p.1 #1 · Samyang 135/2.0 and Canon FD 135/2.0 compared
Being in Korea, I have a chance to get Samyang 135/2 and compare it with Canon FD 135/2. Size and weight: Canon is smaller, shorted and lighter (by about 130 g, depending on FD-NEX adapter). Before I comment on my observation, here is few comparable shots, feel free to share your opinion. All are wide open, with no processing, other than changing WB to Standard in LR 5. Camera was a7R
First pictures are Samyangs, second are Canons
p.1 #2 · Samyang 135/2.0 and Canon FD 135/2.0 compared
These pictures make my laptop's monitor look small
But I can see that the Samyang lens does render nicely, is sharp, and has better CA control than the Canon- looks like it'll be a boon for mirrorless shooters and videographers too!
p.1 #5 · Samyang 135/2.0 and Canon FD 135/2.0 compared
I really like the Samyang's color.While its a bit warmer, it almost looks a bit more saturated as well. The bokeh in the roof of the first pair is interesting.
p.1 #6 · Samyang 135/2.0 and Canon FD 135/2.0 compared
I have the FD 135, and no way would I consider "upgrading" to the samyang. It's just way too big on the sony A7r. Probably an inch longer and 130g is pretty damn significant. The FD135 is a little too big as is.... btw, can you get a shot side by side of the lens size? I'de like to see how big it is. I downgraded from the EF 135L to the FDn 135F2, the size difference was considerable.
the samyang color may be a concern as well. While these images look pleasant, you really dont want an overly warm image shooting people. Could turn out to be a pain to fix in post. I find that the sony has a warmish cast, the samyang adds to it.
optics wise, no doubt, the samyang is better. I'm sure the samyang resists flare much better as well..... The size difference will be just too large. The samyang is better off for DSLR users, where size matters less IMO.
I have to concur with colors, I actually prefer the cooler Canon. When I compared other outsider lenses, Voigtlander 35/1.2, Contax 35-70 and Canon 200/2.8 somehow Sony lenses come out always warmer. But when imported to LR 5 and auto WB and Standard picture style was applied, the difference become negligent.
p.1 #9 · Samyang 135/2.0 and Canon FD 135/2.0 compared
thanks for the comparison size photos. I spotted a flaw though, the FD retracts when you focus to infinity I think. You could have retracted the lens about a good centimeter more if I'm not mistaken.
Addendum: I think the canon images are a little brighter, maybe due to the aggressive coatings of the samyang producing a slightly lower Tstop.
