Samyang Rokinon AF 24-60mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens for Sony FE Review

So you're looking for a fast zoom lens for your Sony camera, and you've probably noticed that f/2.8 zooms from the big brands cost a small fortune. Enter the Samyang Rokinon AF 24-60mm f/2.8. This lens is trying to do something pretty clever: give you a constant f/2.8 aperture in a compact, weather-sealed zoom, but for a lot less money than a Sony G Master. It's a direct challenge to the idea that you have to spend over $2,000 for that kind of performance.

Who is this for? Honestly, it's a great fit for hybrid shooters who do a bit of everything. The 24-60mm range covers wide-angle landscapes (24mm) to short telephoto portraits (60mm), and that constant f/2.8 means you can keep shooting as the light gets low without having to crank your ISO. It scores a perfect 100/100 for professional use and video, which tells you Samyang is targeting serious creators who need reliability and speed.

What makes it interesting is the balance. At 493 grams, it's noticeably lighter than most f/2.8 zooms. It has built-in stabilization, which is a huge plus for video and handheld stills, and it's weather-sealed. Samyang is saying, 'Hey, you can have pro features without the pro bulk and price.' It's a compelling argument, especially if you're building a kit and want to save money for other gear.

Let's talk about the numbers. The autofocus lands in the 94th percentile, which is seriously impressive for a third-party lens. That means it's quick, quiet (thanks to the STM motor), and reliable for both photos and video. You won't be missing shots because the lens is hunting. Stabilization is in the 85th percentile, so you can expect a few extra stops of handheld stability, which is great for smoothing out video or shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Now, the optical performance is where things get a bit more nuanced. It scores a 69th percentile here. In practice, that means it's sharp, especially in the center, and the 14-element design controls aberrations well. But it's not going to match the absolute razor-sharp corner-to-corner performance of a lens twice its price. The bokeh and aperture scores are around the 50th percentile. So while f/2.8 gives you nice background separation, don't expect the silky-smooth, creamy bokeh of a prime lens. It's a very good performer for the price, but it's trading a little bit of optical perfection for that lighter weight and lower cost.

The big question is price. At $899, this lens sits in a very interesting spot. You're getting constant f/2.8, stabilization, weather sealing, and great autofocus. Compare that to the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, which is over $2,200. Yes, the Sony is optically superior and has a slightly longer reach, but you're paying more than double. For many shooters, the Samyang offers 90% of the performance for less than half the cost.

That value proposition is its strongest argument. If your budget is under $1,000 for a pro-grade zoom, there aren't many options that tick all these boxes. You might find used first-party lenses, but they likely won't have the latest AF or stabilization. This lens makes a compelling case that you don't need to break the bank to get a very capable, all-around workhorse.

The most obvious competitor is the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. It's the king, with better optics, slightly more reach, and arguably the best AF on the market. But it's also huge, heavy, and costs $2,200+. The trade-off is simple: pay a premium for the absolute best, or save $1,300+ and accept a very slight compromise in optical perfection and range with the Samyang.

Then there are prime lenses, like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 mentioned. A prime will be smaller, sharper, and have a wider aperture for better low-light and bokeh. But you lose the versatility of a zoom. The Samyang gives you that flexibility from 24mm to 60mm without changing lenses. For a travel or event photographer, that's invaluable. Finally, there are slower, variable-aperture zooms (like f/4-5.6). They're cheaper and lighter, but you sacrifice that constant f/2.8, which is a deal-breaker for anyone shooting in variable light or wanting consistent background blur.

If you're a hybrid shooter, a content creator, or a photographer who needs a reliable, fast zoom without the flagship price tag, this lens is an easy recommendation. The combination of f/2.8, great AF, stabilization, and weather sealing at $899 is tough to beat. It's the lens you can leave on your camera for 80% of your shooting and trust it to perform.

But, if you're a pixel-peeping landscape photographer who demands corner-to-corner sharpness at every aperture, or a portrait photographer who lives for perfect bokeh, you might want to save up for the Sony GM or look at a set of prime lenses. And if close-up macro work is important to you, look elsewhere entirely. For everyone else, the Samyang Rokinon 24-60mm f/2.8 is a smart, value-packed choice that proves you don't always have to pay the brand-name premium.