Samyang’s next lens for Sony E Mount is a 45mm f/1.8. With Sony already offering a 50mm f/1.8 for $250, the Samyang 45mm is a bit confusing.
So far Samyang impressed photographers with its decent alternatives. The Sony-Zeiss 35mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.4, and 50mm f/1.4 are a bunch of expensive primes. For a fraction of the cost, Samyang offers similar performances. So what can the 45mm Samyang offer photographers the native 50mm f/1.8 can’t?
The price won’t be an advantage for Samyang. Where the 45mm can edge the Sony is autofocus. The question is how much better does it have to be in order to convince photographers to drop the Sony. It’s not like the Sony behaves horribly. The firmware update from nearly two years ago improved autofocus to the point the lens is enjoyable.
Image quality? The 50mm 1.8 is no Zeiss 55mm 1.8 however, it is a decent lens. It’s a nifty-fifty, and that’s what one is supposed to do for $250. I’m sure the Samyang 45mm will have good image quality. Will it manage to have the same appeal as the 35mm f/2.8, f/1.4, and 50mm f/1.4? Time and price will tell. Until the reviews hit the internet, the Samyang 45mm f/1.8 AF has a tough time against Sony’s nifty-fifty.
UPDATE: it will be priced at $399.
