Samyang AF 24-70mm 2.8 FE für Sony E

The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE has its merits, but its resolution characteristic is, overall, sub-standard. This is especially true at the wide end, where the outer image field is just not sharp enough to compete with the big boys. Sure, it's not terrible when stopping down, but what is the point of buying a f/2.8 lens then? It's actually very good in the middle range, whereas the quality at 70mm is also not that hot again. This may still be OK on 24-megapixel sensors, but beyond that, it's just not good enough. This is a bit unfortunate because the lens handles the secondary aspects rather well. The RAW image distortions are on a sane level, and the RAW vignetting is better than average. The quality of the bokeh is also quite good for a standard zoom lens. Lateral and axial CAs are a bit on the high side, though. The mechanical quality of the Samyang lens is excellent (other than the poor lens hood) and on par with the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 ART, for example. However, it is also way too heavy for what it is. The AF speed is very fast (on modern Sony bodies). The mechanical quality is one thing, but QA is another one. Based on what we've seen in the past, Samyang has often struggled with providing well-centered lenses (centering = optical alignment), and the tested sample was, once again, not ideal in this respect. As long as Samyang doesn't take this more seriously, we have doubts that complex zoom lenses are a good idea for them. As you may have concluded, we are not overly impressed - overall, the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is just too heavy and too flawed.

Recommended – A sound performer at a competitive price.