Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE

Image: The New Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE mounted to a Sony a7.

28th September 2016, Singapore – Samyang recently announced the release of a few auto-focus lenses that kinda “shook up” the market. Samyang had long established themselves as a brand that manufactures high quality manual lenses for more than a decade with a friendly price tag, with the launch of the new auto-focus lenses range, Samyang had moved into a competitive territory that is fiercely defended by brands like Sigma, Tamron & Tokina. However, the photographers are watching closely of what’s to come by Samyang. Before we even get to the optical quality and build, Samyang had already “beaten” the rest with its humble asking price which I had already expected.

We were issued the new 14mm & the 50mm so this user review will be on the 50mm.
Let’s take a closer look at the NEW Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. Before we proceed, if you ended up here looking for technical specs and technical reviews of this lens, sorry, please look elsewhere, we are more interested in what kind of images can we produce with this lens.

Made as a standard prime lens with a focal length of 50mm, this lens offers the photographer lots of possibilities. From portraits to street photography, this lens covers everything in between. Weighing at 585gm, this lens is not exactly heavy, the lens barrel was made with a high-quality alloy and the feel is just right. Internally, the glass elements are arranged in a no-fuss 9 elements in 8 groups configuration and comes with a 9 blades aperture – which is pretty standard for most 50mm lenses out there. The lens front accepts 67mm screw-on filters and it has a minimum focusing distance from 45cm. So far everything seems pretty standard and made to “current trend”.  Let’s see how capable this lens is. We decided to pass the lens to one of our Review Editor – Trisha Lim – and let’s see the images shot by thus lens and share her thoughts on this lens.

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Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE User Review
by Trisha Lim

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE.

Trisha: I was all excited when I was notified by Editor AL that Samyang Singapore had delivered the NEWLY Launched 50mm & 14mm to him. I immediately asked him if I can review these 2 lenses that had been widely discussed by photography communities from all over the world. As you know big aperture prime lenses do not come cheap and Samyang being famed for their optical quality and friendly asking price, I was thrilled.

I took the 50mm out to a cosplay event by Cosplay Suicide Squad and tested the lens in both low light and outdoor using various settings. Do check out the images.

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE.

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE.

Personally, I like the fast-focusing aspect of the new Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE lens. I will not call it “blazing fast” like some over-hyped “tech-magazines” but rather as a user, I will describe it as “really fast”.  This is from my personal experience using this lens. The 50mm focal length (to my interpretations) is a nice portrait lens with spaces to play with for composition & a nicely thought-out street photography lens. So focusing speed is one of the key factor if this lens will sells. I am pleased with this aspect so far.

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE.

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. 

The Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE handles well and feels balanced (camera vs lens) during operations. I like the cool alloy lens barrel which seems able to take abuse to some crazy level. When switched to manual focus, the focusing ring is creamy smooth and easy to use. at this point, I am sure this 50mm will be giving the rest (50mm lenses from other brands) a run for the money.
In my view, a good operational prime lens must autofocus fast & easy to manual-focus + meticulous accuracy.

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. 

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. 

Image quality exceeds my expectations as the sharpness rendered is superb and the de-focused area are well-toned and “creamed out”. Color wise, beautiful! The images (here) are not edited except for the usual cropping and straightening, so everyone can see the colors and the original images from the camera. I will encourage you to click on the images, blow it up to 100% and take a closer look. I am sure you will be as delighted as me!

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. 

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. 

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. 

Image: Cosplay Suicide Squad. Shot by Sony a7 + Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE.

After using the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE, I will say that this lens is an excellent alternative to main stream units and this is a serious competitor for the rest too. Combining a solid build lens, excellent image quality with a decently fast auto-focus motor, this lens has everything sorted out right – not forgetting the asking price is so negligible too! I will highly recommend this lens to anyone looking for their first premium standard prime lens. OK, I am sold, Editor AL, please order 01 unit for me please!

– Trisha Lim, Review Editor.

Additional Credits to Cosplay Suicide Squad.
“Harley Quinn”: Riely Alecia Saville
Makeup: Riely Alecia Saville
“Joker”: Chris Bucko
HMUA: Gratia Bravo Arguelles
Additional Props: HuiYing.

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Thank you Trisha for the sharing & nice images. OK folks, you heard the lady and her thoughts/ user experience of the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE. Seriously you can’t find a single fault with this lens, this will be the 50mm that will give you goosebumps & raise some hairs for its capability as the latest AF 50mm F1.4 that will change perspectives – photographers’ perspective that is.

Thank you Samyang Singapore for the lens!

Buy your Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE here.
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