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The Samyang AF 60-180mm F2.8 is not entirely new. This compact telephoto zoom was already available for Sony FE and is now also coming to L-mount. This gives photographers using cameras from Panasonic, Leica and Sigma, among others, a choice between two distinctly different fast zoom lenses from Samyang: the versatile 35-150mm F2-2.8 L and this much lighter 60-180mm F2.8 L.
That distinction is exactly what makes the new 60-180mm so interesting. The Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 L aims to cover as many focal lengths as possible in a single lens. The new 60-180mm deliberately offers a narrower range, making it almost half a kilogram lighter.
One all-rounder or a lightweight telephoto zoom?
The 35-150mm starts at a moderate wide angle and is particularly fast, with a maximum aperture of F2 at 35mm. It can be an attractive lens for weddings, reportage and events, allowing you to capture wide shots, portraits and details without changing lenses.
That versatility comes with a weight of 1,206 grams. The new 60-180mm F2.8 L weighs approximately 728 grams, making it 478 grams lighter. You will certainly notice that difference after an afternoon of shooting.
The 60-180mm starts at 60 millimetres, making it less suitable as your only lens. At the long end, however, it offers a little more reach and is a better fit for photographers who already use a wide-angle or standard zoom. It is particularly suited to portrait, travel, nature and event photographers looking for a portable telephoto zoom to complement their existing lenses.
The same telephoto zoom as the Sony FE version
Optically, the new L-mount version differs very little from the Samyang AF 60-180mm F2.8 FE previously released for Sony cameras. Both versions were developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach and use seventeen lens elements in fourteen groups. They also share the floating focus system, linear STM autofocus motor and constant F2.8 aperture.
That constant aperture is particularly useful for portraits, concerts and events. It lets you maintain the same light-gathering capability as you zoom and work with a shallow depth of field. Choosing 180 rather than 200 millimetres appears primarily intended to keep the lens smaller and lighter than a traditional 70-200mm F2.8.
The lens can also focus closer than you might expect from a telephoto zoom. At 60 millimetres, the minimum focusing distance is 35 centimetres and the maximum magnification is 1:3.8. That does not make it a macro lens, but it is still useful for flowers, details and larger insects. Its magnification is also greater than that of Samyang’s 35-150mm F2-2.8 L.
Samyang’s compact L-mount range takes shape
The new telephoto zoom follows the direction Samyang has taken with Schneider-Kreuznach. It previously introduced the Samyang AF 14-24mm F2.8 L, which weighs just 441 grams.
Together, the 14-24mm and 60-180mm weigh approximately 1,169 grams—slightly less than the 35-150mm F2-2.8 L on its own. Both compact zooms also use the same 77-millimetre filter thread, allowing filters to be shared between them.
This does not yet give L-mount users a complete zoom set, as there is still a substantial gap between 24 and 60 millimetres. For Sony FE, Samyang already offers the AF 24-60mm F2.8 FE, but an L-mount version has not yet been announced. The arrival of this telephoto zoom does, however, suggest that Samyang may eventually bring its entire compact zoom range to L-mount.
Practical controls
The 60-180mm features an AF/MF switch, a programmable AFL button and a Zoom Lock switch. Its body is sealed against dust and moisture. At approximately 149 millimetres long and with a 77-millimetre filter thread, it remains relatively compact for a zoom with a constant F2.8 aperture.
The Samyang AF 60-180mm F2.8 L will be available from early September at a recommended retail price of €1,049 including VAT.
