Correction (Thursday November 4, 2021): The original headline and text within the article stated this lens retails for $500. That is the pricing of the first generation. This second-generation lens retails for $750. THe headline and article has been corrected.
Samyang, which also goes under the brand name Rokinon, has announced the release of its new AF 50mm F1.4 FE II lens for Sony E mount camera systems.
The lens, which Samyang says was released to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversaruy, is constructed of 11 elements in eight groups, including three high-refractive index elements, two ‘ultra-precision’ aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element. It has an aperture range of F1.4 through F16, uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, offers a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (1.31ft) and has a 72mm front filter thread.
The lens features an updated all-metal construction that’s weather-sealed for times when mother nature isn’t cooperating. It features a textured focus ring, which can also double as a clickless aperture ring by changing the ‘Custom’ switch on the side of the lens. Samyang has also included a ‘Focus Hold’ button for locking in focus on a subject, while also giving it the ability to activate custom settings, such as Eye AF and more.
Below is sample gallery of images, provided by Samyang:
Samyang is using its Linear Stepping Motor (STM) for driving the autofocus. Samyang says the optical design ‘minimizes focus breathing,’ which should be appealing to those who intend to use this for video. Despite its fast F1.4 aperture, the lens is rather compact, measuring 80mm (3.15”) in diameter, 90mm (3.5”) long and weighs 420g (14.8oz). This makes it the lightest 50mm F1.4 lens available for Sony E mount cameras.
The lens is available to purchase for $750 at Samyang’s online store and authorized Samyang retailers.