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Samyang 135mm — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesSamyang 135mm

Samyang 135mm — image 1

Samyang

Samyang 135mm

Expert Review Analysis

The Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC is a manual‑focus telephoto prime lens offering fast f/2 aperture, excellent sharpness and bokeh, built with an aluminum barrel and UMC coating, and available for many mounts including Pentax K.

✓ Best for: Portrait photographers, astrophotographers, and low‑light telephoto shooters on Pentax K DSLRs (or other mounts) who prioritize manual precision, sharpness and bokeh over autofocus and need a fast f/2 lens.✗ Not ideal for: Photographers who require fast autofocus for action or wildlife, need weather‑sealed or image‑stabilized gear, or prefer a lighter, more compact telephoto prime.

Pros

✓Exceptional sharpness across the frame rivaling premium lenses like Zeiss 135mm f/2 even on high-resolution sensors.
✓Very good bokeh with 9 rounded diaphragm blades delivering soft, pleasing out-of-focus highlights.
✓Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) effectively reduces flare and ghosting for high contrast images.

Price History

Current

$389.00

Average

$470.56

Lowest

$389.00

Highest

$479.00

Good Deal — 17% below average

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#940Best#353Worst#1,228 +8

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.6/ 5Reviews231+4 reviews

Specifications

Accessories

Included ItemsLens pouch, front and rear caps, removable lens hood

Camera

Focal Length135 mm mm

Maximum Aperturef/2.0

Minimum Aperturef/22

Angle of View18.8° degrees

Minimum Focusing Distance0.8 m m

Design

Height119 mm mm

Width81 mm mm

Length81 mm mm

Diameter82 mm mm

Barrel Length122 mm mm

Features

AutofocusManual focus only

Image StabilizationNo

CoatingUltra Multi Coating (UMC)

Lens HoodDetachable petal-shaped hood

Aperture RingAperture ring with A-position

General

BrandSamyang

ModelSY135M-P

Release DateJanuary 2015

Warranty1 year

Mount CompatibilityCanon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Canon M, Fujifilm X, Samsung NX, Sony E, MFT, Sony FE

Coating

Ultra Multi Coating (UMC)Reduces flare and ghosting for high contrast images

Optical Design

Floating element designMinimizes aberration and distortion across focusing range

Aperture

Aperture ring with A‑positionProvides Pentax exposure automation compatibility

Mount Compatibility

Supported mountsCanon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A/E/FE, Canon M, Fujifilm X, Samsung NX, MFT, etc.

Dimensions & Weight

Height4.7 inches

Width3.2 inches

Depth3.2 inches

Weight1.8 Pounds

Research Sources

lensbuyersguide.com

pentaxforums.com

bhphotovideo.com

cameradecision.com

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User Reviews

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4.6

(231 reviews)

Out of Stock

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SY135M-PBlack

✓Fast f/2 maximum aperture provides strong low-light performance and shallow depth of field.

✓Solid aluminum alloy construction with detachable petal-shaped hood gives a balanced, durable feel.

✓Competitive price-to-performance ratio offering premium optics at a mid-range cost.

Cons

✗Manual focus only, lacking autofocus which limits speed for action or wildlife shooting.
✗No image stabilization or weather sealing, reducing usability in challenging conditions.
✗Plastic elements in the optical design reduce overall robustness despite the heavy aluminum barrel.
✗Focus ring can feel grindy and less smooth, especially noticeable when focusing between 3–5 meters.
✗Weight of approximately 830 g makes the lens bulkier and heavier than some competing primes.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight exceptional sharpness across the frame comparable to high-end Zeiss lenses.
✓Reviewers praise the effective UMC coating that minimizes flare and ghosting in challenging lighting.
✓Experts note the fast f/2 aperture delivers excellent low-light performance and attractive bokeh.
✓ePHOTOzine commends the solid build quality with a good balance on full‑frame bodies.

Criticized by Experts

✗Professionals point out the lack of autofocus as a significant limitation for many shooting scenarios.
✗Reviewers mention the absence of weather sealing and image stabilization.
✗Some editors note the focus ring’s grindy feel and the overall plastic element construction.
✗ePHOTOzine notes the lens is heavier and bulkier compared to lighter alternatives.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users rave about jaw‑dropping optics and sharpness that beats many Canon/Nikon 135 mm lenses.
✓Everyday photographers appreciate the beautiful bokeh and vibrant color rendition.
✓Users value the detachable petal‑shaped hood and overall good value for the price.
✓Many owners highlight the fast f/2 aperture for portrait and low‑light work.

Users Complain About

✗Users report the manual focus only design limits speed for action or moving subjects.
✗Some owners mention the focus ring feels slightly grindy, especially around mid‑range distances.
✗Reviewers note the plastic feel of some internal elements reduces perceived durability.
✗Lack of weather sealing and image stabilization is a common complaint among users.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the Samyang 135mm f/2 a high‑performing, value‑driven lens with outstanding sharpness, effective UMC coating, and solid build, but they criticize its manual‑focus only operation, lack of weather sealing, and its relatively heavy, bulky design.

What Users Say

Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the lens for its jaw‑dropping sharpness, beautiful bokeh, fast aperture and good price, while repeatedly mentioning the manual focus limitation, a slightly grindy focus ring, and the absence of weather sealing or stabilization as drawbacks.

Common Complaints

Manual‑focus only, focus‑ring grindiness, lack of weather sealing and image stabilization, and a plastic feel in some internal elements despite the heavy aluminum barrel.

What People Are Saying

“jawdropping optics for the price”
LensTip

How It Compares

vs. Pentax SMC FA 135mm f/2.8

Advantages

✓Samyang provides a faster f/2 aperture for better low‑light performance.
✓Sharper optics that many users claim beat the Pentax lens.

Disadvantages

✗Samyang is heavier and bulkier than the Pentax 135mm f/2.8.
✗Both lack autofocus, but Pentax is lighter and cheaper.

Choose Samyang for faster aperture and sharper images; choose Pentax if you need a lighter, more affordable lens.

vs. Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Advantages

✓Samyang is significantly lighter and more affordable than the Sigma Art.
✓Provides excellent sharpness and bokeh despite being slower.

Disadvantages

✗Sigma offers a brighter f/1.8 aperture and built‑in autofocus.
✗Sigma’s optical performance is often rated slightly higher in lab tests.

Pick Samyang for value and manual‑focus control; pick Sigma if you need the fastest aperture and autofocus.

vs. Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 135mm f/2

Advantages

✓Samyang matches Zeiss in manual focus and fast f/2 aperture at a lower price.
✓Lighter overall weight compared to the Zeiss version.

Disadvantages

✗Zeiss delivers superior build quality with all‑metal construction.
✗Zeiss may offer marginally better edge‑to‑edge sharpness and coating performance.

Select Samyang for budget‑friendly performance; select Zeiss for premium build and top‑tier optics.