An Odd Comparison: Rokinon/Samyang Remaster Slim & Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8.

An Odd Comparison: Rokinon/Samyang Remaster Slim & Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8.

This is a post that was mainly written as a much needed distraction. You have been warned.

The seed of this post was planted with a comment I read on the Rokinon FB page. Someone asked why would someone buy this three lens module kit rather than a zoom lens.

A valid question. On paper there appear to be similarities.

• Both cover similar focal length ranges.
• Both are decent but modest aperture specs.

But having used both the similarities end there. These are very distinct solutions from one another. But for that reason one solution may be of more interest than the other depending on what you are looking for.

I will start with the easy one. The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.

It is easy because it is a variation of a familiar lens type. A wide zoom. But for me this lens actually replaced two lenses.

I will admit that I did not get this lens at first. But after some time I realized that this lens served two purposes.

1. An alternative to the two lenses above.
   • Replicates the 40mm Sony prime on the long end.
   • Offers a more flexible zoom range than the wide-ish leaning 17-28mm.
2. It pairs perfectly with the excellent Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8.

Nothing fancy. Not revolutionary. Just a solid performing wide to almost normal zoom lens with excellent autofocus and image quality.

Reasons why one might pick the 20-40mm over the Remaster Slim.

• A need to change the focal length at the flick of a wrist.
• Weather sealing.
• Quiet, top notch AF better suited to video.

The less logical choice on paper. The Rokinon Remaster Slim Wide-Angle 3-Lens Kit.

I will admit. This lens served a special purpose that I have been looking to fill for some time.

A new full frame solution based on a A7C body style in the spirit of a Leica Q or FUJIFILM X100VI. Ever since the first gen A7C I knew all that was needed was for the right lens to come along. After much searching that was catalogued in this blog space I had initially settled on the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G.

That is until the 20-40mm displaced it. Part of the reason is that this setup had the same size disadvantage as the Leica Q I once had.

Small for full frame, but larger than what I was looking for. I had really liked the size of the FUJIFILM X100S I once had.

The Sony A7C body fit the size spec…

…and now finally the Remaster Slim kit completes a proper compact camera and lens combination.

However, the Remaster Slim kit offers a perk that the X100 and far more expensive Q cannot match.

• Three focal lengths.

Reasons why one might pick the Remaster Slim kit over the 20-40mm.

• A much more compact solution that easily fits into a jacket pocket.
• Value. The Remaster Slim kit os $300 less.
• Personal preference but I think it is cooler.

Wrap up.

Neither are “better” in my opinion. Depending on what you are looking for one may meet your needs more than the other.

Happy capturing.

-ELW