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Samyang's new Remaster Slim prime lens allows you to just swap optics

Written by Andy Stout | Aug 26, 2024 2:00:00 PM

Why swap entire lenses when Samyang's Remaster Slim will allow you to just swap the central optics?

Billed as the world's first optical exchange AF lens, the new Samyang Remaster Slim allows you to exchange only the optical elements within the lens body. This means you can swap between various optical characteristics using a single E-mount lens housing, dramatically enhancing the flexibility of your photo and video shoots.

The initial lineup features 21mm, 28mm, and 32mm optical systems, drawing inspiration from the point-and-shoot film cameras of the past. Samyang says the lenses have been meticulously redesigned to optimize performance with digital sensors while preserving their unique, classic characteristics. Either way, they click in and out using a magnetic mount.

The pancake lens housing is just 2 cm (0.8 inches) think, and weighs just 80 grams (2.82 oz), but in that space it also managed to house a manual focus ring. 

As to the images they produce, Samyang talks of 'analog sensibility', so best not to assume pin-sharp. Though they do look decent enough in the gallery shots Samyang has published.

Sadly, for now at least, according to Sony Alpha Rumors the Remaster Slim is only available for pre-order in South Korea for what amounts to around $220. We hope the idea catches on though as that looks fun to play with. Will certainly free up some room in the kit bag...

tl;dr

  • Samyang's Remaster Slim is the world's first optical exchange AF lens, allowing users to swap only the central optics within a single E-mount lens housing.
  • The initial lineup includes 21mm, 28mm, and 32mm optical systems, inspired by point-and-shoot film cameras and optimized for digital sensors while retaining classic characteristics.
  • The pancake lens housing is ultra-compact at 2 cm thick and 80 grams, featuring a magnetic mount for easy optical element exchange and a manual focus ring.
  • Currently available for pre-order only in South Korea for about $220.