Samsung is better known as a phone brand, but the company has created some exceptional cameras and lenses before 2020. While they have left the scene today, it only makes us realise that having them back in the industry will be fun. Why? because Samsung was able to deliver performance that is fresh and powerful, something that the photo market is severely missing. So, we bring to you a few lenses that were our favourites, and should make a comeback.
Samsung 16-50mm f2-2.8
The Samsung 16-50mm offers a focal range equivalent to 24.6-77mm. The lens is designed using 18 elements in 12 groups, has 9 aperture blades, and a maximum reproduction f 1:5. It also has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, a magnification of 0.19x, and image stabilisation. Its pros include weather sealing, very sharp image quality, and good bokeh. It controls distortion well, and the autofocus is quite speedy. As we said in our review, “This lens is one of the best street photography lenses that we’ve ever tested, and the sharpness is only one factor that makes us believe this fact. When coupled with the fast focusing from Samsung’s cameras, you’ll achieve some tack sharp and crystal clear moments.”
Samsung 50-150mm f2.8 OIS
A telephoto zoom, the Samsung 50-150mm offers a 77-231mm focal range on NX APS-C cameras. The model has image stabilization, autofocus, and a close focusing distance of 2.3 inches. Deigne with 20 elements in 13 groups, it weighs 0.93kg, and measures 3.19 x 6.06 inches. The tripod collar can’t be removed, but it was built really well, and can withstand challenging conditions thanks to its weather sealing.. A lens of this nature can be used by wildlife photographers as well as portrait photographers. It is super sharp, offers beautiful bokeh, and the placement of buttons is just as amazing. It won our Editor’s Choice Award, and we also said, “Samsung has delivered to us an exemplary lens that offers some of the highest image quality that we’ve seen from a mirrorless camera offering. Hands down, it has the best color of any telephoto zoom lens designed for a MILC that we’ve seen.”
Samsung 85mm f1.4
The Samsung 85mm is a portrait lens with 10 elements in 8 groups, a 79mm diameter, and a 67mm filter thread. It has 0.13x magnification and a close focusing distance of 0.82m. The 85mm offers superb sharpness at a wide open aperture, minimal distortion, and is quite lightweight. It is built well, has fast autofocus, and has excellent color rendition. The colors are punchy and vibrant as well. As we said in our review, “There is very little that we had to complain about with this lens. In fact, when it comes to pure image quality, we haven’t a single thing. Samsung has created something near to being a perfect lens for portraiture if you want something on the longer end for a mirrorless camera system.”
