Samyang has created some good lenses that perform well but are also affordable to many photographers. However, there are some exceptions, such as the XP 10mm f3.5, which costs about $1000 but gives you some truly incredible images. While Samyang is moving forward in the lens market, they recently teased their collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach, the latter being a German brand that is known for its cinematic lenses. Today, they have finally announced the highly anticipated zoom lens, the Schneider-Kreuznach x LK Samyang AF 14-24mm f2.8 FE.
Schneider-Kreuznach was founded in 1913, and they have created small, medium, and large format lenses with various companies such as Kodak, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, and, finally, now Samyang. According to the brand, the new Schneider-Kreuznach x LK Samyang AF 14-24mm f2.8 FE is “the world’s first” ultra-wide zoom lens that can take on front filters. In addition, it is also the very first Samyang super-wide-angle autofocus zoom lens for the Sony full-frame cameras.
- Lens Optical Construction: 15 Elements in 11 Groups
- Special Lens: 3 aspherical, 3 HR, and 3 ED elements
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.18m (0.59ft)
- Magnification Ratio: 0.17x (wide), 0.26x (Telephoto)
- Number of Aperture Blades: 9
- Filter Size (mm): 77
- Maximum Diameter (mm): 84
- Angle of View: 114.2˚(wide), 84.1˚(tele)
- Length: 3.9 inches
- Weight (without Lens Cap, Hood): 445g
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- AF Motor: Linear STM
The Samyang lens seems perfect for landscape, astrophotography, interiors, travel, and architecture. There is also a manual/autofocus switch, as well as a customizable button, and a USB-C port for further help. So far, the price for the United States has not yet been announced, but we will update you once we get a confirmation from Samyang reps.
Considering this is a collaboration, we are really excited about what the lens can achieve on a Sony camera. As we had said in our review of the Samyang 100mm f2.8 Macro lens, the company needs to make more high-end lenses that offer better innovation. The 14-24mm could just do that. The lens certainly seems exciting on paper. If it is closer to $1,000, then we have a lot of photographers who would be interested in it, thanks to the unique collaboration, as the front filter attachment amenities. There is also the hope that with the firmware updates, the Samyang lens will continue to get better. However, unless we test it ourselves, we can’t comment on its quality.
Although an interesting takeaway is that more lens manufacturers must give collaborations a try. In this case, Samyang’s wealth of knowledge in affordable lenses and Schneider-Kreuznach’s optical prowess have proven that we can have better innovations. However, it can only happen if there is an understanding between the two competitors. Furthermore, Schneider-Kreuznach has worked with some serious camera makers of our time, and this collaboration will only make the brand become synonymous with performance, but at a reasonable price. It would also be interesting to see Leica or Zeiss pair up with Tamron or Viltrox to give us a lens for the mirrorless mount. Sure, it sounds controversial, but since Leica and Sigma are already working with the L-mount, why not Zeiss and Tamron do the same? Just think how many benefits the photographers can reap.
