Samyang Announces AF 50mm F1.4 FE II Lens

Samyang also known as Rokinon in the US, has announced a Mark II version of their AF 50mm F1.4 FE lens which shaves off 165g in weight from the original lens.

The AF 50mm F1.4 FE II lens is constructed of 11 elements in eight groups, including three high-refractive index elements, two ‘ultra-precision’ aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element.

There’s a nine blade aperture and a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (1.31ft). The aperture range is from f/1.4 to f/16 and there’s a 72mm front filter thread.

This short promotional video from Samyang introduces the lens.

The lens features an updated metal construction and is also weather-sealed. The focus ring can also double as a clickless aperture ring by changing the ‘Custom’ switch on the side of the lens.

There’s now also a customizable ‘Focus Hold’ button for locking focus on a subject, but this can be changed to other settings such as Eye AF.

A Linear Stepping Motor (STM) drives the autofocus and according to Samyang there is minimal focus breathing. The lens measures 80mm (3.15”) in diameter, 90mm (3.5”) long and weighs 420g (14.8oz).

The lens costs $749 which is just $50 more than the Mark I and shipping should start in December 2021.

There aren’t too many reviews of this lens out right now, but here’s one from Magnus Winbjörk:

Key Specifications

Model Name	AF 50mm F1.4 FE Series II
Aperture Range	F1.4 ~ 16
Lens Optical Construction	11 Elements in 8 Groups
Special Elements	2 ASP, 3 HR, 1 ED
Coating	UMC
Minimum Focusing Distance	0.4m (1.31ft)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	x 0.16
Filter Size	Φ72mm
Number of Blades	9
Hood	Removable Petal Shaped
Mount	Sony E
Angle of View Full-Frame	45.7˚
Angle of View APS-C	31.1˚
Maximum Diameter	Φ80.1mm (3.15″)
Custom Switch	Yes
Focus Hold Button	Yes
AF Motor	Linear STM
Length	88.9mm (3.5″)
Weight	420g (14.81 oz)

Head over to Samyangs website for further details about the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE II lens.