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Samsung 45mm F1.8 (2D) Quick Review

Introduction

In this review I would like to share my experiences with the Samsung 45mm F1.8 lens. It can be bought for a recommended price of 299€. The lens is quite small (4.5cm depth, 43mm filter thread) and lightweight (only 115g). Optical image stabilisation (OIS) is not integrated. iFn is supported and a dedicated switch for AF/MF is present. The lens is also available as 3D lens which can be used to take 3D images as well. When using the 2D mode both lenses are mostly the same. You can find the most important aspects of this lenses specification in the NX lens overview or in the official technical specifications.

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Samsung NX1 Review

Introduction

When Samsung announced their top-end camera NX1 in September 2014 it gained much attention, much more than the other cameras and lenses before. Samsung took all their knowledge and implemented some unique features into this new body:

  • First 28-Megapixel back-side illuminated APS-C sensor with improved dynamic range and high ISO capabilities
  • 15 frames per second maximum shooting speed at full resolution with continuous AF
  • 4K video recording and storage using the H.265 codec

I got this camera (and the Samsung 16-50mm F2-2.8 S lens) for a month and used it in varying scenarios to evaluate the new capabilities. I’ll focus on the photography related functions and compare it with my Samsung NX30 and Phillip Reeve’s Sony A7.

Samsung NX1 with 16-50mm F2-2.8 S

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Samsung 16-50mm F2-2.8 S Review

Introduction

In this review I would like to share my experiences with the Samsung 16-50mm F2-2.8 S ED OIS. It’s the first ‘S’ lens, which is Samsungs brand for premium lenses, like Canon has their ‘L’ lenses. The lens can be bought as a bundle with the NX1 and is also sold separately for a recommended price of 1299€. I will check whether this lens is worth the money.  Compared to the Samsung 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 PZ kit lens it is about three times the size (= 9,7 cm depth) and about six times the weight (= 622 g). The lens provides image stabilisation (OIS) and has a dedicated switch for that. Additionally it has an AF/MF switch and the i-Function button. The filter thread has a diameter of 72mm, which is the same compared to the Samsung 50-150mm F2.8 S. It is declared to be dust and weather resistant, like all S lenses. You can find the most important aspects of this lenses specification in the NX lens overview or in the official technical specifications.

Samsung NX1 with 16-50mm F2-2.8 S

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Samsung 16mm F2.4 Review

Introduction

In this review I would like to share my experiences with the Samsung 16mm F2.4 Pancake lens. The lens can be bought for a recommended price of 349€. As it’s a pancake lens it’s really small (2,4cm depth, 43mm filter thread) and lightweight (only 75g). Optical image stabilisation (OIS) is not integrated. The lens is available in black, white and pink (sic!). You can find the most important aspects of this lenses specification in the NX lens overview or in the official technical specifications.

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Samsung 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 II Review

Introduction

In this review I would like to share my experiences with the Samsung 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 ED II. It was mostly sold as kit lens combined with the entry/midrange level cameras and is known to deliver an higher-than average image quality for this type of lens. I will check whether this lens really lives up to one’s reputation. The lens is also sold separately for a recommended price of 269€. In collapsed mode it is about one cm larger than the Samsung 16-50mm PZ and two and a half cm smaller than the Samsung 18-55mm. It is nearly as lightweight as the Samsung 16-50mm PZ. The lens doesn’t provide any image stabilisation (OIS). The filter thread has a diameter of 40.5mm, which is quite odd. You can find the most important aspects of this lenses specification in the NX lens overview or in the official technical specifications.

Samsung20-50mm-web

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