Summary
LK Samyang and Schneider-Kreuznach have officially introduced the new AF 60-180mm f/2.8, completing their compact f/2.8 zoom lens series for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The two companies revealed the full specifications of the new telephoto zoom lens, which had already been shown at CP+ and teased in the previous weeks. The LK Samyang x Schneider-Kreuznach AF 60-180mm f/2.8 arrives first for Sony E-mount, with an L-Mount version also expected.
The announcement matters because the lens targets the bright telephoto zoom category with a smaller and lighter body than traditional 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, giving wedding, portrait, travel, and event photographers a more portable option with a constant f/2.8 aperture.
Compact telephoto zoom weighing 730 grams
The key feature of the new AF 60-180mm f/2.8 is its weight, as it comes in at just 730 grams. For comparison, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II weighs 1,045 grams, while the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 weighs 855 grams.
Samyang achieves this reduction by slightly limiting the telephoto range, starting at 60mm and reaching 180mm instead of the more traditional 70-200mm range.
The lens measures 149 millimeters at its shortest position and extends to 174.4 millimeters. It uses 77mm filters and includes weather sealing at several points around the barrel and at the lens mount.
Autofocus and close-up shooting
For autofocus, the AF 60-180mm f/2.8 uses a linear stepping motor, with Samyang promising fast and accurate performance.
The lens offers a maximum magnification of 0.26x, equal to a 1:3.8 ratio. This does not make it a true macro lens, but it brings it close to close-up shooting territory, which can be useful for wedding details, products, flowers, and small subjects.
Optical design with 17 elements
The optical construction consists of 17 elements in 14 groups. These include one high-refractive index element, seven ED elements, and two aspherical elements.
Samyang says the floating focus system helps maintain image quality throughout the zoom range and across different focusing distances.
The compact f/2.8 trilogy is complete
The new AF 60-180mm f/2.8 joins the AF 14-24mm f/2.8 and AF 24-60mm f/2.8, which were previously introduced through the LK Samyang and Schneider-Kreuznach collaboration.
With these three lenses, the series now covers everything from ultra-wide to telephoto while maintaining a constant f/2.8 aperture and focusing on lower weight compared to traditional professional zoom options.
Availability and price
The LK Samyang x Schneider-Kreuznach AF 60-180mm f/2.8 is initially available for Sony E-mount. Its price has not yet been confirmed, as major retailers have not fully listed it.
In some markets, including the United States, the lens will be sold under the Rokinon name, with no meaningful differences from the Samyang version. The L-Mount version has been confirmed, but there is no specific release timeframe yet.
Read more here.
What we think
Samyang and Schneider-Kreuznach’s move shows that there is room for more practical f/2.8 solutions, especially for photographers who do not want the weight and size of a traditional 70-200mm. If the performance meets expectations, the AF 60-180mm f/2.8 could become a very interesting choice for Sony E and, later, L-Mount users.
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Samyang AF 60-180mm f/2.8 use?
The lens is launching first for Sony E-mount, while an L-Mount version has also been confirmed.
How much does the new lens weigh?
It weighs 730 grams, making it significantly lighter than several traditional 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses.
Is it a macro lens?
No, but it offers 0.26x maximum magnification, which makes it useful for close-up shooting.
Which lenses complete the series?
The compact f/2.8 series includes the AF 14-24mm f/2.8, AF 24-60mm f/2.8, and AF 60-180mm f/2.8.
Is the price known?
No, the price has not yet been officially announced.
