The simpler design of prime lenses in general — which offer no zoom capabilities — can deliver several advantages, including sharper images and a shallower depth of field. The tradeoff is that photographers have to move closer or further away when framing subjects or swap between several prime lenses with different focal lengths. That approach can get expensive and heavy — problems that Samyang’s Remaster Slim autofocus lens, measuring just 0.8 inches thick, may solve.
The optical elements in the Remaster Slim sit in a smaller magnetic mount that can be easily swapped in and out from the center of the lens. According to DIY Photography, Samyang will initially offer three different inserts: a wider 21mm f/2.8, a 28mm f/3.5, and a 32mm f/3.5 more ideal for closer portrait photography.
Those three inserts will take up considerably less room in a camera bag than three full prime lenses would, but the approach will come with tradeoffs.
Samyang says the lens offers “genuine analog sensibility that is distinctly different from smartphone images created with digital technology” and that the company drew inspiration from “legendary P&S film cameras of the past.” That sounds nice, but it also sounds like Samyang is hinting that the Remaster Slim may produce softer results than other prime lenses, which also now offer faster maximum apertures closer to f/1.4. (The lasting appeal of “analog sensibility” and old point-and-shoot cameras is that photos aren’t always razor sharp.)
Samyang’s Remaster Slim is only compatible with Sony’s E-mount lens system and was available for preorder (with the 32mm insert) in South Korea for 308,000 won, or around $229 USD, before those preorders sold out. Shipping is planned to start in early September, and the company says it should be more generally available in South Korea in early October. Availability for other markets hasn’t been announced yet.