Samyang / Rokinon AF 50mm F1.4 FE

Sony E

Review

The Samyang (also known as Rokinon in some markets) AF 50mm F1.4 FE is an appealing option for Sony E-mount users seeking a versatile, high-performance prime lens. This lens is designed to cater to both amateur and professional photographers, offering superb image quality and a bright aperture.

Build Quality and Design

The Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE features a robust design with a solid metal mount that adds to its durability. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, providing a premium feel in hand. Additionally, the smooth focus ring is a delight to use, enabling precise adjustments for a flawless shooting experience. Weighing approximately 585 grams, it's relatively compact for a lens with such a fast aperture, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the go.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE impresses with its sharpness and contrast. At wide open apertures, the lens delivers remarkable clarity across the frame, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. Stopping down slightly improves sharpness even further, making it an ideal lens for portrait, street, and low-light photography. The bokeh is smooth and creamy, thanks to the rounded 9-blade diaphragm, which enhances the aesthetic qualities of out-of-focus areas.

Autofocus and Usability

Autofocus performance is another highlight of this lens. The fast and accurate autofocus system is powered by a quiet and efficient stepping motor, making it suitable for both still photography as well as video recording. I found the autofocus system to be reliable in various lighting conditions, which is a significant advantage for event photography and quick candid shots. Furthermore, the lens is compatible with other Sony E-mount features, such as Eye AF, which further adds to its usability.

Compatibility and Versatility

The Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE excels as a versatile lens, suitable for various types of photography. Whether you're capturing portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, its focal length and bright aperture offer versatility. The lens works well on full-frame cameras, but it's equally compelling for Sony APS-C users, providing the equivalent focal length of around 75mm, making it great for portraits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and image quality.
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
• Solid build quality with a premium feel.
• Beautiful bokeh rendering.
• Versatile focal length suitable for multiple genres of photography.

Cons

• The lens may be slightly bulky compared to other 50mm primes.
• If you're on a tight budget, there are cheaper options available, though they may not match in performance.

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE is an outstanding lens that brings excellent optical performance and user-friendly features to Sony E-mount users. Its superb image quality, reliable autofocus, and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for both hobbyists and professionals alike. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the advantages it offers justify the price tag for those in search of a capable 50mm lens.