Samyang AF 75mm F1.8 FE
Launch MSRP
$399- Weight
- 230g
- Filter
- ⌀58mm
- Min focus
- 0.69m
- Max mag.
- 0.13×
- Formula
- 10E / 9G
- Released
- 2020
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 3x ED
- 2x HR
- Ultra Multi Coating (UMC)
- Aperture range
- f/1.8 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 230g
- ⌀ × length
- 65.0 × 69.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀58mm
- Weather sealed
- No
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 7.4 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.69m
- Max magnification
- 0.13× (1:7.7)
Optical character
The 75/1.8 is the longest lens in Samyang's "Tiny but Almighty" series and an unusual focal length on Sony E. At 230g and 69mm long it is about the size of a typical 50mm f/1.8, but gives a tighter, more flattering portrait view than a 50 without the bulk of an 85.
Its 10-element design with three ED and two HR elements keeps the centre crisp at f/1.8, and the 9-blade aperture renders soft, round backgrounds. A stepping motor drives AF quietly, and a custom switch lets the focus ring act as a declicked aperture control for video.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers found it sharp in the centre wide open and good across the frame by f/2.8, with smooth bokeh that suits head-and-shoulders portraits. Some longitudinal CA and vignetting appear at f/1.8, and the plastic build is light rather than premium.
AF is quiet and accurate with Eye AF, though not fast enough for sports. The usual verdict is that it is an easy lens to carry all day and very good value, with the lack of weather sealing and the 0.69m minimum focus as the main limits.
Owner sentiment
Owners treat it as a walk-around portrait lens, praising its weight, size and the natural working distance of 75mm. Many pair it with the other Tiny series primes as a compact kit.
Complaints include a hood that pops off easily, focus that occasionally hunts in dim light, no AF/MF switch on the barrel, and the lack of weather sealing.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Only 230g and 69mm long
- +Sharp centre at f/1.8
- +Smooth, round bokeh for the size
- +Quiet STM autofocus with Eye AF
- +Custom switch for silent aperture control
Weaknesses
- −No weather sealing
- −Plastic build feels light
- −0.13x magnification, 0.69m close focus
- −Some longitudinal CA wide open
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 8.2
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.1
- Autofocus Speed
- 7.4
- Flare Resistance
- 7.6
- Build / Sealing
- 7.0
- Value / Size
- 8.9
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 75mm |
| Category | Short Telephoto |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 10 elements in 9 groups |
| Special elements | 3x ED · 2x HR · Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Linear STM |
| Minimum focus | 0.69m |
| Max magnification | 0.13× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 230g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 65.0 × 69.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀58mm |
| Weather sealing | No |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Launch MSRP | $399 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- lksamyang.com/en/product/product-view.php
- rokinon.com/products/75mm-f1-8-af-compact-full-frame-telephoto-sony-e
- lksamyang.com/en/about/notice-view.php
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSAF 75mm F1.8 FE vs 75mm F1.4
- VSAF 75mm F1.8 FE vs Nokton 75mm F1.5 Aspherical
- VSAF 75mm F1.8 FE vs Portrait Heliar 75mm F1.8
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MFRING·DC - VoigtlanderHeliar
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MFRING
