Companies such as Hasselblad, Zeiss, Nikon, and Ansco Autoset have etched their name in history books for capturing images of space. Some of them have been dedicated cameras and lenses, designed specifically for the purpose of making images. For instance, Hasselblad 500C with a Zeiss Planar 2.8/80 lens and Zeiss Ikon Contarex Special camera, each had unique tweaks to meet the demands of space travel. Now, joining this list is South Korean optics manufacturer, Samyang, which is reportedly working with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for this venture.
According to ProNews, a Japanese website (via Sony Alpha Rumors), Lee Hae-jin, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of LK Samyang, revealed that the company plans to expand its horizon. Per the report, the CTO said:
A SpaceX rocket carrying our lenses is scheduled to be launched on a trial basis within this year. Going forward, we will develop our business based on two pillars: interchangeable lenses and industrial lenses, based on optical technology. The company name LK stands for “Leading Korea,” and it conveys our aim to become Korea’s leading optical manufacturer.
Although the company has not yet revealed which lenses they are planning to send, it is pretty evident that they want to further excel against their Japanese and Chinese counterparts. LK Samyang is the only popular Korean lens manufacturer, but due to various reasons, the company has been facing challenges in competing with its contemporaries. As Lee Hae-Jin said, Japanese companies have “improved their technical level over their long history.” On the other hand, China has “a large land area and has a well-developed infrastructure for basic technology and material production.” But for Samyang, it’s a matter of planning and providing “unique, creative products that meet user requests,” as the company is relatively smaller in size.
Just to clarify things: Rokinon and Samyang are the same brand but the naming is different for different regions.
This is why it was surprising to see Samyang partner with Schneider Kreuznach to launch the AF 14-24mm f2.8 FE. What makes the lens unique is the “world’s first” ultra-wide zoom lens that can take on front filters. Perhaps, the space flight includes a lens of this nature, or other options such as Samyang XP 10mm f3.5, 18mm f2.8, or 14mm f2.8 II MF. The 10mm is quite a fun lens to use, while the 14mm II and the 18mm offer great contrast and colors. However, since we are unclear what the company’s motives are to achieve with this project, it is hard to suggest which lenses may finally go.
However, it is safe to say that Samyang is trying to stand out against other lens manufacturers, who have the advantages of speed and technology with them. Perhaps, with a space project, Samyang delves into research and development of different lenses, one that can withstand the unforgiving weather in space. Perhaps, in doing so, the company will finally launch newer lenses that can be a part of our vast Samyang buyer’s guide. However, it would be great to have more lenses with full weather sealing, since we are already into 2025. And a lack of one does not make sense today.
