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The Best Image Quality without Any Sacrifice
The Samyang 10mm F3.5 XP is a full frame lens made for DSLR cameras.
More specifically the Canon and Nikon DSLRs. It is an ultra wide angle rectilinear lens and that is quite an impressive feat with only a couple of other lenses that are able to do this but at this aperture, the Samyang is the best in low light conditions. Let me also explain that the XP range from Samyang is part of their Xpert collection of glass meaning that they incorporate the best technology possible to make the best image quality without any sacrifice. They resolve cameras with over 50 megapixels and support cameras filming in 8K. So this range is future proof in that regard.
With the advent of mirrorless cameras and the popularity of them increasing with the abundant use of adapters out on the market, I have been using this on my Sony a7 III with the Sigma MC-11. While it is not a lens that is made for the MC-11, I have been able to use this lens on my E-mount body without any issues because I don’t need to rely on autofocus and I have electronic contacts on it meaning I still get EXIF data. Another advantage is if I really need stabilisation, I can manually adjust the stabilisation on my Sony a7iii.
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
1/8000 sec
200
Manual
-
-
-
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
1/10 sec
100
Manual
-
-
-
I wanted to give this lens a proper workout, I needed to take it to various places and settings.
There were a few place2020-07-30s I had in mind to take this lens and one was Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains in NSW. This proved to be my first real test with it outside because it is targeted towards capturing scenery. A lens that can capture vast landscapes can sometimes be quite challenging. The reason for this is because you want to make sure you don’t capture just everything. It is sometimes important to have a main focal point and a way to lead the viewer’s eye to that focal point. This is why it can be quite challenging at this focal length but when done right, you can get some amazing photos.
Even taken by hand, the autofocus is in place, where it should be.
The first result is surprising despite the fact that it was taken by hand. The autofocus is in place! And that is where it should sit. The column in the background appears clear, sharp and clean even when viewed in original size, while the road in front of it slowly fades out towards the lower edge due to the ever softer bokeh of the SAMYANG AF 75mm F1.8.
Autumn is always a great show with it’s outstanding colours and atmosphere and while in Sydney, Australia the show was almost finished as we headed into Winter. I was able to capture some amazingly crispy details of the scenery as well some photos of the area. The lens was extremely easy to handle with a nice and damp focusing ring for accurate focus. I will also add that with an ultra wide angle lens of this focal length, focusing is extremely easy. It weighs about 731 grams and with the added adapter, it did make the kit feel front heavy. If you are using this on a larger body which is what it was intended to be used on, then it should feel better balanced. For me, it wasn’t a big deal to me as I’m used to carrying heavy objects around on hikes. Having a lens hood that you can’t remove serves to block out any flare from light sources and to offer some protection for the front element of the glass. This was a good move for Samyang. There are no weather seals on this lens so it’s always advised to not shoot with this lens in adverse conditions.
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
1/8000 sec
200
Manual
-
-
-
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
1/4000 sec
200
Manual
-
-
-
Extremely sharp and distortions are very well controlled.
There were a few vantage points that I felt like I wanted to get a good view of.
However, I didn’t want to risk falling and not getting not just myself wet but of course my gear. So I thought maybe I’d be safe to just take it easy, especially since it was my first shoot in a long time in the great outdoors. So here a few photos that I took while I was there.
The lens is extremely sharp and the distortions are very well controlled. This is a testament to why it is a lens reserved for the XP lineup. My only wish is that it was available in the Sony E-mount so I wouldn’t have any need for an adapter. I’m impressed with what the lens offers. The colours and contrast are very well displayed in the image. There was minimal to non existent chromatic aberration and when it came down to distortions, it was very well controlled. I can’t really complain about this lens when it comes to image quality. It certainly delivers the goods and if you appreciate good image quality,, this should be a serious contender to add to your photography kit.
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
1/4000 sec
200
Manual
-
-
-
The lens does give you a different perspective of what the waterfall actually looks like and that’s part of the reason why I really enjoy using it.
It’s something new and for me, forces me to try something a little different. This also applies to if you were to use it for architectural photography.
Overall, I loved what the lens gives me. It is only manual focus but I don’t feel it necessarily compromises my shooting experience. In fact, I felt it enhanced it and made me think more not about just the focusing aspect but also the composition part of photography. These days, I feel that sometimes photography is more focused on speed and just getting the shot as quickly as possible. While it does have its merits, stepping back and just thinking about the shot as you take it does make it feel just that little bit rewarding but that’s just me. While this is a niche lens, it can take some amazing images and I would highly recommend it.
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
1/4000 sec
200
Manual
-
-
-
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
187 sec
50
Manual
-
-
-
AF 75mm F1.8
Sony
F1.8
187 sec
50
Manual
-
-
-
John Sison
My full name is John Vincent Sison but I usually go by the nickname "Sison". I developed an interest in photography at a young age, taking snapshots of my family and friends with a disposable camera. I loved the fact that in photography you could capture a moment in time that will never be exactly the same. Now I shoot with my Sony Alpha a77 specialising in event, macro, landscape and portrait photography.
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