Samyang AF 135mm F/1.8 Sony FE

Samyang AF 135mm F/1.8 Sony FE – Fast F/1.8 Telephoto Optimized for Portraits and Video

The Samyang AF 135mm F/1.8 for Sony FE is a telephoto lens designed for portraits, astrophotography, landscapes and video shooting. It pairs a fast F/1.8 aperture with a compact, modern design to deliver sharp images, smooth bokeh and reliable handling for both photo and video workflows.

Optical design and image quality

The lens uses an optical formula of 13 elements in 11 groups, including 1 U-ASP element, 2 HR elements and 3 ED elements. This construction improves sharpness and contrast across the frame when used on Sony full-frame sensors.

In addition, the lens includes a UA (Ultra-precision Aspherical) element. The UA element helps produce natural and refined bokeh, making it easier to isolate subjects against pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds for portraits, close-ups and cityscapes.

Design and handling

Samyang built the 135mm with a slim, modern and lightweight design that weighs only 772g. The lens features a micro-patterned rubber focus ring that provides a positive, tactile feel during manual focus adjustments. Weather-sealing adds protection for use in harsher conditions.

Autofocus, controls and customisation

The lens employs Samyang’s linear STM (Stepping Motor) to deliver fast, quiet and accurate autofocus suitable for both photographers and videographers. You will notice reduced noise and smooth focus transitions when recording video or capturing stills.

For greater control, the lens includes a Focus Hold (focus lock) button, a custom switch and a focus range limiter switch. Pressing the Focus Hold button locks the lens to a specific focusing distance. You can assign camera-body functions, such as Eye AF, to this button via your camera settings.

The custom switch lets you adjust the aperture silently by rotating the focus ring. When paired with Samyang’s optional Lens Station, you can assign and adjust the switch functions to match your workflow. Samyang also plans to add more features through future firmware updates.

Close-up performance

The lens has a short minimum focusing distance of 0.69m and a maximum magnification of 0.243x. This close-focusing ability lets you capture small subjects and detail shots with strong resolution and soft background rendering.

Key specifications

• Only weights 772g
• Outstandig optical performance
• Stunning bokeh
• Fast & quiet AF performance with short MOD of 0.69m
• Easy to create images that highlights your subjects against stunning backgrounds

Frequently asked questions

Question: Is this lens suitable for portrait photography?
Answer: Yes. The 135mm focal length combined with the F/1.8 aperture and UA element produces strong subject isolation and smooth bokeh, which are ideal for portrait work.

Question: Can I use this lens for video?
Answer: Yes. The lens offers fast, quiet AF using a linear STM motor, and a custom switch with silent aperture adjustment for smoother video workflows. Weather-sealing and a tactile focus ring also support professional shooting conditions.

Question: What does the Focus Hold button do and can it be customised?
Answer: The Focus Hold button locks the lens to a chosen focusing distance. You can assign functions such as Eye AF via your camera body settings. In addition, the custom switch can be configured further using Samyang’s optional Lens Station and future firmware updates.

Question: How close can I focus for detail shots?
Answer: The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.69m and a maximum magnification of 0.243x, allowing for tight close-ups and detailed subject captures with pleasing background separation.