In today’s most unexpected news story we have Samyang, who have just released two new full-frame lenses as part of their “Premium” lens range.
They’re not as portentously named as Sigma’s ART-series, and perhaps that’s a little bit of a marketing error. When you have to call something “Premium”, it just … for lack of a better word, doesn’t feel premium.
First up is a 85mm f/1.2, which is shockingly only available for Canon EF, followed up by a 14mm f/2.4 lens – which is more reasonably available for Sony FE, Canon EF, and Nikon F. I presume that Samyang will extend the compatibility in the coming months, but come on Samyang – it’s a gross oversight (not to mention bizarre) to launch a lens only for Canon EF.
A mock-up of the 85mm f/1.2.
Another completely bizarre decision from Samyang is how they didn’t promote these lenses as part of their summer extravaganza launch, where they “introduced” 5 new lenses – including two that they had already previously written press releases for.
Hey Samyang, if you actually wanted five new lenses, why not wait a month until these ones are out? It hints at indecision, a gap in communication between the engineering and marketing department, and just overall makes Samyang seem utterly clueless at PR.
A mock-up of the 14mm f/2.4.
The company claims that these lenses can outresolve 50MP sensors, and can even match 8K resolution. If so, this pairing indicates a big mark of intent from Samyang.
The 85mm f/1.2 has 10 elements in 7 groups, a filter diameter of 86mm, and weighs 1,050g. The 14mm f/2.4 has an astounding 18 elements in 14 groups, weighs 791g, but can’t take filters. Both lenses lack autofocus, but they do have electronic aperture control.
The last time we checked, 85mm isn’t exactly “wider than eyes can capture.”
From the official specifications, it’s clear that Samyang have something big (literally) on their hands, and it’s an exciting time for the Korean manufacturer. But please Samyang – fire your marketing team. They even managed put a picture of the 85mm f/1.2 on the promotional page of the 14mm f/2.4. Come on, guys.
Samyang 85mm f/1.2 Premium
More information on the 85mm at Samyang Global.
Samyang 14mm f/2.4 Premium
More information on the 14mm at Samyang Global
