Samyang has just released the previously rumored AF 24mm f/1.8 FE lens. According to their official statement, the lens is designed specifically with astrophotography and landscape shots in mind.
To make the lens more useful in these kinds of photography, the new Samyang wide-angle prime is equipped with two distinct features. Those are a Focus Hold button and an LED indicator, allowing the user to monitor camera operation from the side. As for the rest of the specs, the lens features an 11-element, 8-group design. Two of the lenses are aspherical, three are made from high refraction index glass, and another two from ED glass.
Minimal focus distance is 0.19 m, which translates to a reproduction ratio of around 0.21x on a full frame camera. The diaphragm is 9-bladed and can be stopped down to f/22. The lens also features a linear STM focus motor and the filter thread is a popular 58mm size.
The lens is fairly small, measuring 2.56 inches in diameter (65 mm) and 2.81 inches in length (71.5 mm). It weighs 8.1 oz (230 g), which should make it a nice choice for light hiking-oriented camera setups.
The Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF for Sony E mount is listed as $499, with stock coming soon.
