Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$550
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds
  • Maximum focal length: 135 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.2
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 18.8 °

Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.0

Technical Score

20.0%

7.3

User score

Very good
7.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.2

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.8

Build & Handling

20.0%

6.1

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Very good
7.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

3.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(45)
amazon
3.5
(4)
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(4)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(4)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.9

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 4.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.1

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.2

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2.2 MK2 is a manual focus telephoto cine prime designed for full-frame sensors, featuring an optical construction of 11 elements in 7 groups with Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. Key characteristics include a fast T2.2 maximum aperture, a 9-blade rounded iris for smooth bokeh, and a robust aluminum housing with weather sealing. Main pros include its exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, unified 0.8 MOD gear positions for follow-focus compatibility, and dual-side focus and aperture scales for improved visibility. However, potential cons include its lack of electronic communication for EXIF data, the inherent challenge of manual focusing at a long 135mm focal length, and a relatively bulky design that can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies.

Technical Specifications of Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.2

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.8

Build & Handling

20.0%

6.1

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

7.0
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a technical score of 6.99 points, which is lower than 57.7% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

3.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(45)
amazon
3.5
(4)
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(4)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(4)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.3
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a user score of 7.28 points, which is lower than 80.9% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
3.9
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a popularity of 3.9 points, which is lower than 66.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

7.5
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 58% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto prime
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

77 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

135 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

135 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

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Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

18.8 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

18.8 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.8 m
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 focuses as close as 0.8 m, which is farther than 78.8% of camera lenses and equal to 2.2% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.27x
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.27x, which is higher than 76.9% of camera lenses and equal to 1.8% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

no
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

866.4 g
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 weighs 866.4 g, which is heavier than 76.7% of camera lenses.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

122.1 mm
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is 122.1 mm long, which is longer than 75.7% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.3% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

84 mm
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a diameter of 84 mm, which is wider than 69.4% of camera lenses and equal to that of 2.5% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

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DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 vs the average camera lens

  • Has aperture ring
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    De-clicked aperture ring.
    What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
    When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    De-clickable aperture ring.
    What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
    When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
  • 0.6 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.2.2 vs 2.8
  • Has focus distance scale
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Newer release date
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    October 2021
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.2021 vs 2016
  • 0.08 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
    When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.27 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.6 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • Has aperture ring
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.08 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Newer release date
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 0.5 m longer minimum focus distance
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 341 g heavier
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is heavier than the average camera lens (866.4 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 30.1 mm longer lens
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is longer than the average camera lens (122.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 7 mm wider lens barrel
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
    What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
    When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

    Importance: HIGH

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 341 g heavier
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is heavier than the average camera lens (866.4 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
    When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

    Importance: HIGH

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is heavier than the average camera lens (866.4 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.866.4 g vs 525.4 g
  • 30.1 mm longer lens
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is longer than the average camera lens (122.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is longer than the average camera lens (122.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.122.1 mm vs 92 mm
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
  • 0.5 m longer minimum focus distance
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.8 m vs 0.3 m
  • 7 mm wider lens barrel
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.84 mm vs 77 mm
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2

Graphic comparison of Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2?

  • Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness even at wide apertures
  • Virtually zero lens distortion
  • Weather-sealed robust construction for outdoor use
  • Unified gear positions for seamless transitions between VDSLR MK2 series lenses
  • Smooth de-clicked aperture ring ideal for video iris pulls
  • Dual-sided focus and aperture scales for focus pullers
  • Excellent value compared to premium alternatives

What customers dislike about Samyang VDSLR 135mm T2 2 MK2?

  • Large and heavy design makes handheld use difficult
  • Manual focus only, which may be a drawback for certain shooting styles
  • Noticeable focus breathing during close-up work
  • Susceptible to ghosting and significant contrast loss when shooting against the sun
  • Light fall-off (vignetting) present at the widest T2.2 aperture
  • Focus ring can sometimes have a 'grinding' feel

Video reviews

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