Samyang / Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC

Fujifilm X

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC is a prime lens that has made a name for itself among Fujifilm X mount users. With a focal length that's ideal for portraits, landscapes, and even some wildlife photography, this lens offers an enticing combination of sharpness, bokeh, and affordability.

Build Quality and Design

When you first pick up the Samyang 135mm F2.0, the build quality is notable. This lens features a robust metal construction that not only feels solid in hand but also adds a level of durability that many photographers appreciate. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focusing, which is especially useful for a lens of this focal length where depth of field can be quite narrow.

At 1.1 kg, this lens is somewhat heavy, yet balanced when mounted on a Fujifilm camera. Its length of roughly 190mm may be cumbersome for some, but it’s a trade-off many are willing to accept for the optical quality it provides. The sleek and professional appearance enhances the overall experience, making it look as impressive as it performs.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Samyang 135mm is where this lens truly shines. With a maximum aperture of F2.0, it allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. Images taken with this lens are sharp, even wide open, with very little distortion or chromatic aberration. The lens employs ED glass elements to help mitigate flare and ghosting, which is particularly beneficial when shooting towards light sources.

The bokeh produced by the lens is creamy and pleasing, making it perfect for portrait work. Highlights are rendered beautifully, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your images. It holds up exceptionally well across the frame, providing consistent sharpness from edge to edge, something that’s often not seen in lenses of this price range.

Autofocus and Usability

One of the downsides of the Samyang 135mm F2.0 is that it comes with a manual focus design. While many enthusiasts may welcome this feature for enhanced control, it may not suit everyone, especially if you are accustomed to autofocus systems. Manual focusing can be tricky at such a long focal length, particularly in fast-paced shooting situations. However, the combination of focus peaking and magnification offered by Fujifilm cameras can somewhat alleviate this challenge.

Additionally, the lens lacks weather sealing, so if you're planning to shoot in wet or humid conditions, you may want to consider this factor carefully. However, its compact form factor for a 135mm telephoto lens makes it a good travel companion.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical performance with sharp images.
• Creamy bokeh that enhances portraits.
• Robust metal build quality.
• Smooth manual focus control, ideal for selective focus work.
• Affordable price for the quality offered.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may hinder usability for some.
• Lack of weather sealing.
• Heavier than some might prefer for handheld shooting.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC is a fantastic option for Fujifilm X mount users who value image quality and are willing to embrace a manual focus lens. While it has its limitations, such as the lack of autofocus and weather sealing, the lens excels in optical performance, making it a worthy addition to the toolkit of portrait and landscape photographers. If you're looking for a sharp, beautifully crafted lens that produces stunning images, this lens should definitely be on your radar.