Samyang Unveils World’s First Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens

Aug 22, 2024

A black Samyang camera lens with an additional smaller lens attachment placed on top, showing the interior components and electronic contacts. The main lens is marked "SAMYANG" and the smaller attachment is marked "8.2/2.8." The design appears sleek and modern.

Samyang has announced the world’s first optical exchange autofocus lens. The innovative lens allows photographers to replace the internal optical system, enabling photographers to quickly swap between various prime focal lengths without having multiple lenses.

The Samyang Remaster Slim is essentially the shell of a lens, a housing with necessary physical and electrical components. The user can swap out the central optical elements that are held in place using a magnetic mounting system. So far, Samyang has shown off 21mm, 28mm, and 32mm optical systems, which the company says are “inspired by legendary point-and-shoot film cameras of the past,” and all offer f/2.8 maximum apertures.

A close-up of a black camera lens with white text indicating specifications. The text reads "RS21 / 3.5" and "0.18m / 0.59ft." The lens features toggle switches labeled "MF" and "AF," likely for manual and autofocus modes. Another camera is faintly visible in the background.

“These lenses have been reborn with designs optimized for digital sensors while maintaining their unique characteristics,” Samyang promises.

A comparison image showcasing flowers and foliage taken with different lenses. The top row compares two lenses, with the left labeled "Remaster Slim" and the right "Other lens." The bottom row highlights a close-up of pink flowers using "Remaster Slim" versus "Other.

It’s not only the world’s first autofocus lens with this optical exchange system but also Samyang’s thinnest AF lens. The Remaster Slim is less than two centimeters (0.8 inches) long and weighs about 80 grams (2.8 ounces). Given that the barrel is so short, it’s no surprise that the manual focus ring is quite narrow. There’s still room for a custom AF/MF switch, though. Samyang notes that when used in manual focus mode, the minimum focusing distance is shortened, which is typical of many lenses.

Three angles of a black Sony alpha series camera with a textured grip and a lens attached. The first image shows the left side view, the second shows the right side at an angle, and the third shows the front view displaying the lens and alpha 7R branding.

“This small and cute lens will transform any E-mount mirrorless camera into a portable auto camera,” Samyang explains.

The “point and shoot” digital camera inspiration goes beyond the choice of focal length. Samyang promises “classic aesthetics with analog sensibilities.”

A side-by-side comparison of two Samyang camera lenses against a plain gray background. The lens on the left is smaller with the label "SAMYANG" in white on a black body. The lens on the right is larger, also labeled "SAMYANG" in white on a gray body with a red stripe near the top. — The Samyang Remaster Slim (left) is thinner than Samyang’s previous “smallest autofocus lens” (right).

“Remaster Slim provides a genuine analog sensibility that is distinctly different from smartphone images created with digital technology,” Samyang says. “This lens creates warm and profound images that cannot be imitated by the digital world, giving photos a natural and soft tone. It retains the detail and texture of classic optical systems while meeting modern photography demands. Through this, users can experience a unique connection between the past and the present.”

Sample Images

A large, illuminated dragon lantern sculpture, glowing with red, orange, and green lights, stands by a riverside pathway at dusk. The dragon's head is elevated, with intricate detailing, and a crowd of people gathers nearby to admire the display. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

A young child with a ponytail, wearing a light pink jacket, sits at a table near a large window, intently looking at something in their hands. Outside, there's a red chair and table on a patio, with a brick wall and greenery in the background.

An indoor garden features a tall waterfall cascading from a dome-shaped glass ceiling. A sky bridge crosses near the top, with people walking on it. Below, a monorail train with multiple carriages travels along a track amidst lush greenery.

Image of a toy and craft shop with the name "Fang Fang manual" displayed at the top. The shop is filled with various toys, including action figures hanging at the entrance. There are several yellow and red promotional signs. Two people are shopping inside, and one person is sitting outside.

View from the bottom of a circular, tunnel-like structure looking up at a canopy of green trees and clear sky. Lush green plants and moss cover the walls of the structure, creating a seamless transition to the tree branches above.

People walking and standing on a pedestrian bridge with modern high-rise buildings and a blue sky in the background. Two individuals lean against the railing on the left side, while other groups and individuals walk across the bridge ahead.

The image shows a colorful Hindu temple with intricate details and numerous statues on its facade. Several people are walking and standing in front of the temple. Surrounding the temple are modern high-rise buildings and lampposts, indicating an urban setting.

A nighttime view of a lively waterfront area featuring a series of brightly lit buildings with large, modern canopies. The structures and lights are beautifully reflected in the calm water below, creating a mirror-like effect.

A display case with various flavors of gelato, including raspberry, mango, lemon, and forest berry. Each container is topped with decorative elements like fruit slices or swirls that indicate the flavor. A person is seen in the background scooping gelato into a cone.

A marble bust of a person with curly hair sits on a windowsill between two potted plants. The window offers a view of a tree and outdoor table and chairs. Sunlight filters through the greenery, casting a serene light on the interior.

Pricing and Availability

Samyang says that its novel optical exchange lens is only available for preorder in South Korea, and no additional market availability has been announced yet. The lens is available in Sony E-mount and is priced at 308,000 South Korean won, which is $230. With a preorder discount, the price is under $220.

Image credits: Samyang

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