Lens manufacturer Samyang has recently issued a couple of firmware updates for some of its Sony FE photographic lenses. The firmware updates should improve autofocus stability and performance for these lenses: 18mm f/2.8 FE, 24mm f/2.8 FE, 35mm f/2.8 and 45mm f/1.8.
AF 18mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E
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Other members of that FE family are not currently receiving updated firmware, but still, this could be beneficial if you own one of the lenses mentioned above.
In order to apply these updates, you will need a so-called Samyang Lens Station, as the lenses themselves do not have ports to which a computer can be connected. Here is a video that explains the process in detail:
The process of updating may be a bit tedious, but it’s still nice that you can update the firmware at all!
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Samyang firmware updates for Sony FE lenses
Samyang lists firmware updates for all four lenses above, but not every lens benefits from the same amount of improvements, so here’s a list with all the details:
- 18mm f/2.8 (article here): Firmware version 3 – improved AF performance
- 24mm f/2.8 (article here): Firmware version 6 – improved AF performance and better face detection in video mode
- 35mm f/2.8 (article here): Firmware version 6 – improved AF performance and better face detection in video mode
- 45mm f/1.8 (article here): Firmware version 4 – improved AF performance and better face detection in video mode
The only lens here that lacks improved face detection in video mode is the 18mm f/2.8. The others seem to have improved a bit in this regard. In any case, this firmware update should be a no-brainer if you own one of these lenses, really. The only caveat is that you’ll need one of these Samyang lens stations to be able to apply the updated firmware.
Thoughts
While these lenses aren’t dedicated cine versions, they still seem like a good choice for the budget-minded filmmaker, as Samyang seems to specifically cater to things like face detection in video mode.
I’m curious if Samyang will release firmware updates for other lenses in the same lineup over time, or if these select lenses just suffered from some AF issues that are now fixed.
The firmware update can be downloaded free of charge via the link below!
Link: Samyang
What do you think? Is this lineup of FE lenses something you would consider for your kit? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
