The Samyang V-AF Cine Primes are being touted as the world’s first AF cine lenses. Calling these cine primes, at least in my opinion, is a bit of a stretch, especially considering they don’t even have a manual aperture or any focus or aperture markings.
The new range consists of the following focal lengths and they are only available in Sony E-mount:
- 20mm T1.9
- 24mm T1.9
- 35mm T1.9
- 45mm T1.9
- 75mm T1.9
The V-AF range was created for video creators, ranging from single-person operators and small productions up to larger productions and established cinematographers. The whole concept was to design a cine lens with AF capabilities. This is useful when working with cameras mounted on gimbals and drones etc.
The lenses cover a 43.3mm image circle so they can be used on full-frame sensors. The lenses only feature a 70mm front diameter which means you would have to use adapter rings if you wanted to run a matte box.
The optical design of the lenses is based on still lens designs. The optics have not been made specifically for a cine lens.
Standby Mode 
Recording
There is a Tally Lamp that displays the filming status with an LED light so you can tell if the camera is recording or not. The focus ring has been redesigned to allow a follow focus to be used without the need for additional accessories. There is also a custom switch and a focus button.
Samyang states that the lenses have a linear MF mode that offers up to 300 degrees of rotation. It will be interesting to see how this works as most AF lenses with MF capabilities leave a lot to be desired.
The lens series features a compact and lightweight design, and Samyang has said that they were designed that way so that they could be optimized for working on cameras mounted to gimbals and drones. The lenses are 72.1 mm long and they weigh 280g. The reason they only weigh 280g is that most of the lens housing is made out of plastic. They only metal is on the front of the barrel.
Samyang claims that the lenses have been designed for high-resolution capture and that they offer a fast aperture and precise bokeh. They are also claimed to feature a unified color tone.
What is interesting is that the V-AF range have an electronic connector on the front of the lens which will enable communication between the V-AF lens and its exclusive accessories that haven’t been announced yet. Just what these accessories could be is still a mystery.
Full Specifications
Price & Availability
I don’t currently have any pricing on the new lenses, but here is when they are scheduled to become available:
- 20mm T1.9 Q4 2023
- 24mm T1.9 Q4 2022
- 35mm T1.9 Q4 2022
- 45mm T1.9 Q2 2023
- 75mm T1.9 Q3 2022
Thoughts
While these look interesting and I am intrigued by the electronic connector on the front of the lens, calling these cine primes is a big stretch. Just because you call a cine lens a cine lens doesn’t mean it is. However, I am happy to be proven wrong and it is always good to see more options coming to market with different features and functionality.
