Preorders: Tamron 50-40mm FE at BHphoto, Adorama. in EU at Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Dpreview tested the new Tamron lens and they really liked it:

Tokina 11-18mm lens is at BHphoto. Adorama.

Christopher reviewed the brand new Tokina zoom lens:

The lens is available at BHphoto and Adorama.

SonyAlphaBlog’s conclusion is:

Although it provides very good results globally the Tokina is a MF lens that is a bit overpriced vs the Viltrox and Sigma that are also very good and have AF while being smaller and lighter

Topaz announced the brand new Photo AI APP (Click here to read all details). Use the coupon code “GETPHOTOAI” to save 15% on your order! The deal runs until the 7th of October only.

Lenstip reviewed both lenses and came to the following surprising conclusion:

The summary of this test should consist of superlatives only. Let’s face it, Samyang offers you an excellent lens. It’s a device that is able to rival on equal terms with the Sony model and, additionally, in many categories it prevails. Mind you, its price is two times lower than the price of the Sony. You have to admit in such a situation it would be difficult not to recommend the new Samyang.

Samyang 135mm f/1.8 at Bhphoto, Amazon US/EU, Adorama.

The new Samyang at BHphoto.

SonyAlphaBlog tested the new updated Samyang lens and concluded:

The Samyang 85mm F1.4 AF II (800 euros) is overall a very good lens and will give very good results for portraits : very good to excellent sharpness, very smooth background blur, very good AF in most situations, good ergonomics with a focusing ring than can be set to an aperture ring.

Versus the V1 , it had mainly the mode button that allow to turn the Focus ring into an aperture ring, but surprisingly the sharpness was a little bit less good (certainly due to variation of the quality from one sample to another one) which is a pity

The main competitor is the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art (1099 euros) which is a superlative lens in all domains: optical performances, artistic rendering , AF performance, ergonomics , build quality but also size and weight and price. Considering the price difference between the Sigma and the new Samyang , I would prefer to invest this 300 euros more to get an outstanding lens instead of a very good lens. If you are on a budget then lenses like the Sony FE85mm F1.8 (500 euros) , the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 PFU RMBH STM (380 euros), the Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8S DF DSM (380 euros) or the Meike 85mm F1.8 STM (200$) will do the job on a 24/33Mpix/42Mpix cameras

Not recommended manly due to price vs performances

The new lens is now in Stock at Adorama (Click here).

This is one of the very first reviews of the new lens: