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A staple part of an astrophotography kit but versatile enough to be for different scenarios

Reinold Aryee

Photographer from England

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Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE is
a staple part of an astrophotography kit
but versatile enough to be just
as strong for different scenarios,
landscapes and life in the city.

Samyang recently released another lens in their Tiny series for 2021,
the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 for Sony full-frame E mount. As with the lenses
in the Tiny series, the 24mm lens has a simple but modern design that is
ultra-compact, lightweight. Out of the box, the lens comes with a lens hood
and a protective case that’s been consistent in Samyang’s tiny lenses.

Superb Image Quality

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LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F8
SPEED 1/250sec
ISO 50
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F8
SPEED 1/160sec
ISO 50
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F8
SPEED 1/250sec
ISO 50
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

I was really pleased with the superb image quality from this lens. The images from my tests were really sharp as you can see from the examples above.

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Compact and Lightweight

with Modern Design

As with all lenses in the Samyang tiny line, the AF 24mm F1.8 FE is really
compact and lightweight. Measuring in at about 270 grams including the
hood and lens cap, this lens is really easy to carry. Great for all-day shooting!

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From left to right is the AF 18mm F2.8, AF 24mm F1.8 and AF 35mm F1.8. The images above feature Samyang lenses in the tiny range to show the improvements to the
lens design, from the addition of the custom switch to the new focus hold button. Along with the different designs in the lens hoods, the 24mm has a more matte finish -
there’s a clear difference in the reflections of the lenses from the light source in the image.

This lens is weather-sealed, a welcome addition especially for landscape and cityscape photographers facing less than ideal weather conditions. From dust, rain or snow
you’ll have the ability to capture images even with these challenges.

New Features

with the Focus Hold Button & LED Index

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Exactly like the AF 75mm F1.8 and the more recent AF 35mm F1.8, this lens
has a custom switch with two modes. By default, mode 1 acts as a normal
focusing ring with mode 2 changing the aperture settings with the focus ring.

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New Focus Hold button is a welcome feature for astrophotographers.

A feature specific to this lens is the new focus hold button next to the custom switch. Out of the box, it saves different focus positions. Essentially in manual focus mode,
holding the button will save the desired focus point and this will be confirmed through your viewfinder blinking and the LED index on the lens. This button is a welcome
feature for astrophotographers as the lens will turn red as an LED index that you’re no longer in infinity mode.

Of course, if you intend to utilise the button for different purposes you can simply navigate through the custom menu and change the function to better suit your needs.
To do this, enter the Sony menu and navigate through the following: Menu -> Custom Operation 1 (8/9) -> 1st custom key -> 3/3 -> Focus Hold button. It’s a feat to have
the switch and the focus hold button on a Samyang lens to provide more shortcuts to set up the camera for specific uses. I can’t wait to see more Samyang lenses with
these features moving forward.

24mm Focal Length

I love using wide angles for tight spaces and
interiors to create more space in the location.

I knew with Covid-19 it would be difficult, so I utilised stations and tunnels where I could use this lens where it shines and keep a safe distance. Along with the strengths
of a 24mm focal length for situations such as landscape, cityscapes, close up and interior photography, this lens is great for blending people with an environment.
There’s an element of scale in these shots from the wide-angle perspective, but even so, the subjects are prominent enough in the shots. You can tell the shots are wide
but it’s not deceiving. A daily driver with a bit of a creative flair is why I love this focal length.

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LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F8
SPEED 1/100sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA SONY
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F7.1
SPEED 1/50sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F7.1
SPEED 1/125sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F6.3
SPEED 1/125sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

Getting Closer with Short M.O.D

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/640sec
ISO 50
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

With a minimum focus distance of 19 cm,
you can close in on the subject to
get different perspectives
with a wide-angle view.

Although you can get close up shots this is certainly not a macro lens
but with the ability to get such a close distance with a wide-angle lens like
this - you can get much closer to accentuate the subject and add more
drama to shots.

zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F1.8
SPEED 1/320sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment
zoom
LENSES AF 24mm
F1.8
CAMERA Sony
ILCE-7M3
DIAPHRAGM F2.4
SPEED 1/90sec
ISO 50
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY 24mm
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY Multi
segment

I was curious at how this lens would function shooting wider to get some bokeh. The f1.8 coupled with the minimum focus makes this lens all the more versatile to get
close up for bokeh at a wider perspective. With a 9 blade aperture, you get a smooth, natural-looking bokeh. In addition to this, this lightweight and compactnessM
certainly put this into the bracket of an all-dayer lens. It’s an opportunity to see a new perspective when it comes to all-day shooting instead of traditionally versatile focal
lengths such as 35mm or 50mm.

AF Performance

Utilising Samyang’s linear Stepping Motor (STM), the autofocus is fast, responsive and does a great job of tracking subjects. I didn’t experience any focus hunting on my
tests and feel quite confident in trusting the autofocus as a statement to its reliability and accuracy. In addition to the fast autofocus, this lens is quiet which would be well
suited for filming. As primarily a manual focus brand before the Sony system, it’s good to see how Samyang has improved the STM technology to keep up and at times
surpass native brands.

Conclusion

The Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE is a great addition to Samyang’s Tiny line of autofocus lenses. It’s a fantastic small and lightweight carry-it-everywhere lens.
The innovations of the external features on the lens such as the custom switch and now the new focus hold button are welcome additions to this line-up. This lens is a
staple part of an astrophotography kit but versatile enough to be just as strong for different scenarios, landscapes and life in the city.

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Samyang’s Guide to Achieving the Optimal Angle of View

The perfect spacing and distance are always necessary when shooting all kinds of subjects, including people, to give them a proper relationship with the beautiful space around them. So, what’s the exact distance that helps you best appreciate a work of art, or a photo?

The correct answer is the diagonal length of the full frame of a subject.

표준화각 자료 이미지
표준화각 자료 이미지

The best standpoint from which to appreciate the full view of a subject is the distance of the diagonal length of the subject frame. This wider angle is superior to standing closer at a 50 degree angle to get a more detailed view. This notion of an ideal distance or view point is also applicable in the world of photography.

For still images, keeping a distance equal to the diagonal length of the full image surface is recommended. The full frame sensor of a digital camera is 36 x 24mm and the diagonal length is 43.26mm so any distance close to this number is nearer to the ideal than the currently accepted industry standard of 50mm.

Back when film cameras were common, 45mm was the industry standard and this continued as reflex cameras needed extra space to fit a mirror. However, as mirrorless cameras become more popular again, there has been a need to return to this industry standard…which is the impetus for the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE. With less distortion than a 35mm lens and wider angles than a 55mm lens, the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE is a perfect lens for portraits, landscapes, architecture photography, and pictures of pets.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

[What is Dolly Shot? How to Shoot Easily]

[What is Dolly shot?]

A dolly shot, also referred to as a tracking shot or trucking shot, is a camera movement technique used by cinematographers to track and follow a subject in motion. To achieve this, the camera is mounted on a device called a "dolly," which facilitates smooth tracking movement. The dolly can move in front of, behind, or alongside the subject, which can be a person, a location, a product, or any other object of focus in the frame. Through this, you can control the emotional distance between the subject and the viewer by highlighting the audiovisual and dramatic effects.

[How to take a Dolly Shot simply by handheld]

Tip. If the moving distance is long, the camera may shake, so please shoot at a focal length between 35 and 100mm.
1. Stand at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject.
2. Set the custom switch to MF and Mode 3 and adjust the focal length to about 100mm.
3. After focusing on the subject, set the aperture to F8~16.
4. Slowly turn the zoom ring to the left (towards the wide-angle end) while using your upper body and arms to move the camera toward your subject.
5. Dolly Shot complete!
※ When shooting from a farther distance from the subject, use a cart or gimbal for more stable shooting.

DSLR / Full Frame
1D X Mark Ⅱ
1D X
1Ds Mark Ⅲ
1Ds
5DsR
5Ds
5D Mark Ⅳ
5D Mark Ⅲ
6D Mark Ⅱ
6D
DSLR / APS-H
1D Mark Ⅲ
1D
Mirrorless / APS-C
M6
M5
M10
M3
M2
DSLR / APS-S
7D Mark Ⅱ
7D
80D
70D
60D
30D
D60
D30
77D (9000D)
760D (8000D / Rebel T6s)
1300D (Kiss X80 / Rebel T6)
1200D (Kiss X70 / Rebel T5)
200D (Kiss X9 / Rebel SL2)
800D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
700D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
100D (Kiss X7 / Rebel SL1)
650D (Kiss X6i / Rebel T4i)
600D (Kiss X5 / Rebel T3i)
550D (Kiss X4 / Rebel T2i)
500D (Kiss X3 / Rebel T1i)
1000D (Kiss F / Rebel XS)
450D (Kiss X2 / Rebel X냐)
DSLR / Full Frame
D850
D5
D810A
D4S
D810
D750
Df
D610
D4
D800
D800E
D600
D3s
D3x
D700
D3
DSLR / APS-C
D7500
D3400
D500
D5600
D7200
D5500
D3300
D7100
D5300
D5200
D7000
D300s
D300
DSLR / Full Frame
Z6
Z7
D810A
D4S
D750
D810A
DSLR / APS-C
D7200
D500
D3300
D5500
D5600
D3400
D7500

* Cameras released within 5 years from 2019 are tested.

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