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Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE - Review / Test Report |
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Lens Reviews -
Sony Alpha (Full Format)
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Page 1 of 3
Review by Klaus Schroiff, published September 2023
Introduction
Samyang has been a lens manufacturer for quite a while but only recently released their first zoom lens - the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE.
And Samyang wouldn't be Samyang if they didn't undercut the competition by quite a margin. The lens has an MSRP of just $999, but you can get it for as low as $800US/750EUR if you shop around.
Quite a steal - on paper, at least. That's a third of Sony's own offering here and a couple of hundred bucks less than the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DN DG ART.
The price tag alone is no measure of quality, but Samyang offers several very affordable lenses that are capable of providing good to even excellent quality.
Still, a zoom lens is a different beast - especially in terms of quality control - compared to prime lenses. And starting with a fast standard zoom lens is quite ambitious.
The first thing you notice when picking up the lens is its weight. At more than 1 kg, it is almost 50% heavier than the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II.
Conversely, it isn't all that big size-wise. The lens does not only feel substantial in terms of weight - the build quality is also great.
Like the rest of the gang, it uses an extending zoom mechanism with internal focusing. Weather-sealing (7 seals) is provided.
An unusual aspect of the lens is its par-focal characteristic (electronically controlled) - thus, the focus remains spot on during zooming.
Videographers will like this feature for sure. Samyang is also offering a dedicated CINE kit.
A switch on the lens can be used to configure aperture control or MF mode.
The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE features a Linear STM (stepping motor) for auto-focusing. The AF is both noiseless and quite quick. Manual focusing works "by-wire", as usual.
Optical image stabilization is not provided.
| Specifications |
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| Optical construction | 17 elements in 14 groups inc 2x aspherical, 1 hybrid aspherical, 3 HR and 3 ED elements |
| Number of aperture blades | 9 (rounded) |
| min. focus distance | 0.35m (max magnification 1:3.7) |
| Dimensions | 128.5 x Φ88mm |
| Weight | 1027g |
| Filter size | φ82mm |
| Hood | petal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied) |
| Focus-breathing compensation | not supported |
| Other features | weather-sealed |
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