In a new development for the company, Samyang/Rokinon has unveiled its latest lens for Sony full frame cameras: the AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE. Just released on sale in Thailand, an announcement for U.S. and European markets is expected soon.
The new lens is currently listed for sale in Thailand for 32,900 Thai Baht, which works out a little under $1,000. Samyang is known for making very affordable lenses, but this is more expensive than its other glass and is also the first zoom lens from the manufacturer. Sony users are blessed with an assortment of fast standard zoom lenses thanks to Sigma and Tamron, but the new release from Samyang has one notable feature that distinguishes it from the crowd: it is parfocal, meaning that the lens maintains focus when the lens is zoomed in or out. Such a feature is rare in lenses for full frame cameras, especially at this price point.
The Thai retailer's product page lists the lens as having 17 elements in 14 groups, a minimum focusing distance of 13.8 inches (35 cm), 9 aperture blades, and a front filter thread of 82 cm. The lens is also listed as being waterproof and dustproof.
Will you be ordering this lens? Let us know in the comments below.
Put the spec detsil on the dedk, then we can discuss. These data are too vage for taking a decision.
I thought that all zoom lenses are parfocal.
I never need to re-focus when changing focal length all these years.
All my lenses behave the same, the old ones, newer ones, cheaper ones, etc.
Other than costing less and many more things that it does not have, I have found from the beginning it is better to have a Sony lens no matter. Just to not be in a hurry just save the pennies and nickels and quarters in that jar in the bathroom for you will win in the end. Exp: I got the Sigma 150-600 before I even knew the 200-600 was even coming out, used and played even did a all night Lunar Eclipse with it. The difference was way more than any review again first had to use an adapter second Meta data was never correct with 1.4x or 2x and biggest thing was a surprise with the Sony using the 2x teleconverter in APS-C mode for that 1800mm I was able to hand hold a moon shoot with AF on and got the sharpest and clearest full frame capture!
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM $1,998 you can't save another $1K
Also I have several Rokinon lenses the 12 and 14 f/2.8 that when I first used in 2015 for astro there were no lens correction for a year not even in Lr and there was no way to correct the mustache distortion and even with the newest 14 f/2.8 you get elongated stars in the corners, where as the Sony 1224 f/4 (2017) and the 1635 f/4 are the best! and the new prime 14mm f/1.8 is the best of anything.
The two last shots are with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM sharp and clean you can even see surfers near the poles @ f/8 and the city 20 miles down the coast! The fountain shot 5 @ +/- 2ev f/2.8 sharp to the clouds!!! Wait and Save the extra $ you will be happy and Remember it will be forever yours!!!
This would make a great run-and-gun wedding video lens for the FX3 or the Ronin 4D.