DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS FROM ePHOTOzine

 

We have here an exciting combination, the fine, energetic Korean lens manufacturer working alongside one of the legendary West German optical giants. LK Samyang have been building their reputation and excelling as they have moved into AF lenses. Schneider Kreuznach are one of the world's most respected high class optical manufacturers. Bringing the two together looks like a challenge to the best of current lenses. Let's see if the magic is there, coupling up the new LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE lens with the 42MP Sony A7R III camera body. Let the sparks fly...

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Handling and Features

First off, it looks good, well finished, relatively compact at 102mm x 126mm and weighing in at a very manageable 494g. There is a supplied petal lens hood that clips smoothly and positively into place. There is no locking catch, nor is there a need for one. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a conventional 72mm filter thread.

The core of the lens is an Aluminium barrel. The high quality plastic exterior is treated with a water and oil repellent coating called “Hydro Shield”, in addition to the Fluorine coating on the front element. There are various seals throughout the lens, giving weather sealing against water droplets, light rain, snow and dust. This does at least give some indication of the degree of sealing; there is the usual caveat that it does not extend to being waterproof. Dust protection is however quantified as IP-5 and this equates to “dust protected”.

 

 

Our tour of the lens controls starts with the control ring. This is by default the focusing ring. Unfortunately, the A7R III does not support changing the function. The zoom ring is clearly marked at 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 60mm. These settings are accurate. The focusing ring is electronic and as smooth as expected. The zoom ring does extend the lens but balance does not seem to be unduly altered and the action is much smoother than most competitors.

There is one innovative feature, a USB-C socket that can be used to transfer data and therefore update the firmware of the lens without having to use a docking station. A clever idea.

 

 

Focusing is down to 0.18m (0.59') at 24mm, for a maximum magnification of 0.27x, or 1:3.73. This becomes 0.32m (1.05') at 60mm, for a maximum magnification of 0.25x, or 1:4.01. This close focusing is extremely versatile, approaching macro distances. AF is provided via a stepping motor, which is fast, accurate and virtually silent. There is an AF/MF selector switch. There is also a single button that locks AF position. With some bodies this may enable access to other functions. 

Optical construction is 14 elements in 11 groups, including 3 Aspherical, 3 HR (High Refractive Incidence) and 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion). The diaphragm comprises 9 blades, producing a rounded aperture. Finally, we have Samyang's impressive UMC multi-coating.

It is a great lens to use, a bit of bulk being saved by restricting the telephoto end. Most standard zooms of similar specification will extend to 70mm, but the reduction in size and weight may well be preferred by many photographers. There is no IS built in, thus relying on the IBIS of the camera body. This works very well and does help to keep the size of the lens down.

 

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Performance

At 24mm, central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 through to f/11, rising to outstanding at f/4. It is still very good at f/16 and f/22. The edges are good at f/2.8, very good from f/4 to f/11, good at f/16 and fair at f/22.

At 35mm, central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 to f/11, very good at f/16 and good at f/22. The edges are good at f/2.8, very good from f/4 through to f/16 and good at f/22.

At 60mm, central sharpness is good at f/2.8, excellent from f/4 to f/11, very good at f/16 and good at f/22. The edges are fair from f/2.8 to f/8, very good at f/11 and f/16 and good at f/22.

This is a very creditable performance and the images look satisfyingly sharp and crisp.

Distortion is handled extremely well, measuring -0.55% barrel at 24mm, -0.33% barrel at 35mm and -0.12% barrel at 60mm. 

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE MTF Charts Previous Next

How to read our MTF charts

The blue column represents readings from the centre of the picture frame at the various apertures and the green is from the edges.

For this review, the lens was tested on a Sony A7R IIII body using Imatest. Want to know more about how we review lenses?

 

CA is tightly controlled in the centre and although there is a higher reading at the edges, for most subjects colour fringing is not obtrusive. Further correction could be made in software if required.

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Chromatic Aberration Charts Previous Next

How to read our CA charts

Chromatic aberration (CA) is the lens' inability to focus on the sensor or film all colours of visible light at the same point. Severe chromatic aberration gives a noticeable fringing or a halo effect around sharp edges within the picture. It can be cured in software.

Apochromatic lenses have special lens elements (aspheric, extra-low dispersion etc) to minimize the problem, hence they usually cost more.

For this review, the lens was tested on a Sony A7R III body using Imatest.

 

Bokeh is pleasantly smooth and this holds true even with quite “busy” backgrounds. This is helpful in portraiture and with flower shots, with a sharp central core and a lovely out of focus background with gentle gradation.

Flare is rather impressively banished, with only the slightest sign of artefacts even under very severe lighting challenges. UMC multi-coating has always delivered the necessary flare suppression.

Vignetting results are better than average for this type of lens and are summarised in the following table.

 

Aperture 24mm 35mm 60mm f/2.8 -1.9 -1 -1.3 f/4 -1.8 -0.9 -1.2 f/5.6 -1.8 -0.8 -1.1 f/8 -1.7 -0.8 -1.1 f/11 -1.7 -0.8 -1 f/16 -1.4 -0.7 -1 f/22 -1.3 -0.7 -1

 

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Sample Photos Previous Next

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Aperture range Previous Next

You can view additional images in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own reviews, photos and product ratings.

 

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Value For Money

The SK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE lens is priced at £475.00

Alternatives for Sony FE might be:

• [AMUK]Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8|Samyang+AF+24-70mm+f/2.8[/AMUK], £618
• [AMUK]Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II|Sony+FE+24-70mm+f/2.8+GM+II[/AMUK], £1669
• [AMUK]Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM|Sony+FE+24-70mm+f/2.8+GM[/AMUK], £1535

Although not usable on Sony FE mount, users of Lumix cameras have a similarly specified lens:

• [AMUK]Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8|Panasonic+Lumix+S+24-60mm+f/2.8[/AMUK], £899

Overall, the new lens has a very attractive price and is great VFM.

 

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Verdict

Jointly designed by LK Samyang and Schneider Kreuznach, the synergy of the two skill sets results in a very fine lens at a very attractive price point. Lenses from the Samyang stable have been impressive for many years, first with manual focus lenses that extended the repertoire from the basic marque offerings, then with a new range of AF lenses that took quality levels up a distinct step. Performance is excellent. It is true that sharpness falls off at 60mm, but even here, the use of smaller apertures will give critical sharpness right across the frame.

The slight trimming of the tele end to 60mm, as opposed to the more common 70mm, does keep the bulk of the lens down and for travel this could be a very good thing. The smooth bokeh will give an attractive backdrop to portraiture. The close focusing that approaches macro distances is a huge boon, adding to the versatility of the lens for general use. For document copying, the low distortion means straight edges remain straight, and the results here are very satisfactory for any lens, especially so for a zoom.

In summary, a versatile and excellent lens and an Editor's Choice.

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Pros

• Excellent central sharpness
• Modest vignetting
• Weather resistance
• Low flare levels
• Smooth bokeh
• Close focusing
• Excellent construction standards
• Great VFM

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Cons

• Lower edge sharpness at 60mm
• Some edge CA

 

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The Society of Photographers is delighted to announce that voting is now officially open for the 2025 Photographic Trade Awards - a celebration of the innovation, quality and creativity that continue to drive the photographic industry forward.
 

Each year, these prestigious awards recognise the products, brands and services that have made a significant impact on photographers across the globe. From cutting-edge cameras and lenses to state-of-the-art software, professional labs, lighting, accessories and more, the awards highlight the companies who go above and beyond to support photographers at every level.
 

Photographers Invited to Have Their Say

Photographers of all genres and experience levels are invited to cast their votes and champion the industry leaders they feel deserve recognition. Whether it’s exceptional customer service, groundbreaking technology or consistent product excellence, this is the opportunity to acknowledge those who have made a real difference throughout 2025.

Win a Full 4-Day Masterclass Pass

Everyone who submits a completed voting form will be entered into a prize draw to win a Full 4-Day Masterclass Pass to the 2026 London Photo Convention, worth up to £300.

The winner will be announced shortly after 1 January 2026.
 

Categories Open for Voting

Voters may participate in as many categories as they wish:

• Best Professional Lighting 2025
• Best Professional Lab 2025
• Best Professional Album 2025
• Best Professional Paper 2025
• Best Professional Camera 2025
• Best Professional Lens 2025
• Best Professional Photographic Training 2025
• Best Professional Service 2025
• Best Professional Accessory 2025
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Cast your vote here: https://thesocieties.net/trade-awards/

Award Announcements

The winners of the 2025 Photographic Trade Awards will be revealed during the Awards Presentation Evening at the 2026 London Photo Convention, alongside the Society’s renowned Photographer of the Year announcements.

Deadline

Voting closes at midnight on 31 December 2025.

 

Cast your votes now!