The French website Phototrend has reported some exciting new lenses being developed by Samyang. Damien Roué from the website spoke to Kim Dubin, head of product planning at Samyang, at the CP+ 2026 camera and photo imaging show in Japan.
Lens concepts
Dubin explained that Samyang is working on four different lens concepts. It’s important to note that they are all still very early-stage development ideas. At CP+ 2026, the four lenses were only on show as 3D printed models, not actual prototypes. Samyang is seeking feedback from users and the media on the proposed new lenses. It will then decide whether to proceed to production with any of them. As a result, the specifications of these proposed lenses may change considerably, or they may not be progressed at all.
AF 20-50mm F2 FE
Samyang’s AF 20-50mm FE lens is one of two proposed full-frame fast aperture wide angle zoom lenses. It would have a constant maximum aperture of F2. However, this lens is unlikely to see the light of day before 2028 or even 2029. This is because it is at an early stage of development. In addition, Samyang doesn’t want to impact on the sales of its AF 24-60 mm F2.8 lens which was only launched last year.
AF 28-85mm F2-2.8 FE
Samyang’s AF 28-85mm FE is another full-frame wide angle zoom lens. However, this is less suited to video work as it has a variable maximum aperture from F2-F2.8. The company explained that this decision was taken to reduce the overall size of the lens. Samyang suggested that this lens could go into production by the end of 2027 or early 2028 if there is a positive response from users and the media.
AF 300mm F4 FE OIS
Samyang is working on concepts for two full-frame telephoto prime lenses with optical image stabilization. The first of these is a proposed 300 mm lens with a maximum aperture of F4. If developed it would be Samyang’s first lens with image stabilization. The company has been working on a stabilization system for a while but has yet to implement it.
Additionally, Samyang is considering building a 1.4x teleconverter into the 300 mm lens. This would extend it to a focal length of 420 mm with a maximum aperture of F5.6.
AF 200mm F1.8 FE OIS
Samyang’s second proposed full-frame telephoto prime lens is a 200 mm model. It would have a fast maximum aperture of F1.8. Like the 300 mm concept lens, the 200 mm model could have optical image stabilization which is a very exciting proposition. However, Samyang has warned that, if brought to market, it would be an expensive lens. However, the company sees the 200 mm F1.8 lens as a potential flagship product to demonstrate its optical capabilities.
What we think
Many video makers first discovered Samyang through its series of budget-friendly prime and cinema prime lenses. However, the company has expanded its range of lenses considerably since those early days and now includes autofocus models. These four new concept lenses are an interesting insight into the company’s development processes and where it is thinking of going next. It’s also good to see that Samyang is seeking feedback from users and the media to help shape its future direction. Of the proposed lenses, the 20-50 mm F2 and 200 mm F1.8 FE OIS are the most exciting proposals with their fast maximum apertures. Plus, the image stabilization on the 200 mm prime lens would be great for video use.
We will keep you updated with more news from Samyang on which, if any, of these lenses it chooses to progress over the coming months.
Image courtesy: Phototrend
