New K-mount lens: Samyang 100mm F/2.8 Macro

Doundounba · 04-02-2015, 07:04 AM

It's not like k-mount users are lacking for circa 100mm 1:1 macro choices (especially if you include used options), but Samyang just announced a new 1:1, MF, 100mm F/2.8 macro lens and it will be available in k-mount (and many other mounts, notably Samsung NX and Fuji X, where long macro lenses have been lacking so far). If the price drops a little after launch (currently $549 on pre-order), this could become an interesting option for Pentax shooters, though at 710 grams, this lens is certainly not light. Color me interested...

Na Horuk · 04-02-2015, 07:08 AM

I wonder why Samyang decided to make this lens. There are so many other choices, Tamron 90mm, Sigma 105mm, Pentax DFA 100mm, as well as other brands. And they are all f2.8 and 1:1 macro. Just like that Samyang 50mm f1.4.. this is not that outstanding. Not as interesting as the 10mm, 14mm, 16mm.. even 24mm, 35mm and 85mm Samyang lenses.. simply because it won't be much of an improvement over the existing choices, but it will be MF (not a big deal for macro) and not that much cheaper. I'll wait for sample photos and tests

edri · 04-02-2015, 07:30 AM

Expensive. With the asking price of Samyang for me it seems wiser to buy Tamron 90mm macro or better Pentax 100mm macro WR for some extra money. But maybe it will have stellar performance and then who knows ....

quant2325 · 04-02-2015, 07:34 AM

I love my two Samyang/Bower/Rokinon/whatever lenses (and may purchase a third) but...is a 100mm really needed at that price? Now if the company produced a sharp and fast 400mm, I'd consider shelling out more $.

Last edited by quant2325; 04-02-2015 at 08:00 AM.

Doundounba · 04-02-2015, 07:36 AM

I think we should appreciate the fact that Samyang's default position when releasing a new lens is to support k-mount, even when that means releasing something into a crowd (100mm macro, 50mm F/1.4), as opposed to releasing it into a relatively empty space in the line-up (16mm F/2, 24mm F/1.4, 135mm F/2)... That being said, I agree that at $549, they're unlikely to sell a ton of them, unless the performance is stellar. Do Samyang lens prices typically drop a lot after launch?

MikePerham · 04-02-2015, 08:08 AM

I like my autofocus lenses. The only manual focus I would consider are the super wide (10mm) or a macro lens like this one. However, I have a good 105mm macro with auto focus, though I use manual on the lens a lot. I cogitated on whether to go with the Samyang 10mm or the Pentax 12-24 and decided on the later for the extra versatility, and the fact it took 77mm filters.

DeadJohn · 04-02-2015, 08:34 AM

Most Samyang lenses bring something unique to k-mount. I don't see that with this lens. It's just as expensive as the Pentax DFA 100 WR ($549 fulfilled by Amazon with USA warranty) unless Samyang prices drop quickly. The Pentax lens offers autofocus, weather resistance, smaller size, less weight. The Pentax 100 macro is ultrasharp with good color and contrast so I doubt Samyang will rival it for overall image quality, but we won't know until some comparisons get posted.

The new Samyang has more aperture blades for possibly better bokeh. You have to be really addicted to thin DOF to pick the Samyang for just that compared to all the other Pentax advantages. Extreme macro shooters might need the Samyang aperture ring.

Na Horuk · 04-02-2015, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by Doundounba

That being said, I agree that at $549, they're unlikely to sell a ton of them, unless the performance is stellar.

Even if it is, the Pentax DFA and Sigma 105mm and Tamron 90mm are all excellent lenses, flat field of focus, sharp, contrasty, with AF, and they don't cost much more (Tamron is most affordable, I think? But even Pentax is very fairly priced)

Originally posted by DeadJohn

The new Samyang has more aperture blades for possibly better bokeh. You have to be really addicted to thin DOF to pick the Samyang for just that compared to all the other Pentax advantages. Extreme macro shooters might need the Samyang aperture ring.

I think the latest Pentax DFA 100mm WR already has rounded aperture blades, no? And besides, with macro you always have very creamy bokeh - too much bokeh, in fact. The aperture ring is the only argument, especially if you use bellows or tubes, but Tamron and Sigma AF macros all have aperture rings. But it is an advantage over the Pentax. I still don't know why they didn't leave the aperture ring and focus limiter on the DFA. These are the only weaknesses of the DFA 100mm. Everything else is great, I enjoy mine a lot

**THoog** · 04-02-2015, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by Doundounba

Do Samyang lens prices typically drop a lot after launch?

Yes. I think I bought my 16mm and 10mm about year after launch for at least $200 below launch price.

Funny, when I went to see what else I could find about the lens, the Nikon crowd were saying the same sort of things, even to the point that Nikkor and Zeiss lenses in that length were "better", even though the Samyang only existed on paper at that point. To some extent, I think Samyang did a 100mm just to fill a traditional space between the 85mm and 135mm, but I think you nailed it w/ regards to NX- and X-mount (plus cine FF). Samyang is filling a void there, and it's just nice that they still believe in covering all the mounts. If they hadn't done a K-mount version because that focal length + mount is already well-covered, we'd be up in arms that they are ignoring us.

Ishpuini · 04-02-2015, 11:12 AM

One for a crowded field indeed. However, since AF is mostly useless for macro I do see the point for a purely manual focus lens. Samyang focus rings *are* much better for manual focus then any of the AF lenses already on the market. So why not a MF macro lens? Esp if it is for use on bellows or extension tubes.

Wim

Doundounba · 04-02-2015, 11:37 AM

Actually, I just realized that the Samyang has internal focusing, so the lens doesn't extend when at MFD. I think this confers to it a significant advantage in working distance at a claimed 12 inches (30cm), versus, for example, the D-FA 100mm with about 5 inches (13cm). This is a considerable advantage, as you're way less likely to scare away shy critters...

EDIT: Oops, actually, not. According to the specs, it's 30.7cm MFD. The lens is 12.2cm long and the k-mount registration distance is about 4.5cm, so working distance would be about 14cm, compared to 13cm for the D-FA 100mm. Hrmph.

Sagitta · 04-02-2015, 12:19 PM

I'm starting to wonder if Samyang is angling to jump into the DSLR market.with an actual camera.

Release all these (mostly) full frame lenses ahead of time, building up a strong set of primes, then release a camera which has all the lenses out there on the market already so people know what they'd be getting.

stevebrot · 04-02-2015, 01:24 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Na Horuk

...and Sigma AF macros all have aperture rings.

Ummmm...not in the current line-up* and FWIW, the Sigma 105 is not available in K-mount. Current macro lenses in K-mount are (I believe) limited to:

Pentax 35mm
Pentax 50mm (has aperture ring)
Sigma 70mm
Tamron 90mm (has aperture ring)
Pentax 100mm

With any luck, the Samyang price will fall. In which case it might be a nice option, particularly if the lens has the typical Samyang metal build. As for the value of AF, I guess it depends on choice of subject. I seldom use AF with my macro lens.

Steve

* No current model Sigma Macro has an aperture ring.

normhead · 04-02-2015, 01:29 PM

If they would have gone to 135mm, they would have my attention.

gorme · 04-02-2015, 01:42 PM

Well I am a bit disappointed with this new Samyang lens. Macro lenses from Tamron and Sigma seems already great and I don't see what is the extra value added by the Samyang lens that should make me turn from my sigma lenses (70mm f/2.8 macro and 105mm f/2.8 macro) to this new lens. Also Samyang was a cheap and good alternative to sigma lenses but it is turning more and more expensive...
Anyway, I wait for the reviews !

04-02-2015, 07:04 AM	#1
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	New K-mount lens: Samyang 100mm F/2.8 Macro It's not like k-mount users are lacking for circa 100mm 1:1 macro choices (especially if you include used options), but Samyang just announced a new 1:1, MF, 100mm F/2.8 macro lens and it will be available in k-mount (and many other mounts, notably Samsung NX and Fuji X, where long macro lenses have been lacking so far). If the price drops a little after launch (currently $549 on pre-order), this could become an interesting option for Pentax shooters, though at 710 grams, this lens is certainly not light. Color me interested...

04-02-2015, 11:37 AM	#11
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351 Original Poster	Actually, I just realized that the Samyang has internal focusing, so the lens doesn't extend when at MFD. I think this confers to it a significant advantage in working distance at a claimed 12 inches (30cm), versus, for example, the D-FA 100mm with about 5 inches (13cm). This is a considerable advantage, as you're way less likely to scare away shy critters... EDIT: Oops, actually, not. According to the specs, it's 30.7cm MFD. The lens is 12.2cm long and the k-mount registration distance is about 4.5cm, so working distance would be about 14cm, compared to 13cm for the D-FA 100mm. Hrmph. Last edited by Doundounba; 04-02-2015 at 11:50 AM.

04-02-2015, 01:24 PM - 1 Like	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Na Horuk ...and Sigma AF macros all have aperture rings. Ummmm...not in the current line-up* and FWIW, the Sigma 105 is not available in K-mount. Current macro lenses in K-mount are (I believe) limited to: Pentax 35mm Pentax 50mm (has aperture ring) Sigma 70mm Tamron 90mm (has aperture ring) Pentax 100mm With any luck, the Samyang price will fall. In which case it might be a nice option, particularly if the lens has the typical Samyang metal build. As for the value of AF, I guess it depends on choice of subject. I seldom use AF with my macro lens. Steve * No current model Sigma Macro has an aperture ring. Last edited by stevebrot; 04-02-2015 at 01:41 PM.

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04-02-2015, 07:08 AM	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I wonder why Samyang decided to make this lens. There are so many other choices, Tamron 90mm, Sigma 105mm, Pentax DFA 100mm, as well as other brands. And they are all f2.8 and 1:1 macro. Just like that Samyang 50mm f1.4.. this is not that outstanding. Not as interesting as the 10mm, 14mm, 16mm.. even 24mm, 35mm and 85mm Samyang lenses.. simply because it won't be much of an improvement over the existing choices, but it will be MF (not a big deal for macro) and not that much cheaper. I'll wait for sample photos and tests

04-02-2015, 07:30 AM	#3
edri Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: walking in the air Posts: 1,315	Expensive. With the asking price of Samyang for me it seems wiser to buy Tamron 90mm macro or better Pentax 100mm macro WR for some extra money. But maybe it will have stellar performance and then who knows ....

04-02-2015, 07:34 AM	#4
quant2325 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 205	I love my two Samyang/Bower/Rokinon/whatever lenses (and may purchase a third) but...is a 100mm really needed at that price? Now if the company produced a sharp and fast 400mm, I'd consider shelling out more $. Last edited by quant2325; 04-02-2015 at 08:00 AM.

04-02-2015, 07:36 AM	#5
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351 Original Poster	I think we should appreciate the fact that Samyang's default position when releasing a new lens is to support k-mount, even when that means releasing something into a crowd (100mm macro, 50mm F/1.4), as opposed to releasing it into a relatively empty space in the line-up (16mm F/2, 24mm F/1.4, 135mm F/2)... That being said, I agree that at $549, they're unlikely to sell a ton of them, unless the performance is stellar. Do Samyang lens prices typically drop a lot after launch?

04-02-2015, 08:08 AM	#6
MikePerham Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Prince George, BC Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 642	I like my autofocus lenses. The only manual focus I would consider are the super wide (10mm) or a macro lens like this one. However, I have a good 105mm macro with auto focus, though I use manual on the lens a lot. I cogitated on whether to go with the Samyang 10mm or the Pentax 12-24 and decided on the later for the extra versatility, and the fact it took 77mm filters.

04-02-2015, 08:34 AM	#7
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	Most Samyang lenses bring something unique to k-mount. I don't see that with this lens. It's just as expensive as the Pentax DFA 100 WR ($549 fulfilled by Amazon with USA warranty) unless Samyang prices drop quickly. The Pentax lens offers autofocus, weather resistance, smaller size, less weight. The Pentax 100 macro is ultrasharp with good color and contrast so I doubt Samyang will rival it for overall image quality, but we won't know until some comparisons get posted. The new Samyang has more aperture blades for possibly better bokeh. You have to be really addicted to thin DOF to pick the Samyang for just that compared to all the other Pentax advantages. Extreme macro shooters might need the Samyang aperture ring.

04-02-2015, 08:58 AM	#8
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by Doundounba That being said, I agree that at $549, they're unlikely to sell a ton of them, unless the performance is stellar. Even if it is, the Pentax DFA and Sigma 105mm and Tamron 90mm are all excellent lenses, flat field of focus, sharp, contrasty, with AF, and they don't cost much more (Tamron is most affordable, I think? But even Pentax is very fairly priced) Originally posted by DeadJohn The new Samyang has more aperture blades for possibly better bokeh. You have to be really addicted to thin DOF to pick the Samyang for just that compared to all the other Pentax advantages. Extreme macro shooters might need the Samyang aperture ring. I think the latest Pentax DFA 100mm WR already has rounded aperture blades, no? And besides, with macro you always have very creamy bokeh - too much bokeh, in fact. The aperture ring is the only argument, especially if you use bellows or tubes, but Tamron and Sigma AF macros all have aperture rings. But it is an advantage over the Pentax. I still don't know why they didn't leave the aperture ring and focus limiter on the DFA. These are the only weaknesses of the DFA 100mm. Everything else is great, I enjoy mine a lot

04-02-2015, 09:26 AM	#9
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Originally posted by Doundounba Do Samyang lens prices typically drop a lot after launch? Yes. I think I bought my 16mm and 10mm about year after launch for at least $200 below launch price. Funny, when I went to see what else I could find about the lens, the Nikon crowd were saying the same sort of things, even to the point that Nikkor and Zeiss lenses in that length were "better", even though the Samyang only existed on paper at that point. To some extent, I think Samyang did a 100mm just to fill a traditional space between the 85mm and 135mm, but I think you nailed it w/ regards to NX- and X-mount (plus cine FF). Samyang is filling a void there, and it's just nice that they still believe in covering all the mounts. If they hadn't done a K-mount version because that focal length + mount is already well-covered, we'd be up in arms that they are ignoring us.

04-02-2015, 11:12 AM	#10
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	One for a crowded field indeed. However, since AF is mostly useless for macro I do see the point for a purely manual focus lens. Samyang focus rings are much better for manual focus then any of the AF lenses already on the market. So why not a MF macro lens? Esp if it is for use on bellows or extension tubes. Wim

04-02-2015, 12:19 PM	#12
Sagitta Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,081	I'm starting to wonder if Samyang is angling to jump into the DSLR market.with an actual camera. Release all these (mostly) full frame lenses ahead of time, building up a strong set of primes, then release a camera which has all the lenses out there on the market already so people know what they'd be getting.

04-02-2015, 01:29 PM	#14
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	If they would have gone to 135mm, they would have my attention.

04-02-2015, 01:42 PM	#15
gorme Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Galway - Ireland Posts: 213	Well I am a bit disappointed with this new Samyang lens. Macro lenses from Tamron and Sigma seems already great and I don't see what is the extra value added by the Samyang lens that should make me turn from my sigma lenses (70mm f/2.8 macro and 105mm f/2.8 macro) to this new lens. Also Samyang was a cheap and good alternative to sigma lenses but it is turning more and more expensive... Anyway, I wait for the reviews !