Samyang 24–60mm f/2.8 FE Review — A Compact Zoom Co-Engineered with Schneider-Kreuznach
- Cris Estalayo
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
It’s been a while since I last reviewed a Sony E-mount lens, but this one caught my attention immediately. The Samyang 24–60mm f/2.8 FE, developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach, offers an intriguing balance between portability, optical quality, and performance.
Schneider-Kreuznach is a legendary German optics company founded in 1913, known for crafting precision glass used in cinema, photography, and industrial applications. Seeing their name on a Samyang lens definitely raised expectations — and I was curious to see if it lives up to the reputation.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed about this lens is its compact size and lightweight feel. Weighing 494 grams, it’s one of the lightest constant f/2.8 zooms available for Sony E-mount. The build feels solid, with a high-strength aluminum alloy frame covered by quality plastic that keeps it sturdy yet easy to handle.
I also appreciate the design details — the diamond-pattern zoom ring, the smooth focus ring, and the inclusion of a USB-C port for firmware updates (no need for Samyang’s external docking station anymore).
There’s also a weather-resistant sealing and a “Hydro Shield” coating, which repels water and oil on the front element. While it’s not fully weatherproof, it’s ready for light rain and dusty environments — ideal for travel or outdoor shoots.
Sharpness Test — Impressive Across the Range
I started testing at 24mm f/2.8, shooting sharpness charts and real-world scenes. Wide open, the lens is already very sharp in the center, with only a slight softness in the corners — almost negligible by f/4. Chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, and edge-to-edge sharpness is impressive for a lens in this price range.
At 60mm, I did notice a touch of vignetting at f/2.8, which clears up by f/4. The overall image remains clean and contrasty, with great color rendering and detail retention even at smaller apertures like f/11–f/16.
For landscape or product photography, this lens performs beautifully from corner to corner. Even diffraction at f/22 isn’t too harsh, though I’d personally stick to f/11–f/16 for maximum sharpness.
Autofocus and Video Performance
One of the biggest surprises was the autofocus. Using the Sony ZV-E1 and A7S III, both known for their video capabilities, the Samyang 24–60mm performed flawlessly. It tracked my face and eyes with remarkable accuracy and almost no lag.
The AF motor is silent and precise, making it ideal for video shooting. I tested it in various lighting conditions and found that it adapted quickly, keeping focus even when I moved in and out of the frame.
If you’re a content creator, vlogger, or hybrid shooter, this lens can easily become a reliable everyday companion.
Real-World Usability
The 24–60mm range might sound a bit unusual compared to the traditional 24–70mm, but I think it’s a clever choice. By sacrificing 10mm on the telephoto end, Samyang managed to keep the lens smaller, lighter, and better balanced.
For events or weddings, having 24mm on the wide end is far more useful than gaining a bit of reach. I’ve often found myself needing just a little more width when shooting in tight spaces — and this focal range solves that without compromise.
Technical Specs Recap
Focal Length: 24–60mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Minimum Focusing Distance: 18 cm (wide) / 32 cm (tele)
Weight: 494 g (without caps/hood)
Mount: Sony E-mount (Full Frame)
Weather Resistance: Yes (partial)
Coating: Hydro Shield (water & oil repellent)
USB-C port for firmware updates
Final Thoughts
The Samyang 24–60mm f/2.8 FE is a truly versatile and well-designed zoom lens that brings together compactness, optical quality, and value.
Its collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach adds credibility to its optical performance, and my tests confirmed that it holds up exceptionally well. Whether you’re shooting photos or videos, this lens delivers sharp, clean, and consistent results across the frame.
If you can live without the extra 10mm of reach that a 24–70mm provides, this could be one of the best compact zoom options available for Sony E-mount in 2025.
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