This lens has helped me get some outstanding full body portraits on my Sony A7IV. The IQ is top notch and eye auto focus works awesome. I updated the lens from stock version 2 to version 4. Only negative I found was that the gasket on the lens mount is almost nonexistent.
Tbh every lens should come with a USB-C port, or at least able to update through the camera body. Tamron and Viltrox are doing it so there's no excuse for other manufacturers.
Wow! Samyang is really killing it when it comes to AF lenses. I have their 85mm f1.4 lens & I'm so happy with it. It's a lighter lens compared to other 85mm, its sharp, fast AF, accurate colours and overal a solid built lens. Love it.
@@jxy5484 No, not at all. It's pretty silent. I can't hear it unless I'm in a quiet room & put my ear next to the camera (im pretty sure any lens fails that test, since no lens is completely 100% silent).
@@vaishc.....6488 I haven't noticed any harsh chromatic abberations, but there may be a tiny bit in very very harsh contrast situations. Nothing lightroom can't easily fix though. I sold this lens now because I don't use it much since buying the 28-75 Tamron lens but when I had it, I was very happy with it. Yellowish skin tone was not an issue for me, I barely noticed any. Again, nothing lightroom can't fix with a single slider adjustment.
Absolutely "Yes" for a head to head 135 lens comparison , Julia! That would be so helpful. Also , if you could try the lens on an A7C that would be of interest. I always enjoy your thorough and engaging lens reviews!
Thank you and yes a comparison is coming!! With a little twist too ;) I'm excited to share it soon. I didn't get a chance to use it on the A7C unfortunately but it would be very similar looking to the A7III shots, but a little easier to focus with since the A7C has the newer focusing system.
I use A7C with Samyang AF 135 f1.8 shooting cats and absolutely brilliant. I do not have the 135GM to test for the moment though (used it before with A7RIII / A7III and A7C was like a dream).
I'd welcome a comparison of the Samyang and GM 135. I am presently looking and considering adding a 135 to my limited Sony kit, and leaning towards the GM. Another great video, thank you!
I have this lens for a couple of weeks now and I really love it. It is sharp, lightweight and not that big. I noticed it causes one problem in combination with my A7RIII: it drains the battery of my camera really quickly. Anyone else having the same problem?
Many, many images with focus frame on the eye, but real focus on the eyebrows or similar. So many unsharp iris'es, would consider most of them as throwaways... Think you're suffering of the well known A7iv's focus problem (just as mine), where it wants to focus on the iris, but jumps to more contrastful lines if there are any visible. Usually the problem occurs with eyebrows, beard or stray hair or even (vertical, gray-ish) building structures. Not a Samyang issue, but a A7iv issue - still hoping for a firmware update to arrive soon...
Glad that you compared it with the older Samyang 135 f2 which I absolutely love. I’ll be upgrading to the AF version as soon as it comes in Nikon Z mount, hopefully…
@@ramonsahi5802 that’s very interesting! Tell me more. How much did it cost you for the whole setup of lens and adapter and we’re there any issues say with focusing or the camera crashing on you? It does sometimes happen to me using Tamron f mount lenses using the FTZ2 adapter.
Thanks for your review. Seems like other reviewers are saying this lens stands up very well to the Sony 135GM and might be even slightly sharper. The only issues are battery drain and focus consistently. Hopefully Samyang can fix this via firmware. Will wait till then to purchase one. I actually have the A-Mount version that I use with a LAEA5 adapter. This SAL 135 1.8 is quite amazing for its ability to melt away the most difficult background while looking film like. It’s also very sharp. I hear that the 135GM is sharp but rather clinical. I wanted to buy one to complement my SAl for landscape photography but hesitated due to price. But this Samayang lens looks like a really well priced and fantastic optic thanks to reviews like yours. Looking forward to updates to fix the issues, so I can finally purchase a native 135 mm lens.
Glad you liked the review! After reading some of the battery drain comments here I tried it out over the last couple of days and can confirm my lens does the same battery drain on the A7III and A7IV - I will be updating on this with a pinned comment later today.
@@juliatrotti Samyang already released a firmware to fix this battery drains issue dated March 16, 2022 "Optimized the lens quiescent current when the camera is powered off". as per firmware changelog
The Samyang does not have an aperture ring which are essential to my ! I have the Sony 135mm 1.8, but I wish that Voigtländer will make a 135mm APO (2.0/2.4/2.8) Lens, I rarely use autofocus, a upgraded Zeiss Batis APO Sonnar 135mm 2.8 with aperture ring will also be very nice.
Just trying this lens on A7II, the autofocus isn't working that well. I'm surprised that, if the subject is not moving, the face detection keep loosing the focus, or it take is and loose. And a good percentage of the shots aren't in focus. If the subject is moving some are in focus some not. Anyone has the same problem? Do you know how to solve it? With the samyang 35mm if the subject isn't moving the camera n the lens are keeping the focus on the face. If the subject is moving with af-c the focus is bad (maybe you get 20-30% photos with good focus). bye
Hy Zulia! Can you review about nikon mirrorless camera like z6 or z7? I wonder which camera will i buy between sony, canon and nikon mirrorless. And i need you advice and experience with that 3 brands camera as wedding and portrait photographers. Thank you 🥰
I am thinking to buy this lens looking at its price. Initially I doubted its quality its price being 50% less than sigma.. But the more I see its reviews.. The more I feel like buying it. And yes.. Julia.. Has anyone photographed you? You are so beautiful..
Unfortunately, my newly bought lens had a battery drain problem on the A7RIII with the power switched off. A 100% battery will be fully drained in 5 days when powered off without using the camera. My lens is with the AD, Samyang is notified, hoping for a resolution soon!
I really like how the Samyang renders the images, even if I already have the 135mm GM. But many of your photos look like the pupil is blurred and actually the eye brows are in focus instead. That's already visible on photos with upper body and head. Looks like the AF issue of the a7 IV to me that Sony confirmed on a review on the a7 IV product page that is visible to the public.
Yeah I love the Samyang render as well. The iris and other parts of the face can be in focus at the same time, like many images here. It depends on the angle of shooting and the shape/angle of the face. I shared some eyelash focus examples and you can see a pretty big difference in that vs the majority of photos that are in focus on the iris. It’s harder to see since Jasmine’s eyes are quite dark, but they are in focus. I also saw Sony confirmed they are working on an update, I wonder if it affects a batch of cameras perhaps.
@@juliatrotti I would say if it was just a small bad batch they wouldn’t be working on a general firmware update and just do a recall for the bad badge. Let's hope there is an update coming very soon that fixes this issue. It's really annoying. Haven't had such bad Eye-AF results with my a7R III which I luckily still have. I have had several series even with full body shots completely out of focus when the eye was framed.
I bought GM 135mm F1.8, it was an impulse purchase when I saw it on Gumtree for $1500 (Australian). I also own Sigma 85mm and Sigma 105mm. For their output quality I actually prefer 105mm Sigma, in my opinion it is actually a tad sharper than GM135 which was considered the sharpest Sony tele focal primes , but it is heavy and almost double the weight, it has better bokeh. GM135 offers an output quality sits somewhere between 85mm and 105mm Sigmas. 85mm Sigma DN DG is lighter and very very fast in auto focus even faster than GM135. I generally have 85mm and 135mm in the bag.
Fantastic Review! Wonderful video! Gorgeous model as beautiful like you! Can’t wait to have this lens it’s not in the store yet. Excited to have this as my first 135 :)
How do you record your screen on the A7iii? I have the same transmitter but can’t figure out how to do it other than to use my iPhone’s screen record function.
I know this is a video about the 135mm lens, but have you noticed any Eye-AF inconsistency with a7iv? Some have been reporting Eye-AF front focusing issues when lenses like Sony 135mm F1.8 are used in close up shots (like shoulder up shots). For example, some people reported that A7iv was less reliable than now old a7Riii when they took close-up shots of people. They would get surprisingly less useable shots (eyes not in focus) with a7iv than with a7Riii. Sony has confirmed that they are working on a firmware update, but I was wondering whether you had any issues with that.
I haven't had any eye AF issues yet, from what I read it could be a batch issue with some cameras. I've done a bunch of tests on both my camera bodies with all my lenses, closeup shots indoors and outdoors and it shows a normal focus consistency, usually 18 or 19 of 20 shots sharp on the iris with a still subject. I also heard Sony have acknowledged this, I really hope the firmware update fixes the issue!
Just bought this lens. In all the reviews I read that this lens has very silent AF but mine does make a sound after it has focussed, like the apertures blades closing. You can hear a small sound but nothing disturbing at f1.8 but the higher you get your aperture, the more you hear it. Is this normal or do I have a defected version?
Thx Julia for the very helpful review! I was a bit supicious that a lens in this price category could play in the GM league. You may be responsible for me not going fot the 135GM 😉
The MF Samyang 135 is what preventing me from getting the AF version, that lens is just so so so great and so easy to manual focus with the mirrorless camera therefore I don't even feel the need to upgrade to the AF version. my next upgrade will be the used Canon 200 F2.0 instead.
Thank you! I use the A7R4 for lens reviews sometimes, but for my portrait/wedding client work the A7III was enough, so A7IV is plenty too. I don’t need more resolution than that personally.
Got this lens on Friday, haven't shot any human headshots yet (I do have some of cats though). I'm kind of troubled by the sharpness & clarity wide open. The original manual Samyang f/2 seems sharper to me. Edit: I was accidentally zooming to 200%, on 100% it looks perfectly sharp!
Oh your edit is good to see! I was going to say that this lens is very sharp as you can see from my examples - if it wasn’t you might want to exchange for another copy. But I’m glad that it’s fine!
Exellent review, @juliatrotti !!! I am in America, been looking at 135mm lenses for a couple of years. I, as you, look at the Sony 135 G and the Sigma 135 - both appear excellent though heavier and much more expensive. Right now the ROKINON (as Samyang is known in the USA) is on sale for $719.00 - this seems like a real steal to me?! Your reiew is very helpful, best that I have seen although Dustin does a great job as well. Does one truly require the docking station??? I use a Sony a7ii. I must decide like VERY soon before the price increases to $999.00. The only possible downfall is that I also shoot a bit of sports photography - and the Sony's autofocus is clearly a bit faster - yet, is that worth the enormous price difference???? Thoughts! Thanks! Oh, and the battery drain - still an issue???
Many thanks for an excellent review Julia! I decided to splurge on this lens and am very pleased with the image quality. I noticed the battery drain issue and updated the firmware. However, the update seems to have brought on a new problem with my copy: my Sony A73 keeps crashing every now and then while using this lens. At random intervals the camera briefly turns off and on again while shooting. This resets the exposure values and turns off silent shutter. I notified Samyang customer service today but haven't yet received a reply. Not sure if I just have a bad copy, but this wasn't an issue in my brief time before the update or with any other lens. It would be nice to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience!
Im facing the same issue, My camera is crashing often. AFSC is not relaiable. Struggles is autofocus. I too received a bad copy :( Got your issue resolved ?
Yes! I am meeting with Sigma in the next week or so, so I will grab that lens from them to do a comparison. Hopefully the rain in Sydney stops sometime soon so I can actually shoot outdoors with them!
I don’t have the lens anymore, but I asked someone else here who was able to update it and they said the issue was fixed for them. Hoping to hear from a few other people as well to see if it’s fixed on different camera bodies too.
I just uploaded the Tamron vs Samyang zoom 2.8 comparison in case you missed! It would be cool to do a four way shootout though from all those lenses, I’ll try to work on that.
I’m on the a6400 but thinking of getting a long prime (~135 equiv), have you thought about doing an aps-c equivalents of your favourite lenses on Sony? (Tamron 24mm 2.8 is now my my favourite lens which I got in part because you recommended the 35mm focal length)
I have a video from a couple of years back where I used all my prime lenses on full frame and crop frame if you wanted to check that out! This one: th-cam.com/video/tn-7kt0-pzA/w-d-xo.html&t
Great review.. now im thinking of buying one. . but first,please can you do review of this lens using a6600 or any apsc a6*** series. . thank you. . Hope you notice me. .
Posted a link to the new lens firmware but it got deleted. Anyhow, if you're experiencing battery drain it will probably fix your issue. Will update it later today.
Lens flare happen more on wide lenses.. That's why you would use barn doors more on wide lenses.. Long lenses you have to be practically pointing at the light source as you did.. Super beautiful work btw!! :)
Even if the lens is not pointing directly at the sun, you can still get lens flares and ghosting which I was trying to find. Looks like this lens controls that really well even with the lens hood off. And thank you!
I'd love the bokeh to be much LESS creamy, but this is already much more interesting than the sterile and smooth-like-gaussian-blur images from different manufacturers.
id love this lens but not sure if I really need it as I have a Tammy 70-170mm f2.8. Id love to see the difference of the bokeh at 170mm f2.8 vs 135mm at f1.8.
Yes I don't think you really need both. However many use the 135GM instead of a 70-200 f2.8. The bokeh will be much better with the f1.8 prime and you can always crop into the image if needed. I have the 135mm GM and haven't used a 70-200mm since owning it. Depends on what you like to photograph but it might make sense to sell 70-180mm and get a longer zoom like 100-400 or something extending to 600mm
@@juliatrotti cool thanks, help me from reaching into my wallet haha. My predictions are the Tammy will not render as nice bokeh, it is a little busy although the average person would not say this, only us bokeh snobs. Obviously having to walk back further may be a problem for some but I do a lot of nature stuff so I really dont mind using my feet rather than forking out more money for prime lens. The bokeh I get on my 100-400mm Gmaster lens is delicious, I love using compression. Hope you stayed safe with the floods. Im in SE QLD and we got absolutely hammered being stuck at home for a week.
After reading similar comments to yours, I tried it out and it also drains my battery too. 100% when I started the test with airplane mode on, then I switched the camera off for 24 hours and when I checked it this morning it was on 71%. That was with the A7III, I'm trying it on the A7IV now as well.
@@juliatrotti thanks for your concern. Beside the issues, love your content about this lens's pros; I found this Samy 135mm lil bit melty bokeh and less contrast than the GM version. Great video anyway ❤️
I don’t normally have sports examples, but if you are after this lens for that kind of photography keep in mind that it shoots up to 8fps. So it won’t be using the full capabilities of cameras like the A9 and A1.
@@juliatrotti I am really interested in photographing my kids as they run and play. The 35GM on my A7rIV is amazing with its AF ability...will the Samyang 135 compare or fall far enough short of the 135GM to justify the additional weight and cost of the GM.
Yes it works! Eye af works through the app and you can tap to subject track through the app as well. I was using it yesterday actually as I felt like taking some self portraits 😄
@@juliatrotti Oh, I see this is limited to the A1, A74, and much older cameras that supported it before they stop. I have the A73 and it doesn't support it. I was hoping this was a full rollout. Thanks though.
I recently started experimenting with my lenses to find out what aperture value I need to use for perfecly round bokeh balls even in the corner of the image to use this aperture value for my shootings. For some lenses it's enough to stop down just a little - less than a stop to get perfect bokeh balls.
Majority of the photos are in focus on the iris, she has darker eyes so you need to keep an eye on the reflection. I shared an eyelash focus example from both cameras, it is very obvious there that the iris is out. It can also be in focus on the iris and other parts of the face at the same time.
Well executed review with some beautiful photos!
Thanks Dustin, I appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing your review on this lens soon!
WOW. This lens is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I was obsessed with every single shot.
This lens has helped me get some outstanding full body portraits on my Sony A7IV. The IQ is top notch and eye auto focus works awesome. I updated the lens from stock version 2 to version 4. Only negative I found was that the gasket on the lens mount is almost nonexistent.
Tbh every lens should come with a USB-C port, or at least able to update through the camera body.
Tamron and Viltrox are doing it so there's no excuse for other manufacturers.
Wow!
Samyang is really killing it when it comes to AF lenses.
I have their 85mm f1.4 lens & I'm so happy with it.
It's a lighter lens compared to other 85mm, its sharp, fast AF, accurate colours and overal a solid built lens.
Love it.
I love the Samyang 85mm f1.4! Great lens
Any noise from the af motor on the 85 1.4?
@@jxy5484 No, not at all. It's pretty silent. I can't hear it unless I'm in a quiet room & put my ear next to the camera (im pretty sure any lens fails that test, since no lens is completely 100% silent).
What about Chromatic aberration and a little yellowish skin tone.?
@@vaishc.....6488 I haven't noticed any harsh chromatic abberations, but there may be a tiny bit in very very harsh contrast situations. Nothing lightroom can't easily fix though. I sold this lens now because I don't use it much since buying the 28-75 Tamron lens but when I had it, I was very happy with it.
Yellowish skin tone was not an issue for me, I barely noticed any. Again, nothing lightroom can't fix with a single slider adjustment.
Yes entire photoshoot comparison 😊 love those kind of videos!
Thank you and I will work on it soon :D
This model is unreal! Great video!
Thank you and yes she was amazing!
Samyang is going beyond Sonys lenses. I received mine last week and all I can say is that it’s amazing sharper, than most lenses in my backpack. 😊😊😊😊
Finally a video review for video autofocus users and an honest opinion , subscribing now
Thanks Julia. Yes please, a comparison between the GM and the Samyang would really help.
I own this lens and it is a beast! I would say best bang for bucks lens period!
Does anybody know what 'beast' actually means!
@@villageblunder4787 animal
Absolutely "Yes" for a head to head 135 lens comparison , Julia! That would be so helpful. Also , if you could try the lens on an A7C that would be of interest. I always enjoy your thorough and engaging lens reviews!
Thank you and yes a comparison is coming!! With a little twist too ;) I'm excited to share it soon. I didn't get a chance to use it on the A7C unfortunately but it would be very similar looking to the A7III shots, but a little easier to focus with since the A7C has the newer focusing system.
@@juliatrotti Definitely looking forward to your review!
I use A7C with Samyang AF 135 f1.8 shooting cats and absolutely brilliant. I do not have the 135GM to test for the moment though (used it before with A7RIII / A7III and A7C was like a dream).
I'd welcome a comparison of the Samyang and GM 135. I am presently looking and considering adding a 135 to my limited Sony kit, and leaning towards the GM. Another great video, thank you!
Thanks so much, and yep I will definitely work on a comparison video!
Sony is faster AF, if dont shot sports or similar, i pick the Samyang its a lighter and very close in IQ
the model is beautiful!
I have this lens for a couple of weeks now and I really love it. It is sharp, lightweight and not that big. I noticed it causes one problem in combination with my A7RIII: it drains the battery of my camera really quickly. Anyone else having the same problem?
Same for me with an A7 IV
Sounds really bad but how is that even possible?
Focussing motors I guess.
Same here on my A7 IV. It even happens when the camera is off!
I did mention this to Samyang and I hope they will fix this with a firmware update.
@@catchlite5196 same here, even when the camera is switched off. Hopefully Samyang finds a solution for this soon.
Many, many images with focus frame on the eye, but real focus on the eyebrows or similar. So many unsharp iris'es, would consider most of them as throwaways... Think you're suffering of the well known A7iv's focus problem (just as mine), where it wants to focus on the iris, but jumps to more contrastful lines if there are any visible. Usually the problem occurs with eyebrows, beard or stray hair or even (vertical, gray-ish) building structures. Not a Samyang issue, but a A7iv issue - still hoping for a firmware update to arrive soon...
Glad that you compared it with the older Samyang 135 f2 which I absolutely love. I’ll be upgrading to the AF version as soon as it comes in Nikon Z mount, hopefully…
You can use it with the ETZ Pro adaptor, Its amazing I'm using it already. 135mm give you spectacular colours with Nikon Z9
@@ramonsahi5802 that’s very interesting! Tell me more. How much did it cost you for the whole setup of lens and adapter and we’re there any issues say with focusing or the camera crashing on you? It does sometimes happen to me using Tamron f mount lenses using the FTZ2 adapter.
Excellent perceptive review. Thank you. (I love your understated tone when you discover a thorn in the garden.)
Yeeee!! I was waiting for this one 😁
Thank you!!!
Hope you like it!
@@juliatrotti loved it as always 👌🏻 thank you 🙏🏼 that lens is now on my wishlist 😁
Nice real world teating of samyang 135mm F1.8 lens many camera reviewers didn't review this lens I don't know why, but thanks to this video 👍📸
Thank you! It's still a fairly new lens, I'm sure more people will review it in time.
@@juliatrotti I hope so Dpreviews and other large reviewers site or youtuber didn't review lens lately. But thanks Julia 🙏📸
Looks like this lens has the same yellow color cast as the rest of the line .
Beautiful photoshoot
Thank you and yes, although I would say this 135mm has the least warm cast compared to the other Samyang lenses I've used recently.
This lens is good, but Sony lenses, the quality of the image and real time in the video is another world
I was just thinking about the exact same thing, I think it’s useless, Sony is a higher-level ,there’s no doubt!!
own the sigma bokeh monster 105, thinking about "upgrading" on a longer lens... this Samyang seems good, also half the weight of the 105
Thanks for your review.
Seems like other reviewers are saying this lens stands up very well to the Sony 135GM and might be even slightly sharper.
The only issues are battery drain and focus consistently. Hopefully Samyang can fix this via firmware.
Will wait till then to purchase one.
I actually have the A-Mount version that I use with a LAEA5 adapter. This SAL 135 1.8 is quite amazing for its ability to melt away the most difficult background while looking film like. It’s also very sharp. I hear that the 135GM is sharp but rather clinical. I wanted to buy one to complement my SAl for landscape photography but hesitated due to price.
But this Samayang lens looks like a really well priced and fantastic optic thanks to reviews like yours. Looking forward to updates to fix the issues, so I can finally purchase a native 135 mm lens.
Glad you liked the review! After reading some of the battery drain comments here I tried it out over the last couple of days and can confirm my lens does the same battery drain on the A7III and A7IV - I will be updating on this with a pinned comment later today.
@@juliatrotti Samyang already released a firmware to fix this battery drains issue dated March 16, 2022 "Optimized the lens quiescent current when the camera is powered off". as per firmware changelog
Definitely would like a comparison video between the GM.
I'll work on it! :D
Amazing video, thanks! Love the bokeh
Thank you
The Samyang does not have an aperture ring which are essential to my ! I have the Sony 135mm 1.8, but I wish that Voigtländer will make a 135mm APO (2.0/2.4/2.8) Lens, I rarely use autofocus, a upgraded Zeiss Batis APO Sonnar 135mm 2.8 with aperture ring will also be very nice.
Awesome! And yes please do a full session comparison against the GM 😄
Thank you and I will!
Just a little correction - what you call ghosting is actually called veiling flare.
Hi please suggest me Sony zoom lens for Sony ZV E10
Yes another wonderful video. I just watching the behind the scenes of your photoshoots
Thank you!
Just trying this lens on A7II, the autofocus isn't working that well. I'm surprised that, if the subject is not moving, the face detection keep loosing the focus, or it take is and loose. And a good percentage of the shots aren't in focus. If the subject is moving some are in focus some not. Anyone has the same problem? Do you know how to solve it?
With the samyang 35mm if the subject isn't moving the camera n the lens are keeping the focus on the face. If the subject is moving with af-c the focus is bad (maybe you get 20-30% photos with good focus). bye
Hy Zulia! Can you review about nikon mirrorless camera like z6 or z7? I wonder which camera will i buy between sony, canon and nikon mirrorless. And i need you advice and experience with that 3 brands camera as wedding and portrait photographers. Thank you 🥰
I am thinking to buy this lens looking at its price. Initially I doubted its quality its price being 50% less than sigma.. But the more I see its reviews.. The more I feel like buying it.
And yes.. Julia.. Has anyone photographed you? You are so beautiful..
Unfortunately, my newly bought lens had a battery drain problem on the A7RIII with the power switched off. A 100% battery will be fully drained in 5 days when powered off without using the camera. My lens is with the AD, Samyang is notified, hoping for a resolution soon!
This has already been resolved through firmware. And AF improvements are likely on the way as well.
@@B3D_FPV thank you! I had mine updated as well at the service center and now it's working perfectly
wow! love this review! hope they make it for the RF mount
I really like how the Samyang renders the images, even if I already have the 135mm GM.
But many of your photos look like the pupil is blurred and actually the eye brows are in focus instead. That's already visible on photos with upper body and head. Looks like the AF issue of the a7 IV to me that Sony confirmed on a review on the a7 IV product page that is visible to the public.
Yeah I love the Samyang render as well. The iris and other parts of the face can be in focus at the same time, like many images here. It depends on the angle of shooting and the shape/angle of the face. I shared some eyelash focus examples and you can see a pretty big difference in that vs the majority of photos that are in focus on the iris. It’s harder to see since Jasmine’s eyes are quite dark, but they are in focus. I also saw Sony confirmed they are working on an update, I wonder if it affects a batch of cameras perhaps.
@@juliatrotti I would say if it was just a small bad batch they wouldn’t be working on a general firmware update and just do a recall for the bad badge. Let's hope there is an update coming very soon that fixes this issue. It's really annoying. Haven't had such bad Eye-AF results with my a7R III which I luckily still have. I have had several series even with full body shots completely out of focus when the eye was framed.
Sony gettingg all the love for mirrorless lenses
Yeah there are SO many options
135mm or 85mm which is good for outdoor portrait shots
I bought GM 135mm F1.8, it was an impulse purchase when I saw it on Gumtree for $1500 (Australian). I also own Sigma 85mm and Sigma 105mm. For their output quality I actually prefer 105mm Sigma, in my opinion it is actually a tad sharper than GM135 which was considered the sharpest Sony tele focal primes , but it is heavy and almost double the weight, it has better bokeh. GM135 offers an output quality sits somewhere between 85mm and 105mm Sigmas. 85mm Sigma DN DG is lighter and very very fast in auto focus even faster than GM135. I generally have 85mm and 135mm in the bag.
Fantastic Review! Wonderful video! Gorgeous model as beautiful like you! Can’t wait to have this lens it’s not in the store yet. Excited to have this as my first 135 :)
How do you record your screen on the A7iii? I have the same transmitter but can’t figure out how to do it other than to use my iPhone’s screen record function.
I know this is a video about the 135mm lens, but have you noticed any Eye-AF inconsistency with a7iv? Some have been reporting Eye-AF front focusing issues when lenses like Sony 135mm F1.8 are used in close up shots (like shoulder up shots). For example, some people reported that A7iv was less reliable than now old a7Riii when they took close-up shots of people. They would get surprisingly less useable shots (eyes not in focus) with a7iv than with a7Riii. Sony has confirmed that they are working on a firmware update, but I was wondering whether you had any issues with that.
I haven't had any eye AF issues yet, from what I read it could be a batch issue with some cameras. I've done a bunch of tests on both my camera bodies with all my lenses, closeup shots indoors and outdoors and it shows a normal focus consistency, usually 18 or 19 of 20 shots sharp on the iris with a still subject. I also heard Sony have acknowledged this, I really hope the firmware update fixes the issue!
This is a question as a photographer hobbyist - why is the color temperature different in manual vs auto focus? Wouldn’t it be the exact same?
Lenses can have their own colour cast. So even with the exact same white balance, the lens itself can make the colour look different.
how did you record the camera screen ? i cant see the recorder on your camera ? I wanne buy this lens for sure !
Just bought this lens. In all the reviews I read that this lens has very silent AF but mine does make a sound after it has focussed, like the apertures blades closing.
You can hear a small sound but nothing disturbing at f1.8 but the higher you get your aperture, the more you hear it.
Is this normal or do I have a defected version?
I'm curious if they've updated the lens firmware for this. They seem good about doing that to fix those little focus issues.
Thx Julia for the very helpful review! I was a bit supicious that a lens in this price category could play in the GM league. You may be responsible for me not going fot the 135GM 😉
Thanks, glad you liked my review!
The MF Samyang 135 is what preventing me from getting the AF version, that lens is just so so so great and so easy to manual focus with the mirrorless camera therefore I don't even feel the need to upgrade to the AF version. my next upgrade will be the used Canon 200 F2.0 instead.
Very helpful review, many thanks!
Do you use any of the higher resolution cameras for your professional work?
Thank you! I use the A7R4 for lens reviews sometimes, but for my portrait/wedding client work the A7III was enough, so A7IV is plenty too. I don’t need more resolution than that personally.
Nice! Waiting for this review!
Hope you enjoyed it
What firmware did your Samyang have Julia? They are up to FW 0.3 now which apparently improves the AF accuracy.
Battery Drain was a concern last year. Not sure if this has been fixed if buy today in July 2023?
Love love love your review and photoshoot bts 🥰🥰 just wondering, how to you record the screen of the camera while shooting?
Very beautiful model
Any comment/review on samyang 135mm F2 ED UMC & how it compares to this lens?
Got this lens on Friday, haven't shot any human headshots yet (I do have some of cats though). I'm kind of troubled by the sharpness & clarity wide open. The original manual Samyang f/2 seems sharper to me. Edit: I was accidentally zooming to 200%, on 100% it looks perfectly sharp!
Oh your edit is good to see! I was going to say that this lens is very sharp as you can see from my examples - if it wasn’t you might want to exchange for another copy. But I’m glad that it’s fine!
Thx for the vid! Hope a firmware update will update the jittery bokeh for video!!!
it seems weird that a7iv focuses more likely on eye lashes rather than eyes,.
It happened on both camera bodies.
I have the heaviest of the 3 the Sigma wish this was out when I was looking for a 135mm f/1.8 but I'm used to it now but
How does the image quality and bokeh compare to the Sony, thanks?
Exellent review, @juliatrotti !!! I am in America, been looking at 135mm lenses for a couple of years. I, as you, look at the Sony 135 G and the Sigma 135 - both appear excellent though heavier and much more expensive. Right now the ROKINON (as Samyang is known in the USA) is on sale for $719.00 - this seems like a real steal to me?! Your reiew is very helpful, best that I have seen although Dustin does a great job as well. Does one truly require the docking station??? I use a Sony a7ii. I must decide like VERY soon before the price increases to $999.00. The only possible downfall is that I also shoot a bit of sports photography - and the Sony's autofocus is clearly a bit faster - yet, is that worth the enormous price difference???? Thoughts! Thanks! Oh, and the battery drain - still an issue???
Many thanks for an excellent review Julia! I decided to splurge on this lens and am very pleased with the image quality. I noticed the battery drain issue and updated the firmware. However, the update seems to have brought on a new problem with my copy: my Sony A73 keeps crashing every now and then while using this lens. At random intervals the camera briefly turns off and on again while shooting. This resets the exposure values and turns off silent shutter. I notified Samyang customer service today but haven't yet received a reply. Not sure if I just have a bad copy, but this wasn't an issue in my brief time before the update or with any other lens. It would be nice to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience!
Im facing the same issue, My camera is crashing often. AFSC is not relaiable. Struggles is autofocus. I too received a bad copy :( Got your issue resolved ?
I noticed the same behaviour. Did you try the firmware version 03 yet?
Nice Vid Love Your Work
Do you have an opinion on the AF during video?
Hey Julia, could you also do a comparison to Sigma 135 1.8? Wonder how much is Sigma better on overall rendering, sharpness and AF performance.
Yes! I am meeting with Sigma in the next week or so, so I will grab that lens from them to do a comparison. Hopefully the rain in Sydney stops sometime soon so I can actually shoot outdoors with them!
@@juliatrotti That's great news. Can;t wait. :)
What do you use to record the screen of your camera?
Blown by this option. Want that for apsc system as a smaller liter lens with the same performance
Hey how did you record the screen without a recorder?
Great video,beautiful model.
@Julia Trotti Please did you have a chance to test the latest firmware if the power drain with turned off camera is resolved?
I don’t have the lens anymore, but I asked someone else here who was able to update it and they said the issue was fixed for them. Hoping to hear from a few other people as well to see if it’s fixed on different camera bodies too.
Great review
When using eye AF do you use it on continuous mode? I use an a7ii and only does eye AF on Single shot Mode. Thinking about upgrading :)
Yes I always use it on continuous! On both the A7III and A7IV.
hi julia can you compare all the latest 2.8 zoom that came out and see which ones the best like from sigma tamaron and samyang and even the sony g
I just uploaded the Tamron vs Samyang zoom 2.8 comparison in case you missed! It would be cool to do a four way shootout though from all those lenses, I’ll try to work on that.
I’m on the a6400 but thinking of getting a long prime (~135 equiv), have you thought about doing an aps-c equivalents of your favourite lenses on Sony? (Tamron 24mm 2.8 is now my my favourite lens which I got in part because you recommended the 35mm focal length)
I have a video from a couple of years back where I used all my prime lenses on full frame and crop frame if you wanted to check that out! This one: th-cam.com/video/tn-7kt0-pzA/w-d-xo.html&t
Awesome review and please do a comparison with the Sony 135 GM
I will! I’ll try to get the Sigma into the mix as well.
Great review.. now im thinking of buying one. . but first,please can you do review of this lens using a6600 or any apsc a6*** series. . thank you. . Hope you notice me. .
Great video, how are you screen recording without a screen recorder?
Wil I do a comparison with the sigma as well? Would be helpful
Posted a link to the new lens firmware but it got deleted. Anyhow, if you're experiencing battery drain it will probably fix your issue. Will update it later today.
Lens flare happen more on wide lenses.. That's why you would use barn doors more on wide lenses.. Long lenses you have to be practically pointing at the light source as you did.. Super beautiful work btw!! :)
Even if the lens is not pointing directly at the sun, you can still get lens flares and ghosting which I was trying to find. Looks like this lens controls that really well even with the lens hood off. And thank you!
Great work ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you!
This lens is way overdue. Nice review
Plz do galaxy s22 ultra camera review..
i love portrait lens.. I highly doubt this will arrive here in the Philippines.
I'd love the bokeh to be much LESS creamy, but this is already much more interesting than the sterile and smooth-like-gaussian-blur images from different manufacturers.
I hope you review s22 ultra camera
id love this lens but not sure if I really need it as I have a Tammy 70-170mm f2.8. Id love to see the difference of the bokeh at 170mm f2.8 vs 135mm at f1.8.
Yes I don't think you really need both. However many use the 135GM instead of a 70-200 f2.8. The bokeh will be much better with the f1.8 prime and you can always crop into the image if needed. I have the 135mm GM and haven't used a 70-200mm since owning it. Depends on what you like to photograph but it might make sense to sell 70-180mm and get a longer zoom like 100-400 or something extending to 600mm
Someone else also requested this comparison, I'll see if I can borrow the 70-180 again to do it!
@@juliatrotti cool thanks, help me from reaching into my wallet haha. My predictions are the Tammy will not render as nice bokeh, it is a little busy although the average person would not say this, only us bokeh snobs. Obviously having to walk back further may be a problem for some but I do a lot of nature stuff so I really dont mind using my feet rather than forking out more money for prime lens. The bokeh I get on my 100-400mm Gmaster lens is delicious, I love using compression. Hope you stayed safe with the floods. Im in SE QLD and we got absolutely hammered being stuck at home for a week.
Actually we have THREE 135mm options for FE-mount - Batis 135/2.8 being not as fast is also a great lens;)
I was referring to f1.8 AF lenses, but I failed to mention that lol. But yes you are correct :)
What do you use to record your view Finder while taking photos?
Atomos Ninja Recorder
@@M4TR1X That’s not the normal atomos ninja recorder so which one is she using on her camera specifically?
To bad they aren't releasing it for EF or RF also.
But seems to be a great lens once again from samyang.
I have my copy of mine few weeks ago. Found it lil bit drain my battery. Combo A9 + Samy 135mm AF
After reading similar comments to yours, I tried it out and it also drains my battery too. 100% when I started the test with airplane mode on, then I switched the camera off for 24 hours and when I checked it this morning it was on 71%. That was with the A7III, I'm trying it on the A7IV now as well.
@@juliatrotti thanks for your concern. Beside the issues, love your content about this lens's pros; I found this Samy 135mm lil bit melty bokeh and less contrast than the GM version. Great video anyway ❤️
offtopic: What is Julias accent? (I don't have a good ear for it). I rarely hear "o" pronounced as "ö" in English... :-)
I would love to see how the AF works in a sports situation.
I don’t normally have sports examples, but if you are after this lens for that kind of photography keep in mind that it shoots up to 8fps. So it won’t be using the full capabilities of cameras like the A9 and A1.
@@juliatrotti I am really interested in photographing my kids as they run and play. The 35GM on my A7rIV is amazing with its AF ability...will the Samyang 135 compare or fall far enough short of the 135GM to justify the additional weight and cost of the GM.
Already own the GM, wondering if I should sell for this one...🤔
Why should you do that?
I wonder how the 85 & 135's would compare to the Tamron 70-180 at the same focal lengths.
1.8 will always beat a zoomy 2.8
@@fotomats8651 but at 180 2.8 it would be damn close..
@@Addrian. , it won't
Yes. That would be a great comparison.
@@reckerproduction9468 I guess you don't understand lens compression. Have a good day ;)
Has Sony decided to update the app for touch to focus yet? I remember you mentioning that just before the A7IV came out.
Yes it works! Eye af works through the app and you can tap to subject track through the app as well. I was using it yesterday actually as I felt like taking some self portraits 😄
@@juliatrotti Oh, I see this is limited to the A1, A74, and much older cameras that supported it before they stop. I have the A73 and it doesn't support it. I was hoping this was a full rollout. Thanks though.
@@nathanbryant1134 yeah the app is different for every camera body you use. I wish they would roll out the same app features for all cameras :(
Great video! What do you use tho record the camera screen?
I recently started experimenting with my lenses to find out what aperture value I need to use for perfecly round bokeh balls even in the corner of the image to use this aperture value for my shootings. For some lenses it's enough to stop down just a little - less than a stop to get perfect bokeh balls.
Great lens!
But: the A7 IV focuses on the eye brows. Allmost every photo you shown have front focus....
Majority of the photos are in focus on the iris, she has darker eyes so you need to keep an eye on the reflection. I shared an eyelash focus example from both cameras, it is very obvious there that the iris is out. It can also be in focus on the iris and other parts of the face at the same time.
Full comparison pls 🙏🏻