Samyang AF 50 mm f/1.4 FE
5. Chromatic and spherical aberration
Chromatic aberration
The photos shown below are a clear indication that the Samyang optics specialists failed when it comes to the longitudinal chromatic aberration correction. The level of that aberration is distinct at the maximum relative aperture and it doesn’t disappear even on stopping down the aperture to f/2.0. Such a result is especially surprising because the reflex Samyang 50 mm f/1.4 AS UMC didn’t have any serious problem in this category.
 |
Please Support UsIf you enjoy our reviews and articles, and you want us to continue our work please, support our website by donating through PayPal. The funds are going to be used for paying our editorial team, renting servers, and equipping our testing studio; only that way we will be able to continue providing you interesting content for free. |
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fortunately when it comes to the lateral chromatic aberration the situation is noticeably better – a graph below shows the levels of that aberration depending on aperture values and the used detector.
The aberration keeps almost imperceptible level of 0.04% so the lens fares exceedingly well. In this category the mirrorless lens for a change is better than its reflex camera brother.
| A7R II, RAW, f/1.4 | A7R II, RAW, f/8.0 |
|
|
Spherical aberration
Fast standard lenses often feature a noticeable level of spherical aberration. Only newer 1.4/50 constructions deal with that aberration better. Unfortunately the Samyang doesn’t perform like those newer models. The first photo from this chapter shows a slight focus shift as the depth of field is moved toward bigger distances. Also defocused light circles feature classic symptoms of that aberration – the circle in front of the focus has soft edges and the one behind the focus features a lighter rim.
| A7R II, f/1.4, in fron of | A7R II, f/1.4, behind |
|
|
