This ingenious lens lets you swap prime focal lengths on the fly

[zohaibahd]

What just happened? For photographers tired of lugging around multiple heavy prime lenses, Korean optics company Samyang offers a neat new solution that could seriously lighten their camera bags. Their newly announced Remaster Slim system allows users to swap out the internal optical elements, rather than entire lenses, to change focal lengths.

Essentially, instead of switching between complete prime lenses, the Remaster Slim allows you to keep the outer lens barrel attached to your camera while swapping out different sets of optics to change the focal length on the fly. At launch, three different optic inserts are available: a 21mm f/2.8, a 28mm f/3.5, and a 32mm f/3.5.

You might be thinking that the obvious solution is to just use a zoom lens, but it's not that simple. Prime lenses typically deliver sharper image quality and better bokeh than zoom lenses, thanks to their simpler designs. However, carrying multiple large prime lenses can be cumbersome, with some weighing around a kilo. Samyang's modular approach aims to change that.

It's also worth noting that Samyang is targeting more of a nostalgic "analog sensibility," reminiscent of old 35mm point-and-shoot cameras, rather than technical perfection. As a result, you can expect slightly softened rendering. The lens also produces warmer images with a tone that is difficult to replicate digitally, making it ideal for photographers seeking a vintage vibe in their photos.

Other notable features include custom focus mode switching and enhanced portability compared to previous Samyang lenses, all while packing autofocus capabilities into an incredibly compact package – just 0.8 inches thick and weighing only 80g.

The lenses are currently only compatible with Sony's E-mount camera system. There's also no word yet on availability outside of South Korea. The lens housing with the 32mm optics was available for pre-order in South Korea at around $230 but quickly sold out. Shipping is scheduled to start in September, with general availability expected to follow in October. Presumably, if a hit with consumers, we could see the company bring the tech to other lenses.

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This ingenious lens lets you swap prime focal lengths on the fly

 

[RudyBob]

Needs a video

 

[Thanthan]

The ‘lens’ is the ‘optical system’ there is no difference. The user is still swapping lenses.. it’s just a different system to the one we currently have, that I believe would come with a set of different compromises to our current way of swapping lenses…

Worth it? Who knows get a 3rd party test

 

[kapital98]

The ‘lens’ is the ‘optical system’ there is no difference. The user is still swapping lenses.. it’s just a different system to the one we currently have, that I believe would come with a set of different compromises to our current way of swapping lenses…

Worth it? Who knows get a 3rd party test

The compromise is that all of these are "pancake lenses" with currently no real range of focal lengths, bad quality (typical of pancake lenses), and not very fast (bad f-stops).

Samyang is a great company and does really interesting things. However, even if aggressively priced, this modular system will be difficult to compete with just getting two (far better/maybe cheaper) small lenses. The f-stop is, at best, mediocre and the image quality is already being diminished.

Other than being small (which has its own merit), this idea doesn't hold much promise. At least with the current inserts.

 

[ScottSoapbox]

Nice innovation! Saves carrying multiple copies of the focus motors, external housing, etc.

Downside is the constraint to make all the glass in into the same space.

But a fun idea for hobbiests.