absolutely fantastic.. I replaced my original Samyang 50mm F1.4 with the 45mm so when I saw Samyang had a new Mkii version I was getting some G.A.S & wondered how good it was & surely its autofocus was better than the very inconsistent original . Anyhow .. looks like the 45 very much compares & for now I will stick with my 45mm F1.8... 😎😎
I think I was among those who asked for this review, so thank you so much for putting your time into this one. I will definitely stick with 45mm 1.8, even though the difference in bokeh quality is pretty substantial but so is the difference in size and price. Though 50mm 1.4 is not a heavy and big lens in absolute terms, I could probably bring along 45mm 1.8 + either 24mm 1.8 or 75mm 1.8 and still have a smaller weight and overall footprint. I hope that the next version of 45mm 1.8 will have better bokeh since Samyang really improved their bokeh in Tiny lenses released after 45mm 1.8.
These tiny lenses are crazy, I shoot more videos than photos and the fact that they don't have any focus breathing (not like my Sony GM 35 f1.4) is insane!!! Just purchased the 24 f1.8 for video work with my FX3 instead of the new Sigma Art 24 f1.4 or the Sony GM 24 f1.4. And its coming from a guy who prefers Sony and Sigma glass... I'm planning to buy the 45 f1.8 and also the 75 f1.8 for video as well... so I can have a set of these tiny almighty prime lenses for video work.
I bought the Samyang 50mm on your recommendation and its an excellent lens save and except for a slightly slower AF performance than I would have preferred. However I have also purchased the Samyang 35 1.8 tiny series lens and its AF & IQ is spectacular. Thank you for your comparison videos, they give an excellent baseline to better understand what lens is most suitable.
Just ordered the 45mm here. Also have the original 50mm 1.4, but that is a lens I seldom use owing to its slow AF, weight, and excessive color fringing. However, it’s bokeh is wonderful, and its light transmission is genuine, so when I need that extra bit of light, I reach for it.
Just to add that M2 default is indeed the aperture control option and one of the reasons for me to choose some of the newer Samyang lenses. If that option is what someone will want, you won't neccesary need the lens sattion.
I'm not new to video, but I am pretty new to wedding videography. I'm shooting video for a wedding in October and I've been watching a lot of your content as I prepare. The ceremony will be outdoors during golden hour(ish) with a indoor reception at night. I have really enjoyed your Samy reviews! You've completely sold me on the 45mm 1.8. Those Tiny Series lenses seem to have good IQ for a really good price. I'm going to shoot on a Sony a7iv. I know I will probably shoot some of the reception in 4k60 with a 1.5 crop. So now I'm trying to narrow down a 2nd lens because I'm trying to save money. I'm between the 24mm 1.8 and the 35mm 1.8. I think the 35 will be more versatile for this shoot because I have 35 normal with 52.5 at crop. But the 24mm would probably pair better with the 45mm and still gives 36mm with the crop. Probably can only afford 2 out of 3 of these lenses. I'm torn, any advice?
I have both the 24 Samyang and the 45/1.8, and a Sony 85/1.8, but I use the 35-150 Tamron zoom most of the time. I bought the light and small lenses specifically to use when the weight and size of the zooms get me down! I am very happy with all three primes, but I still use the zooms more often. For the money, these inexpensive primes can't be beat. Thanks for another great review.
Its a very interesting comparison and a lot also depends on what combination of fl one works with. The 45 goes very well with the 24 & 75. Rendering is not only a question of creamy backgrounds but also textures - micro contrast - color intricacies. On the other hand the 50 does give slightly more compression & much more light intake. So also more useful for interior work with dimmer lighting. Personally I like the 45fl & combine it with a 20mm & 65mm f2 (sigma). I also have the sigma 45/2.8 which has an MFD of 24cms so a different kind of range and more optimized for smaller objects -semi closeups. On the other hand the samyang has a special rendering & a very enjoyable form factor so I will keep it.
The 50mm looks suspiciously soft off-center. Have you compared your results with other lens owners? It's possible you have a bad copy. Excellent review/comparison, as always!
I’m definitely a fan of the Samyang 45mm. The slight strengths of the 50mm aren’t worth all the extra money. Plus, the minimal size is much better for my traveling. Thanks, Dustin!
Thank you for making very good tests reviews. I do not like the 50mm focal length for full frame cameras, any focal length shorter or longer are fine, so the 45mm are fine, the 45mm are also compact and light, so it is a great choice ! I do not like big and heavy lenses like the Samyang 50mm 1.4 ! I do prefer 35mm, I have the excellent Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical, I also have excellent Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8, so I am very well covered in the "normal" range.
Is the 45mm's aperture actually slightly slower than advertised? The f1.8 comparison shots on both lenses show different shutter speed. This may explain why even when both are shot at f1.8, the 50mm's background is more blurry.
The aperture is about right, as the T-stop is T1.9. My experience is that lenses with a larger maximum aperture always have larger, softer backgrounds even with equivalent settings.
I think I was one of those viewers who ask for this. I got my 45 and I’m happy with it, bring it to the beach + a7iv and I made beautiful family beach shots, carrie it on a super small bag,.. and I was on a place I usually bring just my phone, but the package was so small and light that there is no reason to leave it at home…. As I would have done with the GM. Still,… wait g for the unicorn… sigma 50 f2.
The 45mm was released in 2019, so it is strange that there is still no Mark II for this lens (as there is for the 50mm). A Mark II would certainly address the weaknesses (like the so-so build quality, the so-so bokeh and the so-so light transmission) of the current Mark I, making it a more attractive option than the 50mm Mark II in many ways.
That's true, though to this point Samyang hasn't done any MK II versions for the Tiny series. The V-AF version is somewhat like that, but it is more focused on cine
I love your reviews, they are the best! I am not a full time professional but I do some work on the side (family, seniors, portraits). Do you think the autofocus (Eye AF) on the 50mm can handle a child at play or do I have save for the GM? I would also love a review of the Samyang 135mm. :)
@@DustinAbbottTWI If you could only afford one GM lens which one would you buy 50 or 135? I am in the process of switching systems (Fuji to Sony) and will be buying primes for each focal length. I can only afford one GM lens, the other one needs to be more reasonably priced :) . I already own the Sigma 85mm F1.4, Samyang 35mm F1.8, and Samyang 24mm F1.8. (I used your recommendation and love them all!)
I tried the Samyang 45/1.8, but optical quality could not convince me, I finally decided for the Sony 40/2.5G. Samyang light weight 75/1.8 I am using its ok, and now I also ordered the Samyang 50/1,.4 II
I've had the Samyang 45 for a few months and I'm pretty underwhelmed. Images are decent but AF speed is OK at best. Curious what you think of the Sony 40 2.5 D.K.
Thank you for doing this review! so helpful. Be interesting to look at the samyang 45mm 1.8 vs sigma 50mm f2. I just want a really high quality f1.8 50mm but they all see to not be as good optically as some of the 1.4s considering they should be easier to make.
The fundamental problem with most 50mm F1.8 lenses is that they are designed as budget lenses. That low cost of production often results in lower performance
@@DustinAbbottTWI yeah it's unfortunate for those who don't need 1.4 but still want high quality glass. Thank you for your comparisons Dustin they're incredibly helpful.
Don't you have to correct the distance for focal length? I'd say you have to move closer with the 45mm to the subject so that you are getting the same crop and then compare the both lenses, otherwise you alter the results in two ways: a) The area of acceptable sharpness is increased for the 45mm. That explains partially why you see in your tests the impression of a higher sharpness. Giving the 50mm a disadvantage here. b) It reduces the smoothness of the bokeh for the 45mm. I'm sure the 50mm will still win here easily, but the 45mm got somewhat of an unfair disadvantage in your test. Btw. I believe the Samyang is still build on the Canon 50mm 1.4 design, which was a lens with wonderful bokeh and 3D pop. They seem to have lost a bit of that in the MKII version though. I used to have the MKI and it was very optically very close to the Canon version (which though had the better highlight handling).
My test charts are done with framing appropriately to the focal length, so that is the truer standard for sharpness...which results you saw still favor the 45mm at wider apertures.
"It's very inexpensive, no extras -it comes with a lens hood" Me: remembering how Canon used to only include lens hoods with their L-lenses and charged 50 bucks for a lens hood.
Bokeh is ever important on a wide aperture lens. 45 is great as a travel / all around lens But the 15 mm wins by a landslide for portraiture in my opinion. Ah.... That seems to be your conclusion as well.
@@TheEndHK Looks like this rumor will remain a rumor and even more confirmed since Sony just announced a 50mm F1.4 GM, so there's no way they will be dumb enough to kill all their sales with a 3x cheaper Tamron equivalent lens unfortunately.
absolutely fantastic.. I replaced my original Samyang 50mm F1.4 with the 45mm so when I saw Samyang had a new Mkii version I was getting some G.A.S & wondered how good it was & surely its autofocus was better than the very inconsistent original . Anyhow .. looks like the 45 very much compares & for now I will stick with my 45mm F1.8... 😎😎
Two interesting approaches and I think both appeal to slightly different audiences.
I think I was among those who asked for this review, so thank you so much for putting your time into this one. I will definitely stick with 45mm 1.8, even though the difference in bokeh quality is pretty substantial but so is the difference in size and price. Though 50mm 1.4 is not a heavy and big lens in absolute terms, I could probably bring along 45mm 1.8 + either 24mm 1.8 or 75mm 1.8 and still have a smaller weight and overall footprint. I hope that the next version of 45mm 1.8 will have better bokeh since Samyang really improved their bokeh in Tiny lenses released after 45mm 1.8.
That's fair.
These tiny lenses are crazy, I shoot more videos than photos and the fact that they don't have any focus breathing (not like my Sony GM 35 f1.4) is insane!!! Just purchased the 24 f1.8 for video work with my FX3 instead of the new Sigma Art 24 f1.4 or the Sony GM 24 f1.4. And its coming from a guy who prefers Sony and Sigma glass... I'm planning to buy the 45 f1.8 and also the 75 f1.8 for video as well... so I can have a set of these tiny almighty prime lenses for video work.
Dear Samyang: please make a V2 of the 45/1.8 with weather sealing and an aperture ring 🙂
I do think the lens is worth it.
I don't think it needs that.
i think weather sealing would be amazin personally @ramspencer5492
I bought the Samyang 50mm on your recommendation and its an excellent lens save and except for a slightly slower AF performance than I would have preferred. However I have also purchased the Samyang 35 1.8 tiny series lens and its AF & IQ is spectacular. Thank you for your comparison videos, they give an excellent baseline to better understand what lens is most suitable.
Glad to help out!
Thanks for giving us this comparison. I have the 45mm, and was contemplating getting a 50mm f/1.4 lens. But now I think I'll stick with the 45mm.
Glad to help out.
Just ordered the 45mm here. Also have the original 50mm 1.4, but that is a lens I seldom use owing to its slow AF, weight, and excessive color fringing. However, it’s bokeh is wonderful, and its light transmission is genuine, so when I need that extra bit of light, I reach for it.
That sounds about right.
Still by far the best lens reviewer on TH-cam!
Thank you very much
Just to add that M2 default is indeed the aperture control option and one of the reasons for me to choose some of the newer Samyang lenses. If that option is what someone will want, you won't neccesary need the lens sattion.
That's true
I'm not new to video, but I am pretty new to wedding videography. I'm shooting video for a wedding in October and I've been watching a lot of your content as I prepare. The ceremony will be outdoors during golden hour(ish) with a indoor reception at night. I have really enjoyed your Samy reviews! You've completely sold me on the 45mm 1.8. Those Tiny Series lenses seem to have good IQ for a really good price. I'm going to shoot on a Sony a7iv. I know I will probably shoot some of the reception in 4k60 with a 1.5 crop. So now I'm trying to narrow down a 2nd lens because I'm trying to save money. I'm between the 24mm 1.8 and the 35mm 1.8. I think the 35 will be more versatile for this shoot because I have 35 normal with 52.5 at crop. But the 24mm would probably pair better with the 45mm and still gives 36mm with the crop. Probably can only afford 2 out of 3 of these lenses. I'm torn, any advice?
I'd lean towards the 24mm for the reason of having that focal length separation.
I have both the 24 Samyang and the 45/1.8, and a Sony 85/1.8, but I use the 35-150 Tamron zoom most of the time. I bought the light and small lenses specifically to use when the weight and size of the zooms get me down! I am very happy with all three primes, but I still use the zooms more often. For the money, these inexpensive primes can't be beat. Thanks for another great review.
That's the best of both worlds, there.
Its a very interesting comparison and a lot also depends on what combination of fl one works with. The 45 goes very well with the 24 & 75. Rendering is not only a question of creamy backgrounds but also textures - micro contrast - color intricacies. On the other hand the 50 does give slightly more compression & much more light intake. So also more useful for interior work with dimmer lighting. Personally I like the 45fl & combine it with a 20mm & 65mm f2 (sigma). I also have the sigma 45/2.8 which has an MFD of 24cms so a different kind of range and more optimized for smaller objects -semi closeups. On the other hand the samyang has a special rendering & a very enjoyable form factor so I will keep it.
The Samyangs you mention are my favorites (24, 45, and 75mm)
The 50mm looks suspiciously soft off-center. Have you compared your results with other lens owners? It's possible you have a bad copy.
Excellent review/comparison, as always!
Samyang is well aware of my findings, and they haven't suggested sending a replacement for testing.
I wish I could get the Samyag 45mm optics in the Sigma 45mm housing and controls. Add an aperture ring Samyang and I'll buy the lens in a heartbeat!
That would be a sweet lens.
I’m definitely a fan of the Samyang 45mm. The slight strengths of the 50mm aren’t worth all the extra money. Plus, the minimal size is much better for my traveling. Thanks, Dustin!
The 45 is an overachiever, for sure.
Thank you for making very good tests reviews. I do not like the 50mm focal length for full frame cameras, any focal length shorter or longer are fine, so the 45mm are fine, the 45mm are also compact and light, so it is a great choice ! I do not like big and heavy lenses like the Samyang 50mm 1.4 !
I do prefer 35mm, I have the excellent Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical, I also have excellent Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8, so I am very well covered in the "normal" range.
The 45mm is a great option for many people.
I like these small lenses from Samyang but I wish the AF are a bit snappier. Are you planning to do a review of the 135mm f1/8 from Samyang?
I really want to review the Samyang, but I haven't heard from the company in a while. Email them and request them to send me a loaner!
@@DustinAbbottTWI bummer, it's a great lens! I love the rendering and sharpness.
Is the 45mm's aperture actually slightly slower than advertised? The f1.8 comparison shots on both lenses show different shutter speed. This may explain why even when both are shot at f1.8, the 50mm's background is more blurry.
The aperture is about right, as the T-stop is T1.9. My experience is that lenses with a larger maximum aperture always have larger, softer backgrounds even with equivalent settings.
Would love you to review the Samyang 135mm f1.8 FE if you get the chance :)
I've been trying to get it for months. Email Samyang!
I think I was one of those viewers who ask for this. I got my 45 and I’m happy with it, bring it to the beach + a7iv and I made beautiful family beach shots, carrie it on a super small bag,.. and I was on a place I usually bring just my phone, but the package was so small and light that there is no reason to leave it at home…. As I would have done with the GM. Still,… wait g for the unicorn… sigma 50 f2.
That's a huge advantage for the lens.
The 45mm was released in 2019, so it is strange that there is still no Mark II for this lens (as there is for the 50mm). A Mark II would certainly address the weaknesses (like the so-so build quality, the so-so bokeh and the so-so light transmission) of the current Mark I, making it a more attractive option than the 50mm Mark II in many ways.
That's true, though to this point Samyang hasn't done any MK II versions for the Tiny series. The V-AF version is somewhat like that, but it is more focused on cine
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks! I hope the Tiny series will be updated in the near future.
Looking forward to new Sigma primes for Fuji versus fuji primes
Some competition on Fuji is certainly welcome.
I had bouth. Samy 50 its technicaly better, BUT 45 have magical painting and 3dpop
I love your reviews, they are the best! I am not a full time professional but I do some work on the side (family, seniors, portraits). Do you think the autofocus (Eye AF) on the 50mm can handle a child at play or do I have save for the GM?
I would also love a review of the Samyang 135mm. :)
I would say in most situations you should be okay. the GM is better, obviously, but the Samyang is probably enough.
@@DustinAbbottTWI If you could only afford one GM lens which one would you buy 50 or 135? I am in the process of switching systems (Fuji to Sony) and will be buying primes for each focal length. I can only afford one GM lens, the other one needs to be more reasonably priced :) . I already own the Sigma 85mm F1.4, Samyang 35mm F1.8, and Samyang 24mm F1.8. (I used your recommendation and love them all!)
Probably the 50mm because of the versatility, though you've got some of the shorter focal lengths covered.
Haven’t watched in full yet but thanks for doing this comparison! I have the 45mm and tempted by the 50!
Glad to help out.
I tried the Samyang 45/1.8, but optical quality could not convince me, I finally decided for the Sony 40/2.5G. Samyang light weight 75/1.8 I am using its ok, and now I also ordered the Samyang 50/1,.4 II
I hope it works out well for you.
I've had the Samyang 45 for a few months and I'm pretty underwhelmed. Images are decent but AF speed is OK at best. Curious what you think of the Sony 40 2.5 D.K.
Thank you, loved the video
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for doing this review! so helpful. Be interesting to look at the samyang 45mm 1.8 vs sigma 50mm f2. I just want a really high quality f1.8 50mm but they all see to not be as good optically as some of the 1.4s considering they should be easier to make.
The fundamental problem with most 50mm F1.8 lenses is that they are designed as budget lenses. That low cost of production often results in lower performance
@@DustinAbbottTWI yeah it's unfortunate for those who don't need 1.4 but still want high quality glass. Thank you for your comparisons Dustin they're incredibly helpful.
please make a review of samyang 135mm 1.8 for sony
I've been trying to get it for months. Email Samyang and let them know they need to get me a review copy!
What about using bota on a APSC? Same results?
Should be pretty similar, though the 45mm is obviously going to be a much better match in terms of size for a smaller camera.
Waiting for your review of the new samyang 85mm f1.4 mark 2
I’m having a hard time getting Samyang loaners right now for some reason.
@@DustinAbbottTWI You are Such an inspiration Dustin
18:16 the eyes
Puss in Boots eyes :)
Don't you have to correct the distance for focal length? I'd say you have to move closer with the 45mm to the subject so that you are getting the same crop and then compare the both lenses, otherwise you alter the results in two ways:
a) The area of acceptable sharpness is increased for the 45mm. That explains partially why you see in your tests the impression of a higher sharpness. Giving the 50mm a disadvantage here.
b) It reduces the smoothness of the bokeh for the 45mm. I'm sure the 50mm will still win here easily, but the 45mm got somewhat of an unfair disadvantage in your test.
Btw. I believe the Samyang is still build on the Canon 50mm 1.4 design, which was a lens with wonderful bokeh and 3D pop. They seem to have lost a bit of that in the MKII version though. I used to have the MKI and it was very optically very close to the Canon version (which though had the better highlight handling).
My test charts are done with framing appropriately to the focal length, so that is the truer standard for sharpness...which results you saw still favor the 45mm at wider apertures.
nice video👍🏻~thumbs up
Thank you 👍
Great info. keep it up
Thanks, will do!
"It's very inexpensive, no extras -it comes with a lens hood"
Me: remembering how Canon used to only include lens hoods with their L-lenses and charged 50 bucks for a lens hood.
That's absolutely true...and it's still the case.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Wait what? Is that still true for the RF-lenses???? Not just the EF-lenses?
Bokeh is ever important on a wide aperture lens. 45 is great as a travel / all around lens But the 15 mm wins by a landslide for portraiture in my opinion. Ah.... That seems to be your conclusion as well.
I might not call it a landslide, but I do prefer the more shallow DOF of an F1.4 lens.
next: samyang 45 vs tamron 45 pls. !!!!!
The Tamron is a DSLR lens though and not available on Sony (and adapters don't work great either).
@@acouragefann waitting for nikon Z mount or canon if possible. i think both have pros and cons. in my country both have the same price new
As Claw says, that comparison doesn't really work too well. Two different systems
@@DustinAbbottTWI The Tamron 45mm F1.4 Di III USD is an upcoming lens for Sony FE and not available yet, probably will sales at Q3 or Q4.
@@TheEndHK Looks like this rumor will remain a rumor and even more confirmed since Sony just announced a 50mm F1.4 GM, so there's no way they will be dumb enough to kill all their sales with a 3x cheaper Tamron equivalent lens unfortunately.
it's difficult to accept photography advice from one that shoots an overexposed video.
You think that is overexposed? I'm not sure you understanding lighting ratios, then.