Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE Lens Announced – Optimized for Video Shooting

Lens News

by Jakub HanOctober 20^th, 2021

Samyang (Rokinon) AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE is a new autofocus zoom lens for Sony mirrorless full-frame cameras that is optimized for video by being parfocal and having a linear focus ring. The lens has an 82mm front filter thread, a linear STM motor for a fast and accurate AF, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.35m (1.15ft). The lens is available for pre-order for $999.

A lens with 24-70mm focal length (or its equivalent on smaller or larger sensors than full-frame) is usually considered a must-have allrounder. I think it really is the most useful universal zoom lens to have. When it comes to Sony E-mount cameras, up until now there have basically been two 24-70mm options on the market – one from Sony and one from SIGMA.

The South Korean lens manufacturer Samyang has been known for producing affordable fully manual lenses for various SLR and mirrorless mounts for years now. In 2018, the company launched its first lens equipped with autofocus – Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 EF. Now, Samyang announces its 17th AF lens which also happens to be the company’s first-ever zoom lens – Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE. Let’s take a short look at its features and specs.

Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens

Just a quick reminder in case you did not know this – Samyang sells its lenses under the Rokinon brand in some countries such as the USA. Therefore, Rokinon and Samyang are the same products. Samyang claims that the new AF 24-70mm has been optimized for video as well as photography applications.

Firstly, the lens should be parfocal (the focus distance does not change when zooming) which is a very useful feature for video. Secondly, the seamless focus control ring features a linear MF which allows the focus to change linearly in response to focus ring rotation. This helps for manual focusing and it is essential if you want to use a follow focus with the lens. Additionally, according to Samyang, the focus speed is smoothly controlled when shooting video in autofocus mode.

The standard 24-70mm range for full-frame sensors on this lens is accompanied by a 9-blade diaphragm with a circular aperture available between f/2.8 and f/22. According to Samyang, the lens produces a natural-looking bokeh and a starburst effect. When it comes to optical design, the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens comprises 17 elements in 14 groups (2 ASP, 1 H-ASP, 3 HR, and 3 ED). The minimum focusing distance is 0.35m (1.15ft).

According to the company, the lens’ autofocus is not only accurate and quick but also quiet and smooth. The AF 24-70mm FE lens features a linear STM (Stepping Motor) that can control the larger and heavier focus lens group quietly and precisely.

This Samyang’s first zoom lens features weather-sealing on 7 spots to protect from light dust, rain, and snow. It has an 82mm front filter thread, the weight is 1,027 g (36.2 oz), and the length is 128.5 mm (5.1″) Last but not least, the lens features a custom switch that can have various functions such as Aperture Control Mode or MF Mode with more features coming with a future firmware update.

Samyang Cine Kit

The company will also be offering a Samyang Cine Kit consisting of a focus gear ring, follow focus, and tripod mount. The company says the kit is designed to use without a camera cage as it already has its own baseplate with 15mm rods. Currently, there is no additional information about the Cine Kit nor its price and availability.

Price and availability

The (Rokinon) Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens is available for pre-order now. The price has been set to $999 (around €817 plus VAT in Europe) which is slightly below the price of the SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens which currently sells for $1,099. As a reference, Sony’s G Master 24-70mm f/2.8 lens currently costs $1,998.

Do you have a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens in your kit? Do you have experience with Samyang/Rokinon AF lenses? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.