Samyang is, in my opinion at least, among the more creative lens manufacturers. The Korean company poses an impressive roster of lenses; some have no parallels to be found across the industry. The new Remaster Slim Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens is one (or four?) such product(s). The Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens is somewhat of a “system within a system” consisting of a separated external mechanism and three interchangeable optical modules. With 21mm f/3.5, 28mm f/3.5, and 32mm f/2.8, the system covers classic-wide angles with moderately slow apertures associated with classic Pancake lenses. The Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens aims for two significant features: Compactness and somewhat old-school optical characteristics. The latter may be heavily derived from the former since size limitations greatly impact the optical performance. It is, however, very compact.System within a systemAt the heart of the Remaster Slim system is the Remaster Slim base. Essentially a glassless lens, it’s an e-mount ring equipped with an STM autofocus motor and an empty barrel in the middle—an electro-mechanical doughnut.Samyang Remaster Slim base. Image credit: SamyangThree optical modules can find their home inside that doughnut. Equipped with magnets to hold the optics in place, the system allows for rapid interchangeability. Electronic connections are also there, probably for aperture control and EXIF data.Available lens modulesThe Remaster Slim Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens system currently offers three focal lengths, all moderately wide. These include 21mm f/3.5, 28mm f/3.5, and 32mm f/2.8. All modules include surprisingly complex optical formulas (when put into size context, that is). Made with 6-7 elements, two of which are what Samyang calls PMO aspherical elements, the lenses also include one ED element for the 21mm and the 28mm and one HR glass element for the 32mm.Samyang Remaster Slim lens on a Sony A7 IV. Image credit: SamyangReviving a rare breed, for better or worseAs for the Samyang press release, the new Remaster Slim system revives the rare breed of compact 35mm cameras. This pancake set, less than 2cm long and 80g light, will make your Sony E-mount camera fairly compact. While still unavailable for the L-Mount, it seems perfect for the Panasonic LUMIX S9. While we haven’t had the chance to test it, sample images suggest some similarities with compact 35mm cameras of old. Depending on your framing, this might be a nostalgic vintage look, full of character, or an uncorrected mediocre optical performance, low bokeh kind of imagery. As someone who enjoys adapting old 35mm lenses onto the spectacular 100-megapixel sensor of their GFX camera, I have zero judgment for such optical choices. Just bear the characteristics in mind when making your decision.An innovative solution for a questionable problemWho doesn’t want their camera to be smaller, lighter, and pocketable? We all do. Yet it seems most compact offers, be it cameras or pancake lenses, never really soar. Aside from the well-known exception of the FUJIFILM X100VI, it seems that everyone wants compactness but isn’t willing to pay the price. It’s not about money, as most compact lenses and cameras are on the affordable side; it’s about the compromises. While the Remaster Slim is meaningfully smaller than other lenses, let alone lens sets, a system size includes the camera body. Once the body size is added to the mix, the difference dilutes significantly. There are also significant optical compromises. Most compact optics feature a relatively slow aperture. While the large sensor may offset light-gathering capability, the deeper depth of field resembles compact cameras or smartphones. The latter can now decisively generate a bokeh simulation that works for many intents and purposes.While the Samyang Remaster Slim Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens system is innovative and technically impressive, I’m not sure about its target audience. However, I cannot deny the appeal of a tri-lens system that I can fit into the smallest pocket with negligible weight. I hope Samyang will add a case that latches onto your camera strap, like film canisters of old, making in a bagless carry option for the entire set, camera included.Price and availabilityThe Samyang Remaster Slim Optical Exchange Autofocus Lens system is only available in South Korea as of today, with a price tag of around $230. It’s available for the Sony E-Mount.Would this miniature lens set work for you? Do you like the idea at the heart of this system? Will you compromise to keep it as compact as possible? Let us know in the comments.
