CP+ 2025. Samyang and Schneider-Kreuznach announce a technological partnership and unveil their first jointly developed lens. Designed for full-frame Sony mirrorless, the Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a compact size and a constant f/2.8 aperture.
Schneider-Kreuznach’s unexpected comeback
The CP+ show in Yokohama is in full swing. Alongside Zeiss, Schneider-Kreuznach is back in the spotlight.
In the late 1990s, Samsung bought the Schneider-Kreuznach license. And, between 2006 and 2009, Samsung offered Pentax lenses “rebadged” as Schneider-Kreuznach, intended for the (short-lived) Samsung NX hybrids. At CP+, another well-known Korean brand, Samyang, announces a new alliance with the German optician.
Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE: Compact, Bright and Ambitious
The first result of this partnership is the Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE, a bright and versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. Resolutely designed for architectural and landscape photographers, it will rival the Sigma 14-24 mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (read our review), launched in 2019, or the Sony FE 12-24 mm f/2.8 GM.
For the moment, few technical details are known. The minimum focusing distance is 18 cm. Above all, the size of this lens is striking – especially when compared to other Samyang zooms.
The lens is approximately 10 cm long, with a filter diameter of 77 mm. Count on about 2.5 cm more at full zoom. Its weight of 445 g is well under control. What’s more, this is the 1st 14-24mm lens to allow circular filters, thanks to a sufficiently flat front element. A point that landscape photographers will appreciate.
A thin blue (not red) ring at the very front of the lens is a reminder of the partnership between Schneider-Kreuznach and Samyang. Last but not least, there’s a USB-C port on the bayonet, enabling the lens to be updated with the latest firmware.
Here’s a list of features for the Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE (items marked with an asterisk have not been confirmed by the brand):
- focal range: 12-24 mm (equivalent to 18-36 mm in APS-C)
- full-framesensor lens
- max. aperture: f/2.8
- min. aperture: f/22
- angle of view: 114.2 – 84.1°* (in mm)
- optical construction: N.C.
- diaphragm: circular, 9-blade* diaphragm
- minimum focusing distance: 18 cm
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: seals
- max. magnification: N.C.
- tuning: STM motorization
- filter diameter: 77 mm
- dimensions: N.C.
- weight: N.C.
- accessories supplied: N.C.
- compatible mount: Sony E
- launch price: N.C.
Price and availability of the Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE
Availability of the Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE has not yet been announced. However, it could be priced between $1,000 and $1,200.
For reference, the Samyang AF 24-70 mm f/2.8 was launched in 2021 at €899, while the Samyang AF 35-150 m f/2-2.8 L was unveiled at €1449.
Our first opinion
Light, compact and compatible with circular filters, the Samyang AF 14-24 mm f/2.8 FE is (very) interesting for landscape or architectural photographers. Although its technical specifications are still unknown, its compact size is remarkable. A feat (perhaps) made possible by Schneider-Kreuznach‘s portfolio of optical technologies.
In any case, we can’t wait to test this new ultra-wide-angle zoom in the field!
