On paper, LK Samyang’s forthcoming AF 28-135mm F2.8 FE is an unusual Sony E-mount zoom: it pairs a 28–135mm range with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and voice coil motor autofocus. That makes it an intriguing prospect, not yet a proven do-it-all lens. Current reports put its arrival in February 2027; price, regional availability and independent performance results have not been established.
What Samyang has announced
The AF 28-135mm F2.8 FE is an autofocus zoom for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. LK Samyang is known as Rokinon in the US, according to Digital Camera World. The reports describe an announcement or teaser, not a lens already on ordinary retail shelves.
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The key specifications reported so far are a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, voice coil motor (VCM) autofocus and a weight of 854g. Newsshooter reports an optical construction of 20 elements in 16 groups, while DPReview reports an extending barrel measuring 151mm at one end of the zoom range and 190mm at the other, plus an 82mm filter thread.
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| Reported specification | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mount and format | Sony E-mount, full-frame autofocus zoom | DPReview |
| Focal length and maximum aperture | 28–135mm; constant f/2.8 | Newsshooter |
| Autofocus motor | Voice coil motor (VCM) | Digital Camera World |
| Weight | 854g | Digital Camera World |
| Optical construction | 20 elements in 16 groups | Newsshooter |
| Barrel length and filter thread | 151mm at one end and 190mm at the other; 82mm filter thread | DPReview |
| Close-focus distance | 27cm at 28mm; 73cm at 135mm | Newsshooter |
| Weather and coating claims | Weather sealing and water- and oil-repellent coating/UMC are reported; independent durability testing is not established | Photo Rumors |
Digital Camera World reported February 2027 as the expected market arrival. That is a reported launch window, not confirmation of a specific on-sale date in every region.
#1 Best Overall
- G-series optical design ideal for HD and 4K moviemaking
- Minimized angle of view variation (breathing) while focusing
- No focus shifting or axial displacement while zooming
- No focus shifting or axial displacement while zooming
Why the 28–135mm f/2.8 combination stands out
The range runs from wide-normal framing to short-telephoto reach. In practical terms, it could cover general scenes, portraits and more distant subjects without changing lenses, while the maximum aperture remains f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. Digital Camera World calls this exact range-and-aperture pairing a first; that is the publication’s assessment, not a comprehensive survey of every lens ever made.
The VCM is another specification to watch. Reports describe the motor as potentially smooth and quiet, but those descriptions do not establish how well a production lens tracks moving subjects or behaves during video recording. Autofocus performance needs testing on finished lenses and compatible camera bodies.
Rank #2
- G-series optical design ideal for HD and 4K moviemaking;Dust and moisture resistant design
- Minimized angle of view variation (breathing) while focusing
- No focus shifting or axial displacement while zooming
- Independent Zoom, Focus and Iris rings for superior control
- Constant F4 max aperture maintains exposure / depth of field
The trade-offs to consider
28mm is not as wide as 24mm
The lens starts at 28mm, so it will show a narrower view than a zoom that starts at 24mm. That difference can matter for interiors, architecture, landscapes or other scenes where stepping back is impossible. It does not make 28mm unusable; it means photographers who depend on a 24mm-wide standard zoom should consider whether they would need a second lens for wider coverage.
Its reach comes with size and weight
At a reported 854g, with a barrel that extends from 151mm to 190mm as it zooms, this is not a compact standard zoom. DPReview compares it with the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2, reporting the Samyang as around 30% longer and 60% heavier. That comparison is useful for understanding portability, but the Tamron covers a substantially shorter range; it is not a direct performance verdict.
Rank #3
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- EXCELLENT IMAGE QUALITY - The intricate construction of this 135mm F1.8 autofocus telephoto lens for Sony E-Mount full-frame and APSC cameras always ensures first-class sharpness and image quality. Bright F1.8 open aperture and 11 aperture blades create an impressive bokeh
- MODERN AUTOFOCUS - The modern LSTM autofocus works quickly, quietly and accurately. Silent focus has also been optimized for video recording. Ideal for close-up portraits, macro, sports, landscapes and astro photography
- INNOVATIVE FEATURES - Advanced features such as the focus hold button, custom switch and focus range limiter switch make professional photography and shooting even more convenient. Aluminium housing with weather protection and pleasant feel
- Suitable for Sony E-MOUNT FULL FORMAT AND APS-C CAMERAS - Sony A1, A9 II, A9, A7 IV, A7 III, A7 II, A7, A7S III, A7S II, A7S, A7R IV, A7R III, A7R II, A7R, A7C and Sony Alpha 66000 , 65000 , 6400, 6300, 6100, 6000, 5100, 5000, NEX-3N, NEX-5T, NEX-F3
The reported 82mm filter thread is relevant if you use screw-in filters: check compatibility and the cost of matching filters before choosing a system. The available specifications do not establish how the lens handles filter use or whether its front assembly rotates.
How it compares with other Sony E-mount zooms
Two alternatives mentioned in current coverage illustrate different priorities. Newsshooter identifies Sony’s FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS as a slower, heavier and bulkier competitor. Its power-zoom and optical-stabilization features may matter to video users, so the Samyang’s brighter aperture alone does not settle which is the better fit. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD reaches farther at the telephoto end but starts at 35mm, a narrower view than either 28mm zoom.
Rank #4
- Full frame compatible with an 18.8 degree angle of view on full frame cameras and a 12.4 angle of view on APS-C cameras
- Samyang Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) Optics
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 2.6 ft. with fast apertures of f2.0 - f22
- Features 9 diaphragm blades and includes a removable lens hood
| Lens | Focal range | Maximum aperture | Other reported distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| LK Samyang AF 28-135mm F2.8 FE | 28–135mm | Constant f/2.8 | 854g; reported VCM autofocus; dimensions and filter thread above |
| Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS | 28–135mm | f/4 | Newsshooter describes it as heavier and bulkier and identifies power zoom and OSS; comparative weight and dimensions are not stated in that report |
| Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD | 35–150mm | Variable f/2–2.8 | Starts narrower and reaches farther at the telephoto end; weight, stabilization and dimensions are not stated in the cited Newsshooter report |
Those distinctions point to the questions that matter more than a headline specification: do you need 24mm coverage, constant f/2.8, a power zoom, optical stabilization, or a lighter kit? Price and independently measured image quality are also essential to a buying decision, but they have not been established for the forthcoming Samyang.
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What is still unproven
The announced specifications do not answer how sharp the lens is across the frame and zoom range, how reliably autofocus tracks subjects, how much focus breathing it exhibits, or how it operates for video. The weather-sealing and coating claims reported by Photo Rumors likewise should not be treated as proof of tested resistance or long-term durability.
Best Value
- TELEPHOTO PRIME WITH BRIGHT F1.8 APERTURE: Crisp 135mm focal length with wide F1.8 aperture delivers stunning subject separation, beautiful bokeh, and impressive low-light performance — ideal for portraits, astrophotography, and fine detail work.
- FULL CREATIVE CONTROL WITH PRO FEATURES: Equipped with Focus Hold Button, Custom Switch, and Focus Range Limiter. Assign Eye AF or other functions, control aperture silently, and limit focus range to increase AF speed when needed.
- VIDEO-READY WITH QUIET LINEAR STM MOTOR: Smooth, fast, and silent autofocus via Linear STM motor ensures professional video quality with minimal focus breathing. Designed for creators shooting interviews, cinematic footage, or B-roll.
- CLOSE-UP CAPABILITY & BACKGROUND BLUR: Minimum focus distance of just 2.26ft (0.69m) and 0.243x magnification allows striking close-ups with dreamy background blur. Ultra-precision aspherical lens ensures refined, natural bokeh.
- DURABLE DESIGN WITH WEATHER SEALING: Built for demanding conditions with a solid 772g build, weather-sealing, and a precision-engineered focus ring for reliable handling—ideal for capturing starscapes, outdoor portraits, or on-location video.
As of the current announcement reports, no independent production-sample results establish optical quality, tracking autofocus, breathing, stabilization, video operation or durability. Price, exact regional release dates and final retail availability are also unconfirmed. Until those details arrive, the lens can be judged as a promising specification sheet, not as a verified all-in-one purchase.
Quick Recap
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