Verdict

Overall, this is a Jekyll-and-Hyde lens. If you like compact lenses then you'll love it but if not then its handling may annoy you. It's the most expensive of the current Samsung NX lenses yet it has the fewest features and isn't even supplied with a lens-hood, which the other two have. On the other hand, it returns some very strong MTF data, is virtually free from chromatic aberration and produces beautifully smooth images when wide apertures are used. It is therefore for individual purchasers to decide whether this lens is an unnecessary addition or perfect fast and compact alternative to the 18-55mm zoom.