Samyang Manual Focus Adapter for V-AF T1.9 Sony E-Mount Lenses Released

Lens News

by Jeff LochMarch 9^th, 2023

Samyang has just released its first accessory for the V-AF T1.9 Sony E-Mount hybrid cinema lenses: a manual focus adapter. This adapter converts the hybrid lenses into “proper” cinema lenses thanks to a new focus ring with hard stops and markings. Also, the outside diameter of the manual focus adapter is now cinema-standard at 95mm. Let’s take a closer look at it!

The first three lenses of the Samyang V-AF T1.9 lineup launched in October 2022. In a nutshell, these are compact and lightweight lenses for Sony E-Mount cameras. They cover full-frame image sensors, all feature a built-in tally light, and are affordable at around $649/€500 per lens. You can watch our in-depth review of the Samyang V-AF 24/35/75mm T1.9 lenses in case you missed it.

So why do I call the Samyang V-AF hybrid lenses? First, all lenses’ focus rings rotate 300° and feature industry-standard 0.8mod focus gears, but with no hard stop. Next, the outside diameter is 70mm across the lineup, which is not standard. And lastly, there is an accessory mount with electronic pins at the front of each lens. All of these features are pretty unusual.

At launch, no accessory for the electronic mount was announced by Samyang, which was a bit unusual. It took the company a couple of months to finally reveal the first accessory for its V-AF lenses: a manual focus adapter.

Samyang Manual Focus Adapter for V-AF T1.9 lenses

The Samyang Manual Focus Adapter is an accessory that attaches to the front of any V-AF T1.9 lens with a front bayonet mount. You only have to buy the adapter once and you can use it with any of the lenses. Each lens will electronically “recognize” the adapter and adapt to it independently.

The adapter weighs only 150g/0.33lbs so it won’t add much stress to your Sony E-Mount. Furthermore, when the adapter is attached, the original manual focus ring of the lens can function as an aperture ring, which is very smart!

You’ll find a dual scale on the focus adapter with both feet and meter markings. The focus throw is quite long with a 300° rotation. The focus ring features an industry standard 0.8 mod so you can use it with any follow focus.

Another nice thing is that the Samyang manual focus adapter features a 95mm outside diameter, an industry standard that makes attaching a clamp-on matte box a breeze.

Last but not least, a front tally lamp is built in on the adapter.

Price and availability

The new Samyang Manual Focus Adapter will start shipping this month for €539.

I find this price a bit high since it is nearly as expensive as the 35mm or 75mm lenses themselves.

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

What do you think about this first accessory for the Samyang V-AF lenses? What accessories would you like to see next? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!