Got mine yesterday, made some first test shots on the river and my usual sharpness series.
A few observations:
Build: Very small and light, but also very plasticky, especially the hood. Had problems screwing in filters (likely due to the plastic filter thread). Build quality is no comparison to the "full" AF series lenses from Samyang (e.g. the 85/1.4, which I own as well). Only realised after ordering that it belongs to the "tiny" series, which is made up by both the 24 and 35 F2.8's and the recent 45mm F1.8. Anyway, I wanted something not too expensive to complement my other primes (24/35/55/85/135) at a focal length which I do not use much. So Batis $ would not be justified. Plus, if it is only 145g (it comes in a practical pouch as well), it is easy to just toss in the bag when I am out and about with my 35mm F1.4 ZA and Sammy 85 mm F1.4.
Focusing: Works well in both AF-C and AF-S mode on my A7III, did not test EYE-AF yet. Exhibits quite strong focus breathing though, so focus stacking is somewhat limited (as with an UWA you have to get very close...)
Image quality: Excellent sharpness in the center wide open and across the frame when stopped down to landscape f-numbers. Soft corners at F2.8 and strong vignetting with blue colorcast.
All in all quite decent performance, given price and weight. Sharpness is great and the downsides can be worked around.
Nov 07, 2019 at 09:54 AM
Previous versions of Flaxx74's message #15038085 « Samyang AF 18/2.8 FE officially announced »
