Samyang launches two lightweight lenses in the Prima series

Samyang AF 16mm F2.8 & 85mm F1.8 P Sony FE

Samyang continues to develop its innovative Prima series with the release of two new autofocus lenses: the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and the AF 85mm F1.8 P FE. The Prima line comes with a strong focus on portability, practicality and performance, these new additions are purpose-built for storytellers who need high-quality results without the burden of heavy gear.

Samyang AF 16mm F2.8 P FE
The AF 16mm F2.8 P FE is a remarkably compact and lightweight lens designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Weighing only 207 grams and measuring just 70.5 millimeters in length, it is an ideal companion for daily photography, travel adventures, and street shooting. Its ultra-wide 16mm focal length offers a dramatic field of view, perfectly suited for capturing sweeping landscapes, expressive architecture, and immersive urban scenes.
Despite its minimal size, this lens offers impressive close-up capabilities, with a minimum focusing distance of only 12 centimeters. This allows for semi-macro shooting on full-frame sensors and half-macro performance when paired with APS-C cameras, translating to a 24mm equivalent focal length. The result is the ability to fill the frame with dynamic close-ups while preserving a sense of wide-angle space and depth.

Optical construction consists of 8 elements in 7 groups with 1 HR, 3 ED and 1 ASP lens element that provide a stunning edge to edge sharpness. The lens is constructed from a newly developed high-strength plastic that offers enhanced durability while maintaining a refined, premium finish. It includes weather sealing tested to IP5-level resistance, making it reliable in varied outdoor conditions. The redesigned lens hood effectively controls flare and ghosting, especially in challenging backlit situations. Convenience features like a smooth focus ring, an intuitive AF/MF switch, and a USB port for easy firmware updates complete the lens’s user-friendly design.

Samyang AF 85mm F1.8 P FE
Complementing the ultra-wide lens is the AF 85mm F1.8 P FE, a portrait-focused telephoto prime that balances expressive image quality with impressive portability. Weighing just 272 grams and measuring 71.5 millimeters in length, this lens delivers professional-grade portraits in a size that’s easy to carry all day. Its classic 85mm focal length, combined with a fast f/1.8 aperture, makes it the ideal tool for photographers who value depth, detail, and background separation.

The lens delivers superior sharpness with an optical construction with 9 elements in 8 groups incorporating 1 HR and 3 ED lenses. Its rendering is delicate and refined, preserving soft tonal transitions and intricate textures for a polished, professional look. The large aperture also creates beautifully smooth bokeh that naturally separates the subject from its surroundings, enhancing the depth and emotional impact of each image.

Just like the 16 mm, the AF 85mm F1.8 P FE is constructed from high-quality engineered plastic and features weather sealing tested to IP5 levels, offering protection in demanding environments. A newly designed lens hood helps minimize flare and ghosting, ensuring clarity even in strong backlight. Photographers benefit from a responsive focus ring, intuitive AF/MF switching, and a built-in USB port that allows for quick and easy firmware updates.

Pricing and shipping
The new lenses will start to ship August 2025
Recommended selling price is:

Samyang AF 16mm F/2.8 P Sony FE EUR 368; -
Samyang AF 85mm F/1.8 P Sony FE EUR 369; -

For further information, please contact Karsten.rath@focusnordic.com

Key specifications:

• Ultra-lightweight designs: the 16mm lens weighs only 207g and the 85mm just 272g, making them ideal for travel, street, and portrait photography without extra bulk.
• High-quality optics: both lenses include advanced elements (HR, ED, ASP) for sharp, detailed images from edge to edge.
• Close-up and portrait versatility: the 16mm offers a 12cm minimum focusing distance for dynamic close-ups, while the 85mm delivers soft background separation with its fast f/1.8 aperture.
• Weather-resistant and durable: constructed from high-strength engineered plastic with IP5-level sealing, suitable for challenging environments.
• Enhanced user experience: features like intuitive AF/MF switches, responsive focus rings, and built-in USB ports for firmware updates add practical convenience.