Global optics brand Samyang Optics announces the launch of its telephoto AF 75mm f/1.8 FE, a perfect portrait and event lens. This new lens weighs just 230g (without lens-hood or cap), making it the lightest and smallest autofocus 75mm lens currently on the market.

“This lens is small and lightweight to carry anywhere, anytime and has a clear resolution that can capture the beauty of everyday life and people. The angle of view and shooting distance are natural, making it ideal for recording everyday life. Thanks to the large aperture, f/1.8, and excellent optical system, the bokeh is beautiful, round, and the background is calm, making the subject stand out more. Experience a quiet and accurate AF system for video shooting and a new Custom Switch for custom modes,” says Jihoon Lee, the company’s product planner.

Many new lenses are being released alongside smaller and lighter mirrorless cameras, but it is difficult to find telephoto lenses that have been designed specifically to match the compact nature of full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Samyang’s AF 75mm f/1.8 FE reduces the burden on the photographer with its incredibly lightweight of 230g and maximizes portability, in a compact size that fits perfectly with mirrorless cameras. Now you can capture high-quality photos with a small portrait lens that you can easily carry around.

Samyang has studied numerous focal lengths in order to develop the most suitable compact lens for impressive portraits. The 75mm focal length was legendary for portraits in the past and Samyang is the first brand to bring it back for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It effectively isolates the subject, but still includes enough background to tell a story. It also helps maintain a comfortable distance between the photographer and subject, making this lens a perfect partner for both interior and exterior environments.

Samyang’s unique manufacturing technology has achieved a complete optical design, considering everything from shape, color, border, and chromatic aberration. This lets you experience beautiful bokeh that is not simply obtained but carefully designed.

The depth of field does not only come from the aperture. Samyang’s unique optical design, which shows a completely different depth of field with a similar angle of view and aperture, will make every-day photos really stand out.

With a total of 10 elements in 9 groups, Samyang uses 5 special elements (3 Extra-Low Dispersion and 2 High Refractive) to create results with incredible sharpness, low chromatic aberration, and minimal distortion.

In accordance with technology, Samyang takes into consideration both still images as well as video – the AF 75mm f/1.8 FE lens utilizes a new Stepping Motor (STM) for fast, quiet and accurate focusing, helping the user to capture priceless moments effortlessly.

The focus adjustment ring normally performs no function when using the lens in AF mode. To increase the usefulness of this ring, Samyang has introduced a ‘Custom Switch’, which allows the user to adjust the iris (aperture) by using the focus ring. The Custom Switch allows operation as a traditional camera lens and can be further customized via firmware updates, using Samyang’s optional USB Lens Station.

This new lens is the 5th member of Samyang’s “Tiny but Almighty” AF Series. These lenses are the result of Samyang’s response to growing needs and market trends. According to the Camera & Imaging Products Association’s report of December 2019, the value of mirrorless camera sales increased in 2019 (compared to the previous year) which means that the interest in more advanced mirrorless cameras is on the rise. To lead the trend, Samyang introduced their “Tiny but Almighty” AF series in June 2017, with the AF 35mm f/2.8 FE, weighing just 85.6g and 33mm in length, but producing outstanding image quality for full-frame cameras.

The series has been expanded with the 18mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8, and 45mm f/1.8 models – all being autofocus lenses for full-frame Sony E mount cameras. The latest AF 75mm f/1.8 FE joins this blockbuster series, adding a telephoto focal length which is ideal for portraits.

More info on Samyang’s website.