Samyang AF 50 mm f/1.4 FE II review - Chromatic and spherical aberration

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Samyang AF 50 mm f/1.4 FE II

5 August 2023

Maciej Latałło

5. Chromatic and spherical aberration

Chromatic aberration

The predecessor of the tested Samyang didn't handle longitudinal chromatic aberration well so we counted on a lot of improvement in this area. Unfortunately, it seems we were overly optimistic. Even though the optical construction of the new model features an element made of low dispersion ED glass, it proved to be not enough. Colouring of out-of-focus images is clearly visible not only by f/1.4 and f/2.0, it doesn't disappear completely even by f/2.8.

It might explain a bit slower resolution increase than in the case of the Sigma. The Sigma didn't have practically any problems with longitudinal chromatic aberration already by f/2.0 and f/2.8.

Samyang AF 50 mm f/1.4 FE II - Chromatic and spherical aberration

Fortunately, a bit better situation can be observed in case of lateral chromatic aberration – it's enough you glance at a graph below showing its performance that depends on the aperture value and used detector.

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In both cases aberration is the highest by f/1.4 and f/2.0 but then it starts to decrease. Its results can be placed on the borderline between low and medium levels and then they drop to the borderline of low and very low values. As you see, in this area there are no reasons to complain.

A7R III, RAW, f/1.4	A7R III, RAW, f/11.0

Spherical aberration

The tested lens doesn't show any 'focus shift' effect or slight mist in images by f/1.4, all characteristic traits of bad correction of spherical aberration. The only trace of this aberration is visible in the appearance of out-of-focus circles of light. The first of them features a slightly accented rim, the second one doesn't have it at all. The differences aren't big and allow us to say that the Samyang deals with spherical aberration correction pretty well.