The new Samyang AF 24mm F1.8 FE wide-angle prime lens for Sony full-frame E mount cameras has been specially optimized for astrophotography.

Weighing only 230g and measuring just 71mm in length, the Samyang 24mm F1.8 lens features a new function called “Custom Mode” which automatically move the focus directly to infinity, complete with an LED indicator.

The Samyang 24mm F1.8 for Sony is priced at £459.99 in the UK and will be available from early May.

Samyang Press Release

Samyang Announce the Launch of new AF 24mm F1.8 FE with Optimised Features for Astrophotography

9th April 2021, Seoul, South Korea – Korean lens manufacturer Samyang Optics, today announced the latest addition to their ‘Tiny Series’ lens line-up, with the introduction of the new AF 24mm F1.8 FE large-aperture wide-angle prime lens, for Sony full-frame E mount cameras. The lens is tiny and lightweight, perfectly matched to Sony E-Mount camera systems.

Samyang Expands its ‘Tiny But F1.8 Series’ Line-up

The Samyang 24mm F1.8 FE weighs only 230g, measures 71mm in length and uses 11 elements in 8 groups (7 special elements – 2 ASP, 3 HR, 2 ED). It has a 9-bladed iris, 58mm filter thread and a close focus distance of just 19cm.

Ideal Autofocus Wide-angle Prime Lens for Astrophotography

The AF 24mm F1.8 FE lens features a new function called “Custom Mode”, with an “LED indicator” for astrophotography. The “Custom Mode” can be operated through the newly- designed Focus Hold button. This function allows you to automatically move the focus directly to infinity, by clicking the button when entering the Custom Mode. Since the factory default value may differ very slightly on each camera body, this is a convenient function that allows you to tune, save and use the precise infinity focus value, according to your own camera body. If the focus value set through the LED indicator does not match, it will be shown with a red LED. If you then click the button, your focus value will automatically adjust to the saved value, changing the LED to green.

For astrophotography enthusiasts, this is an extremely useful function for those who need to spend long periods in darkness, with confidence that their lens is set at infinity.

AF 24mm F1.8 FE Features Compact, with Superb Resolution

Samyang’s latest optical technology allows this large aperture wide-angle prime lens to achieve stunning corner-to-corner resolution, even at its maximum F1.8 setting. A total of 11 elements in 8 groups, with 7 special elements (2 ASP, 3 HR, 2 ED) allow you to express your infinite creativity; especially suitable for astrophotography as it delivers awesome images with minimised spherical aberration and coma.

Shallow Depth of Field with Large Aperture F1.8

The AF 24mm F1.8 FE has a fast F1.8 aperture for crisp focus and beautifully blurred backgrounds. It gives you full control over depth-of-field so that you can isolate your subject from the background. The 9-bladed circular aperture contributes smooth, creamy, natural-looking bokeh.

Versatile Lens for Landscapes, Astrophotography, Interiors and Snapshots The 24mm F1.8 FE lens provides a wide-angle of view of 83.7˚ and a short minimum focusing distance of 0.19m. This allows you to take photos in multiple environments, whether indoors or outdoors. Combined with this wide-angle persona, you can freely create your own perspective with ease and creativity.

Compact & Lightweight with Modern Design

The AF 24mm F1.8 FE weighs only 230g and is just 71.5mm in length. This small size and lightweight enhances mobility when used with compact Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. The matt finish, with laser-engraved text provides better readability and the tactile mounting index adds to the user convenience. Also featured is weather sealing (in 5 locations), to protect from dust, light rain and snow and provide the ability to capture stunning images in less than perfect conditions.

Advanced Fast and Quiet Auto Focus for stills and movies

Autofocus is now expected to capture images accurately and quickly, but it also needs to be quiet and smooth. The AF 24mm F1.8 FE features the latest STM (Stepping Motor), which allows the larger and heavier focus lens group to be controlled more quietly and precisely, providing superb image quality in both photo and video usage.

Maximising Usability with New Features Customisable Focus-Hold Button

Pressing and holding this button will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. The user can also assign other desired functions to the focus hold button through the menu setting on the camera body.

Custom Switch

Equipped with Samyang’s Custom Switch, shooting and operation is more intuitive and simple. You can easily select various functions such as Aperture Control Mode or MF Mode from the switch and enjoy the shooting mode that suits your personal preference. More functions will be added through firmware updates in the future.

Custom Mode – NEW function for Astrophotography

When a user enters the custom mode, the LED indicator will blink red once and the focus will automatically move to the infinity position (Factory default setting value). Users can save their own/desired focus position/value with the focus hold button.