos-up potential while the Samyang is very close with a 0.24x max magnification. While Sony and Sigma has a dedicated aperture rings, Samyang lacks this ring however its focusing ring is programmable to be used a an aperture ring.
Another common feature for all three lenses is the Focus range limiter function which limits the focusing range of the lens in order to speed up the focusing speed. Sony and Samyang lenses also have the Focus hold buttons which is missing on the Sigma 13mm F1.8
Here is a feature and specs comparison of these 3 lenses:
Looking at all the information we have about the new Samyang 135mm FE AF lens so far and considering its MRSP price of $999, we think this is a very welcome option for Sony E shooters with smaller budgets. We will need the actual lens in hand to assess the image quality, focusing speed and accuracy for a final verdict though.