Samyang V-AF 20mm T1.9 and 1.7x Anamorphic Adapter Released – Lens Set Now Completed

Lens News

by Jeff Loch12 days ago

Samyang has just released the 6th and final V-AF series prime lens for Sony E-Mount cameras: the V-AF 20mm T1.9. This 20mm lens has the same length, size, and maximum aperture of T1.9 as its counterparts – except the 100mm T2.3 – and is compatible with the optional front-mounted Samyang accessories. A new anamorphic lens adapter has also been introduced. So, let’s take a closer look at it!

The Samyang V-AF lineup of lenses was introduced in October 2022. My colleague Nino reviewed the 24, 35, and 75mm T1.9 if you want to learn more about these compact and lightweight Sony E-Mount lenses that cover Full-Frame image sensors.

The particularity of the V-AF lenses is that they have an electronic connector at the front of the lens barrel. This electronic connector lets you attach optional accessories in front of the lenses. The first accessory released was the manual focus adapter last year. Furthermore, Samyang released the V-AF 100mm T2.3 prime lens earlier this year, which was not initially scheduled in the roadmap. After the 24, 35, 45, and 75mm, the initial 5-lens set is complete with the release of the Samyang V-AF 20mm T1.9.

Samyang V-AF 20mm T1.9 – features

In a nutshell, this new Samyang V-AF 20mm T1.9 has everything in common with the 24/35/45/75mm lenses, including:

• The same size and weight: 280g/0.6lbs and a length of 7.2cm/2.83in.
• The front filter diameter is 58mm, and they have nine aperture blades.
• All Samyang V-AF lenses are available only in Sony E-Mount. They are autofocus lenses, but the focus ring rotates 300° and has industry-standard 0.8mod focus gears.

• All lenses cover Full-Frame image sensors with a 43.3mm image circle.
• The lenses are weather-sealed, feature a tally lamp at the front of the lens, and, as previously mentioned, have an electronic connector at the front to attach optional accessories.
• Last, all Samyang V-AF lenses feature a focus hold button and a custom mode switch.

This new wide-angle Samyang V-AF 20mm T1.9 will be an excellent addition to the set for gimbal shoots.

Samyang V-AF 1.7x Anamorphic MF adapter

Samyang also released a new accessory for their V-AF lenses: a 1.7x anamorphic MF adapter. According to Samyang, it is compatible with the 24, 35, 45, 75 and 100mm lenses. However, when used with the V-AF 24mm, it only covers APS-C/Super35 image sensors.

As its name suggests, this adapter gives you a 1.7x squeeze ratio. Similar to most anamorphic front filter adapters, you’ll need to set your lens focus to infinity and then just focus with the adapter. Also, Samyang mentions that the adapter “adds an oval bokeh to the image with amber flare effects instead of the usual blue for a more natural look.”

The adapter features a focus ring with 0.8mod pitch gears, making it easy to use with a follow-focus. Similar to the V-AF lenses, it also features a built-in tally lamp at the front of the lens.

Last but not least, Samyang mentions that the 1.7x anamorphic MF adapter has a “Soft Focus Mode that produces an image with an even softer focus for more creative looks”. I could not find more information about this mode or confirm how it works.

Price and availability

The Samyang V-AF 20mm T1.9 and the 1.7x anamorphic MF adapter will start shipping this month. The V-AF 20mm T1.9 retails for €629, and the anamorphic MF adapter is €1,009.

For more information, please visit Samyang’s website here.

What do you think about this new wide-angle prime lens? Have you already shot with Samyang V-AF lenses? Would the anamorphic adapter be a handy addition to your kit? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!