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Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 Lens Review | SmartPHOTOeditors
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Samyang XP 50mm
f/1.2 Lens Review

Technical Specifications

Full model name:

Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2

Aperture:

F/1.2-f/16

Blades:

9

Elements:

11 elements in 8 groups with ultra multicoating

Minimum Focusing distance:

1.48ft

Magnification ratio:

0.17x

Filter thread:

86mm

Angle of View:

46.6°

Dimensions:

3.66x4.62”
(92 x 117.4mm)

Weight:

1200g/2.65lb

Availability:

03/18/18

Manufacturer:

Samyang/Rokinon

Full specs:

Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2

About Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 Lens

Also known as the Rokinon SP 50mm. This is the newest addition to the premium XP line of lenses after the XP 14mm f/2.4 and the XP 85mm f/1.2. The XP or “Xpert” line is intended for high-end professional photographers and offers an alternative third-party choice to rival that of Tamron or Sigma. It's optimized for portraits and captures a delicate range and depth. It will be released in the US in April 2018 while it's already available in Asia as of March. The price range is between $999-1170. The lens is adjusted only by the camera body and has a built-in chip to confirm the focus and EXIF before sharpening onto whichever aperture is chosen. While this isn't traditional autofocus, it's a hybrid that doesn't require the additional motor weight (a good thing considering the already hefty size).

Features – Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2

  • Full frame/35mm
  • 50mm focal length prime
  • f/1.2-f/16 aperture range
  • 11 elements divided into eight groups
  • Aspherical and refractive elements
  • Aluminum-alloy housing
  • Rear contacts for relaying Exit data and control settings in-body
  • Canon EF mount

What’s New

  • Capable of shooting 8k video and up to 50 MPX photos
  • Ultra Multi Coating to prevent ghosting and flare.
  • Compatibility with EF Cinema and EF lances
  • The super wide f/1.2 over the more common f/1.4 aperture
  • In-camera aperture adjustment

Who Should Buy

The Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 is designed for professional photographers who want to capture a small depth of field with a nice bokeh blur. The lens is also capable of capturing starbursts and out of focus effects with a rounded shape thanks to the 9 blades. It's intended for portrait photographers and professional videographers looking for a prime lens that can be used within a close range. It's also ideal for low light imagery thanks to the wide f/1.2 aperture. It's only being released for the Canon EF mount at the moment, but it may be released for other mounts later. This is designed for people who want a really low aperture and want to be able to say they have it over the actual functionality of the lens, especially when comparing it to the similar Sigma Art model. This is also a manual lens, so it's only good for photographers who are comfortable shooting in manual or who have a Canon body which has a built-in motor to focus the lens.

How to Use – Get, Set, and Click

  • 1Line up the white dot on the lens with the white dot on your camera body and fit it in
  • 2Rotate the lens until it clicks into place.


  • 3Adjust the settings in camera as desired.


  • 4Focus the lens. You may need to do this manually depending on your body as this does not have autofocus.
  • 5Press the shutter button.

Must-Have Accessories -
Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2

86mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
86mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
  • The circular polarizing glass filter
  • 86mm threads
  • Used for making skies bluer and reducing glare
  • Mostly used by landscape and product photographers
  • $6-200
Lens Hood ET-88
Lens Hood ET-88
  • Single depth Lens hood
  • 86mm thread
  • Used to avoid sun glare, bright light glare, and flares
  • Used by outdoor photographers for landscape and portraits facing bright light.
  • $40-90
Lens Hood ET-86
Lens Hood ET-86
  • Tulip style Lens hood
  • 86mm thread
  • Used to avoid sun glare, bright light glare, and flares
  • Used by outdoor photographers for portraits and landscapes
  • $50-90

Similar Products to Watch Out For

  • XP 50mm f/1.2
    Canon EF 50 mm
  • Rokinon-85mm
    Rokinon 85mm
  • Rokinon-AF-35mm
    Rokinon AF 35mm
  • Voigtlander-M-50mm A7 III
    Voigtlander M 50mm

Final Thoughts

Score 4.4Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2
Samyang

GOOD STUFF

  • Close minimum focusing distance of only 1.48 ft.
  • Minimum aperture of f/1.2
  • Ultra Multi-coating on elements
  • In-camera adjustment

BAD AT

  • Longer focal lengths
  • Soft at narrower apertures
  • Glass quality is not as good as Canon own brand
  • HEAVY
  • No autofocus
  • Canon EF mount only compatibility