EUR463,99
Samyang RS AF 21mm F3.5 I 28mm F3.5 I 32mm F2.8 Sony E-mount
Samyang Remaster Slim review: a lens that fits in your pocket
Instead of taking several lenses with you, Samyang’s says all you need is a single housing with three small lens inserts. Sounds like compact flexibility – but how good is the system in practice?
With the Remaster Slim, Korean lens manufacturer Samyang is trying something new: a housing with an E-mount connection accommodating either a 21 mm f3.5, 28 mm f3.5 or 32 mm f2.8 lens unit. Thanks to their compact size, any modules you’re not using can easily be stowed away in a jacket or trouser pocket. This way you always have the right focal length to hand when you’re out and about, without having to carry a lot of weight.
One module weighs between eight and twelve grammes, the housing and module together only 66 to 70 grammes. At just under 20 millimetres, the lens is so flat it barely protrudes beyond the battery grip of my Sony A7C II. What’s that saying again? The best camera is the one you have with you – and thanks to its compact dimensions, I had my camera with me much more often during this test than if I’d had to carry my larger lenses with me.
The lenses, mostly made of plastic, make a solid, if not high-quality impression. When changing the modules, I notice I have to apply significantly more force to one of the three elements than to the others. I’m guessing the plastic deformed slightly on that one.
Pretty decent photos
The Samyang Remaster Slim delivers good results for snapshots, landscape pics or your next city trip – especially for a comparatively low price of 370 francs or 399 euros.
For a large print, it’s better to use a different lens. The Remaster Slim shows weaknesses when enlarged, with a noticeable reduction in sharpness, especially at the edges. You also have to put up with slight vignetting in the corners.
But during everyday use, neither the vignetting nor the slightly poorer sharpness are really noticeable. The autofocus works reliably, but doesn’t match the speed of expensive lenses. Despite the small form factor, Samyang has also integrated a focus ring and an AF/MF switch. The main module also has a USB-C input that can be used to update the lens with a computer and the Samyang Lens Manager.
In a nutshell
Innovative concept with slight weaknesses in its look
The Samyang Remaster Slim system has won me over: it’s light, flexible and perfect for travelling. I'll definitely be bringing these lenses with me on future tours, that's for sure. Since the lens is small and light, any points of criticism hardly carry any weight to me. I’m happy to accept the slight vignetting, reduced sharpness and a less than perfect finish.
Are 370 francs too expensive for you, but you still want a pancake-format lens? Viltrox has a similar product on offer. For around 120 francs, you get a 28 mm f4.5 lens – just without an MF/AF switch and with a fixed aperture.
Pro
- Modular
- Lightweight
- Small
- Comparatively inexpensive
- Perfect for on-the-go use
Contra
- Finish leaves a lot to be desired
- Vignetting
- Suboptimal sharpness
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Manuel Wenk
Communications Manager
Manuel.Wenk@digitecgalaxus.chAs a Multimedia Producer, preparing multimedia content and knowing about cutting-edge technology is my business. My main focus at digitec is producing videos. I can’t wait to try out new products such as cameras, drones or smartphones as soon as they’re launched. This is where being at the source comes in rather handy. When I’m not working, I’m probably skiing, biking or hiking – the mountains are my place to be.
