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The diverse portraiture from a pocket-sized lens AF 24mm F1.8 FE
How Does the Samyang
AF 24mm F1.8 FE Perform
When a Portrait Photographer Shoot?
Is there an all-around lens that is fast, sharp,
and fits in your pocket?
The new Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE is the new buzz in town,
and as a photographer, I need to check out this tiny lens that is making headlines. When I first read about it, it’s made with a specific feature to cater to Astrophotographers, with that one button to instantly focus infinity is quite mind-blowing! But how will it perform when used on portraits? Well, I happen to test it out myself and it is delightful.
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/3200 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/5000 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
First of all, the small size is convenient. This is perfect for long outdoor shoots, where my camera dangles on my shoulder or hangs around my neck which can feel rather exhausting and so this lens is hassle-free in that context. I can compare this to a small macaroon oozing with deliciousness and elegance, which we will translate into sharpness and top build quality.
Children Model X Portrait Photographer X AF 24mm F1.8 FE
I get to use this on our trip to see the New Brighton Lighthouse with my family, partly to film a video review of this lens for my YouTube channel. This is a stunning place with the ocean view and rocky shore leading to the lighthouse by the sea, it’s a sight to behold, if you are in the area, best to check it out. When we first got there, we were worried that it will rain – classic English weather, but we got lucky as the sun finally made its appearance. I watched my son play along the shoreline as he observes tiny crabs go about their day, hiding away from his sight.
How do you photograph children that are far more curious about their surroundings than you with your boring camera?
Easy! You make them play! Children are interactive creatures, you need to speak to them, engage with them, ask them questions, and then magic will happen!
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/5000 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
With the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE fast focusing ability, I sure get the shots I like!
And this is very fun because instead of asking him repeatedly to do a pose, I can just go ahead and shoot as many images while he is being himself, enjoying his time in the process. The puddle of saltwater is like a giant mirror indeed added a nice touch.
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/3200 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
The sun was shining ever so brightly, an opportunity to see what sort of lens flare it will give me……
it didn’t give me any lens flare. What is more impressive is the photos taken directly against the light are still contrasty and sharp which so far in my experience, they should start to become hazy from the sunlight.
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/3200 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
Professional Models X Portrait Photographer X AF 24mm F1.8 FE
I live in the City of Liverpool, the home of The Beatles and historic architectures, from the breathtaking sight of the Liver building or perhaps, a nice romantic walk at Royal Albert Dock during the night. It’s a place with endless picturesque backdrop opportunities. So, I thought, I should go to the city and take portraits there, something in contrast with what I normally do, a bit far from children portraits, because this time, I will be taking photographs of talented models.
This lens will be perfect for shooting models! The right focal length for a city adventure, and with its size,
I won’t be standing out in the crowd.
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/1250 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/1250 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F3.5
1/250 sec
200
Manual
24mm
-
-
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F3.5
1/2000 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
The diverse images I can create with just this single lens are incredible, this is what I meant that it's delightful to use!
I’ve gone out and explored new places as well as am developing myself as a photographer. I love to photograph movements, one of my most favourite posing ideas. Apart from asking my subjects several questions to make the entire experience engaging, I ask them to either spin, do playful movements with their body or clothes. The Samyang 24mm F1.8 FE excels in these criteria especially paired with my Sony A7III to let out its full potential.
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/8000 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
At close-up shots, it gives a nice subtle bokeh that compliments the entire picture. These images were taken outside the Museum of Liverpool because its glass walls and banister made of glass caught my attention.
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/3200 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
What other ways could you enjoy the city? Evening walks! The bustling street of the capital’s shopping centre is a sight to see. With the lights glimmering in every corner and people going in and out of shops and restaurants. This is the setting I have always wanted to photograph, especially at night but somehow, I felt a bit intimidated by it. Maybe because I have heavily relied on natural light and the shoot at night is unknown territory for me. Even though I like a busy street, I don’t think I can manually remove each person on my photograph on my portrait. Luckily my model was up to the challenge! We shot at a low shutter speed and I have instructed her to not move at all for a couple of seconds. Not only that, but we also needed to deal with the rain, yes, it was raining heavily that night. I had an umbrella over my head to protect my gear, we set up in the middle of the street and we took the shot, needless to say, I am pretty satisfied with the result knowing this is my very first night shot!
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F2.5
2.5 sec
50
Manual
24mm
-
-
Indoors X Portrait Photographer X AF 24mm F1.8 FE
At last, trying the Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 with an artificial light indoor with no other than my husband who was more than willing to pose for me. I would usually use my Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 for this type of photograph, but surprisingly, I like how it distorts just a tad bit when I photograph very close to my husband, it adds that effect. Plus, look at how sharp that is! Another lens was added for my indoor sessions for sure....
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/200 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
AF 24mmF1.8
SONYILCE-7M3
F1.8
1/200 sec
100
Manual
24mm
-
-
Perfectly Performs in a Diversity of Portraits
In conclusion, Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE can be used by a beginner to a seasoned photographer. The diversity of images you can take from this one tiny lens is impressive. Whether it’d be Astrophotography which it's mainly designed for, landscapes, and/or portraiture. It’s sized perfectly for travelers and outdoor photoshoots, but it just doesn’t limit you there as indoor photos using artificial light as I’ve tested also gave splendid results. I am certain that this pocket-sized lens will always be in my camera bag.
