The Transcontinenta Group, the distributor of LK Samyang products in the Benelux countries, Germany and Austria, has just announced the new LK Samyang AF 60–180 mm F2.8 FE telephoto lens, which is designed for use with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Developed in collaboration with the renowned German optics company Schneider-Kreuznach, this telephoto lens is the third model in LK Samyang’s compact zoom series.
With a constant aperture of F2.8, a focal length range of 60–180 mm and a weight of just 730 grams, the lens offers a unique combination of performance, portability, and ease of use. Alongside the AF 14–24 mm F2.8 FE and the AF 24–60 mm F2.8 FE, the AF 60–180 mm F2.8 FE forms a compact zoom trio, providing coverage from 14 mm to 180 mm. This provides creative photographers and videographers with a complete F2.8 zoom set that is significantly lighter than traditional professional zoom combinations. The new telephoto lens is designed for photographers and videographers seeking maximum flexibility without compromising on image quality or portability.
The AF 60-180mm F2.8 FE weighs just 730g with a compact length of 149mm (wide) to 174.4mm (tele), making it significantly lighter than traditional 70-200mm lenses and reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. Despite its compact form, the lens maintains a constant F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, ensuring stable low-light performance and smooth background separation ideal for portrait photography. It also offers a maximum magnification of 0.26x (1:3.80) for detailed close-up shots. Developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach, the optical design consists of 17 elements in 14 groups, including 1 HR, 7 ED, and 2 ASP elements, effectively minimizing aberrations and delivering sharp, clear images across the entire focus range, further supported by a floating focus system.
Equipped with a Linear Stepping Motor, the lens delivers fast and precise autofocus for both photography and video, while weather sealing ensures durability across varying conditions. Intuitive controls like an AF/MF switch and a Zoom Lock function prevent unwanted zoom creep during movement . This makes for a more consistent and reliable shooting experience from transport to trigger. As part of the Compact Zoom Series, the AF 60-180mm F2.8 FE completes a three-lens lineup weighing approximately 445 grams, 494 grams, and 730 grams, enabling seamless focal coverage from 14mm to 180mm with exceptional portability.
The LK Samyang AF 60-180mm F2.8 FE will be available from the end of July through LK Samyang retailers in the Benelux, Germany, and Austria. The recommended retail price is €999, including VAT.
About LK SAMYANG
LK SAMYANG is a global optical solutions company with more than 50 years of experience in optical technology and product development. Formerly known as Samyang Optics, the company rebranded to LK SAMYANG in 2024 as part of a broader move beyond interchangeable lenses into wider optical technologies and imaging solutions. Building on its long-standing heritage in manual focus lenses, LK SAMYANG has continued to expand its autofocus range and strengthen its engineering capabilities for photographers and filmmakers.
About Schneider-Kreuznach
Founded in 1913, Schneider-Kreuznach is a German optics brand active in fields including space, cinema, and industrial imaging. The company is known for its focus on optical precision and durability.
The Transcontinenta Group started in 1992 as Transcontinenta in the Netherlands and has grown into a value-added distributor of photo and video brands for retailers, professional end-users, and business-to-business companies. Over the years, the industry has evolved, establishing the Transcontinenta Group as the leading photo and video distributor in Europe. The Transcontinenta Group has expanded its sales and marketing operations, with offices in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, along with partner offices in Paris and Barcelona. With an international team, the company serves over 200 million customers across these regions.