Samyang’s 60-180mm f/2.8 Lens Is Here

credits: Samyang

After first being shown at CP+ in late February and teased again a couple of weeks ago, LK Samyang and Schneider-Kreuznach have officially unveiled their new AF 60-180mm f/2.8 full-frame telephoto zoom. The lens completes the companies’ Compact Zoom Series, joining the previously released AF 14-24mm f/2.8 and AF 24-60mm f/2.8. One of its biggest highlights is the weight, coming in at 730g, making it noticeably lighter than many other f/2.8 telephoto zooms in its class.

Compared to lenses such as the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II, which weighs 1,045g, or the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 at 855g, the new Samyang is significantly lighter, partly thanks to its slightly shorter 180mm maximum focal length. The lens measures 149mm when retracted and extends to 174.4mm when fully zoomed. It also features a 77mm filter thread, weather sealing throughout the barrel and mount, and a linear stepping motor for autofocus. Maximum magnification is 0.26x (1:3.8), making it suitable for close-up work, while Samyang says its floating focus system helps maintain image quality throughout the zoom and focusing range.

Inside, the lens uses a 17-element, 14-group optical design that includes seven ED elements, two aspherical elements, and one high-refractive index element. According to LK Samyang, the goal of the Compact Zoom Series has been to offer a lighter alternative to traditional f/2.8 zooms while covering focal lengths from ultra-wide to telephoto. The AF 60-180mm f/2.8 is now shipping for Sony E-mount, but retailers have not yet listed it for sale, so the price remains unknown. An L-Mount version is apparently also on the way.