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Hands-on: Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm Kit Sony E-mount

Ideal for travel- and streetphotography

Over the past few years, I've been diving deeper into street photography, but I've struggled to find the right lens. The lenses I use for landscape photography are big, heavy, and bulky, often drawing too much attention—far from ideal for street shooting. While searching for more compact options, I came across the Samyang Remaster Slim kit.


This modular kit is a game-changer. It features three pancake lenses that are incredibly easy to carry. By swapping out the middle element, you can quickly switch between focal lengths. I usually keep the other two lenses in my bag or even in my pocket. The system is both practical and efficient, and to my surprise, it also performed exceptionally well for landscape photography.


With a retail price of approximately €419, it's definitely a lens kit I’m excited to invest in.

South of Spain - Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm - Sample
South of Spain - Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm - Sample
Valencia -  - Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm - Sample
Valencia -  - Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm - Sample

First impression

At just 66.5 grams, the Remaster Slim with its 32mm f/2.8 lens is incredibly lightweight, especially compared to other prime or zoom lenses. Carrying three of these is far easier than, say, the Sony 28mm f/2.0 G, which weighs 200 grams—and only offers a single focal length.

Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm

Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm Kit Sony E-mount in delivered case
Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm Kit Sony E-mount in delivered case

Perfect low profile combination

The lens is impressively thin at just 19.5mm. Paired with the Sony A7III, it works beautifully, fits in my pocket, and stays discreet on the street. I’ve also used it with the smaller, budget-friendly Sony A5100, making the combo even lighter and a joy to carry daily. It’s incredibly fun to shoot with!

Sony A5100 with Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm Kit Sony E-mount.
Sony A5100 with Samyang Remaster Slim AF 21, 28 & 32mm Kit Sony E-mount.

In the field

I had a week to test the lens. In this week I was able to use the lens for:

  •     Streetphotography

  •     Everyday Carry

  •     Landscape


When traveling and shooting, flexibility and speed are key. I often don’t have time to keep swapping lenses, and the 21mm, 28mm, and 32mm range covers most situations perfectly.


Results!

Streetphotography

As mentioned, the lightweight design and low profile of the lens make it ideal for street photography. I’ve also noticed an interesting flare effect, with a unique color cast when sunlight hits the lens. A potentially cool creative touch.



Everyday Carry

This set is a joy to carry, allowing me to capture moments with family and friends that I might have missed otherwise.


Landscape

Although it’s not specifically designed for landscapes, it truly surprised me with its performance. The sharpness and versatility exceeded my expectations, making it a great option for spontaneous landscape shots when traveling light.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samyang Remaster Slim kit is an impressive combination of portability, versatility, and performance. Its lightweight and compact design make it perfect for street photography, while its surprising capability in other genres, like landscapes, adds to its appeal. Whether capturing candid moments with family or exploring creative possibilities, this kit is a joy to use and a valuable addition to any photographer’s gear.




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