Whether you’re a street photographer, a traveling filmmaker, or just someone who likes to take professional pictures anytime, anywhere, you’ve likely faced one common dilemma:
Having limited space in your camera bag for your gear! Not to mention the weight of it all.
This is especially true if you prefer prime lenses but your shoots often require a range of different focal lengths, which means you’ll have to carry around a bunch of lenses. Such a hassle, right?
The good news is that the Korean camera lens manufacturer, Samyang, recently released the world’s first-ever optical exchange autofocus lens.
This technology lets you swap three pocket-sized optical elements in one lightweight, ultra-slim lens body—a game-changer in increasing the flexibility of your photo and video shoots!
Meet the Samyang Remaster Slim
The Samyang Remaster Slim is an innovative modular lens system with a small, light lens body and three interchangeable optical modules: 21 mm f/3.5, 28 mm f/3.5, and 32mm f/2.8.
Instead of carrying multiple prime lenses for various shooting scenarios, you can just keep the lens housing on your camera, and quickly swap out the tiny modules for different focal lengths.
Each module attaches magnetically and, according to Samyang, “creates warm and profound images that cannot be imitated by the digital world, giving photos a natural and soft tone.”
The Remaster Slim is not only the world’s first autofocus lens with this groundbreaking optical exchange technology but also Samyang’s thinnest AF lens to date!
Measuring less than 2 cm with a weight of less than 80 g, this pancake lens was designed with portability in mind, without compromising on image quality and user-friendly functionality.
Key Features of the Remaster Slim
The Remaster Slim is inspired by the point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras of the past and combines modern technology with classic charm.
Samyang explains that the lenses “retain the detail and texture of classic optical systems while meeting modern photography demands,” allowing users to experience a unique connection between the past and the present.
Despite its delicate design and compact size, the Remaster Slim is packed with powerful features, including full autofocus and a custom AF/MF switch for added versatility.
When in MF mode, the MOD is shortened for unique perspectives and a dynamic shooting experience. The mount houses the AF motor and electronic components.
It’s equipped with a manual focus ring for precision, a 49mm filter thread for creative and optimized images, and a handy USB-C port for easy and convenient firmware updates.
Pricing and Availability
At present, the Remaster Slim is exclusively available for Sony E-mount cameras.
However, on its official website, Samyang is actively gathering customer feedback on other mounts to make the lens for, including the AF L mount, AF X mount, and MF Z mount.
The Samyang Remaster Slim AF Modular Lens System was initially only available for preorder in South Korea, with a price tag of 308,000 South Korean won (around US$230).
It’s set to be released in major camera retailers across the UK and Ireland as well in early October, with the kit costing around £335.
Is the Samyang Remaster Slim Worth It?
Without a doubt, the Samyang Remaster Slim excels in delivering a powerful and versatile alternative to traditional lenses, in a surprisingly smaller, lighter, and more portable package.
It’s ideal for travel, street, and everyday photography, and is the perfect match for on-the-go photographers who like the advantage of having multiple lenses, but don’t like doubling up on physical components like lens housing, autofocus motors, and mounts.
The seamless swapping and easy mounting of modules make the Slim even more appealing to potential users, including photographers and content creators who take spontaneous shots.
One thing to consider is that the lens’ small size comes with practical limitations. The everyday prime lens focal lengths that the Remaster Slim is currently offering seem fairly similar to each other, and the compact device is confined to moderate maximum apertures.
Some photographers might choose to go with zoom lenses instead, which can provide more focal range and significantly more options than the focal lengths provided by the Remaster Slim.
However, we can’t deny the size and weight advantages brought to us by Samyang, as it paves the way for photographers of the future and potentially transforms the art of capturing the perfect shot.
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