Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 Review

The Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 is a groundbreaking lens that has revolutionized the world of cinematography. As part of the V-AF series, it is designed to be the world's first autofocus cine lenses for Sony E-mount cameras, offering a unified form-factor and exceptional performance. In this review, we will delve into the features and capabilities of this remarkable lens, exploring its strengths and potential drawbacks for hybrid photographers and videographers.

Design and Build

The Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 boasts a robust build quality, with a metal accessory mount at the front that adds a touch of sophistication. The lens is designed to be compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 72.2mm in diameter and a length of 72.1mm, making it easy to handle and mount on cameras. Weighing 280g, it is slightly heavier than its "Tiny" counterparts but still maintains a manageable size.

Optical Performance

The lens delivers exceptional optical performance, with a T1.9 light transmittance rating that ensures high-quality images even in low-light conditions. The 10 elements in 9 groups design provides excellent sharpness, making it suitable for both still photography and video capture. The bokeh is soft and dreamy, with a well-rounded 9-blade diaphragm that helps to create a pleasing background blur.

Autofocus and Features

One of the key features of the Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 is its advanced autofocus system, which provides fast and reliable focusing. This is particularly useful for videographers who need to quickly adjust focus during shoots. Additionally, the lens includes a tally lamp, which helps to visually monitor recording, and a custom switch that allows for aperture control and focus hold.

Color Consistency

Samyang has prioritized color consistency across all V-AF lenses, ensuring that the color balance remains uniform regardless of the lens used. This is crucial for cinematographers who need to match footage seamlessly. The lens complies with Samyang's CCI (Color Contribution Index) standard, guaranteeing consistent color across the series.

Versatility

The Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 is designed to be versatile, with a focal length of 75mm that provides a nice balance between wide-angle and telephoto shots. When used on APS-C format cameras, the lens has an effective focal length of 112.5mm, making it ideal for tighter framing and more blurred backgrounds.

How Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 differes from other 75mm lenses in terms of autofocus speed?

The Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 lens is designed to provide fast and reliable autofocus performance. In comparison to other 75mm lenses, the V-AF 75mm T1.9 autofocus speed is considered to be near instantaneous for stills in AF-C mode, with the lens quickly and accurately focusing on subjects. This is particularly impressive considering that the lens is designed for both photography and videography, where fast and smooth autofocus is crucial.

In terms of specific comparisons, the Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 autofocus performance is similar to that of other high-end autofocus lenses. For example, the Sony FE 75mm F2.8 GM lens, which is a more expensive option, also provides fast and accurate autofocus performance. The V-AF 75mm T1.9 lens, however, offers additional features such as a tally lamp and a custom switch, making it a more versatile option for hybrid photographers and videographers.

Overall, the Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 lens provides exceptional autofocus performance, making it a great choice for photographers and videographers who require fast and reliable focus control in a variety of shooting situations.

Conclusion

The Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 is an outstanding lens that offers exceptional performance, advanced autofocus, and a robust build. While it may be larger and heavier than some other options, its unique features and capabilities make it a compelling choice for hybrid photographers and videographers. Whether you are shooting stills or video, this lens is sure to deliver high-quality results that will elevate your creative work.

Recommendations

For those who plan to use the lens primarily for still photography, the Samyang AF 75mm F1.8 may be a more cost-effective option. However, if you are looking for a lens that can handle both photography and videography with ease, the Samyang V-AF 75mm T1.9 is an excellent choice. Additionally, if you plan to purchase multiple lenses from the V-AF series, the unified design and dimensions make it an attractive option for building a comprehensive kit.