Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens for Sony A

The Samyang 100mm F2.8 ED UMC Macro is a fine lens for macro shooters who prefer manual focus, but you'll have to give up optical stabilization.

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  Quite sharp when stopped down. 1:1 magnification. Internal focus design. Compact. Available for multiple systems. Long focus throw. Attractive price point.

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  Some edge softness at wide apertures. Manual focus design is not for everyone. Omits optical stabilization.

At a hefty 730g, this aluminium alloy lens is the third heaviest and second longest in test , owing to its whopping 15 elements in 12 groups. Historically, Samyang has favoured all-manual lenses, making them a great choice for serious videographers, and the same is true here, except for the...

The Samyang 100 mm f/2.8 ED UMC MACRO is undoubtedly a quite good lens. The problem? It’s hardly enough, especially if you take into account the fierce competition in this segment and its price, about 1800 PLN.

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  sensational resolution in the frame centre,, good image quality on the edge of the APS-C/DX,, imperceptible longitudinal chromatic aberration,, low lateral chromatic aberration,, lack of spherical aberration problems,, practically zero distortion,, moderate coma,, low astigmatism,, nice appearance...

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  the frame edge near the maximum relative aperture is noticeably worse than in the case of direct rivals,, too high vignetting on full frame,, manual focus ring could have been better.

This 100mm macro lens from Samyang is a very good lens indeed. It delivers sharp images, with low CA and distortion. Focusing is smooth and build quality is good also.

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  Very sharp from maximum aperture, Smooth manual focus action, Good build, Low CA, Low distortion

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  Lack of autofocus may be enough to put many off this lens, Priced higher than other alternatives that offer more features

IQ is fantastic. Images are sharp and crispy with plenty of contrast and color.Build quality is great. All mechanical parts have a good quality feel - focus ring is smooth and has the right amount of resistance and the aperture ring clicks nicely.

I had been looking for a "proper" macro lens for my Fuji set-up, coming from Nikon with 200mm Macro in the past. I have the 60mm Fuji Macro but find it difficult to use (auto-focus is slow and manual focus is a pain). I stumbled across this lens in a G+ post and bought one immediately.

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  Quick Focus, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

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  Not Coupled Aperture

You have to make changes to the camera settings in the menu so that exposure will occur without a lens attached. I felt that this is awkward and you have to remember to reset it for use with other lenses. I returned the lens.