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Photo: Abby Ferguson
Earlier this year, LK Samyang announced an L-mount version of its 14-24mm F2.8 lens. The lens marked the company's first co-branded lens with German optics specialist Schneider-Kreuznach, and offered a compact take on an ultrawide zoom. We've had the opportunity to test it out to see what it's like, and provide some samples taken with the lens as well.
Impressions
The front element is nearly flat, and the lens accepts traditional front filters as a result.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
In terms of build, the LK Samyang lens has a few things working in its favor. First, unlike similar ultrawide zoom lenses, it doesn't have a bulbous front element. As a result, it's the only 14-24mm F2.8 for L-mount that can accept front filters (77mm), which makes it much more convenient to add things like ND or polarizing filters.
LK Samyang's 14-24mm F2.8 is also noticeably smaller than other lenses in its class, weighing just 441 g (15.5 oz) and is 87mm (3.4") long. I have the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 for Sony E mount, and it is almost comically large next to the LK Samyang. For hiking and other applications where I would want an ultrawide zoom, its compact design is certainly very appreciated, and much preferred.
Despite the smaller size, it still feels well-built. The rubber on the focus and zoom rings has a nice texture, making it easier to get a grip even in damp conditions. The lens feels quality without unnecessary bulk, and I wouldn't feel the need to overly baby it when out and about.
LK Samyang's 14-24mm F2.8 (left) is substantially smaller than Sigma's version (right; the E mount model is pictured here).
Photo: Abby Ferguson
The lens isn't covered in controls, but offers an MF/AF switch and a single customizable function button on the side of the lens. The manual focus ring rotates really nicely, with just enough resistance that I don't constantly overshoot focus. The lens also has a short throw, so it's easy to quickly go from 12mm to 24mm with a slight twist of the hand.
A stepper motor powers the autofocus, which is essentially silent, and it was able to mostly keep up with my erratically moving black dog. For all but the most demanding situations, it certainly performs well enough. Images are sharp, including on the edges, and chromatic aberrations were very minimal. I was also impressed by how it handled shooting towards the sun, with limited flare and well-handled ghosting.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
There is some substantial distortion at 14mm, but by 24mm, that distortion is almost entirely gone. This is typical of wide-angle lenses that are focused on being compact and lightweight, and can be corrected with a lens profile. Also typical of lightweight, compact, budget-focused lenses is the rather heavy vignetting when wide open, which doesn't go away until F4.5 or so.
Overall, I really enjoyed shooting with LK Samyang's take on a 14-24mm F2.8. One of my first favorite lenses was Nikon's DSLR version, and it felt like going back to my roots a bit, which may have influenced how happy I was with the images. The size and weight alone make it an appealing ultrawide zoom, and it offers nice quality, to boot. Plus, at $1200, it's slightly more affordable than Sigma's version, and substantially more affordable than Leica's.
LK Samyang 14-24mm F2.8 Sample Gallery
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All images were processed using our standard lens workflow in Capture One, with the manufacturer's distortion correction applied but no correction of vignetting.
