Samyang Expands Its Compact Prime Lineup with 16mm and 85mm AF Lenses for Sony FE

Samyang returns with two new slim AF lenses for Sony FE, rounding out its expanding Prima series. They look like they were made to order for Sony full-frame mirrorless shooters who desire excellent optics without the weight.

The Samyang AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE complement last year’s AF 35mm F1.4 Prima, representing a significant step toward offering light, budget-friendly primes for a broad range of applications. The collection offers from wide landscape shots to buttery portrait shots.

These new lenses for Sony FE are autofocus-capable, full-frame, and constructed specifically for the Sony FE mount. And if you are in North America, you will discover them under the Rokinon brand rather than Samyang. Either, they deliver genuine value in svelte, travel-sized packages.

Compact Builds, Serious Glass

Let me begin with the AF 85mm F1.8 P FE. This is the lightest of its class, and rightly so. Weighing a mere 272g (9.6 oz) and measuring only 71.5mm in length, this lens is noticeably smaller than the majority of the fast 85mm portrait lenses.

While trim, it still contains three ED elements and a 9-blade iris for stunning bokeh and precise separation. Samyang claims it has been optimized for “expressive, high-impact portraits,” and judging by the spec sheet, that holds up.

Then there is the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE, a compact ultrawide of 207g (7.3 oz) and 70.5mm long. With a 0.12m close focus distance, this one is especially interesting for detail shots, wide-angle close-ups, and dynamic perspectives. On APS-C Sony bodies, you will get an effective 24mm focal length and up to 1:2 magnification, which adds serious versatility.

Both lenses also support USB-C firmware updates and include removable lens hoods. They are lightweight, compact, and obviously targeted at creatives who do not wish to sacrifice performance for ease of use.

Key Specs for Samyang AF Lenses for Sony FE

• Mount: Sony FE
• Format: Full-frame / APS-C (127.5mm equiv.)
• Aperture: f/1.8–f/22
• Weight: 272g
• Length: 71.5mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.65m
• Special Elements: 3 ED glass
• Iris Blades: 9
• USB-C port for firmware
• Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE
• Mount: Sony FE
• Format: Full-frame / APS-C (24mm equiv.)
• Aperture: f/2.8–f/22
• Weight: 207g
• Length: 70.5mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.12m
• Max Magnification: 1:3 (FF), 1:2 (APS-C)
• USB-C port for firmware

Price and Availability

The AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE and AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE will cost $399 / £348 and go on sale in August 2025. This is a strong proposition for lenses this capable, particularly attractive to Sony shooters assembling an agile, high-quality system.

If you asked me my opinion on it as a writer and camera lover, I would choose it if I want to travel light without compromising on quality. These new Samyang Prima primes might be my next favorite lenses.

I think these new Prima lenses are a smart move. Not every lens needs to be flashy or expensive to be genuinely useful. The 85mm f/1.8 caught my eye mostly for how light it is! 272g is kind of perfect for long days or low-key shoots. And the 16mm f/2.8? That feels like a fun lens to explore your city or take a casual hike. I probably would not swap out my primary portrait lens for the 85 just yet, but it is nice to have solid options that do not feel like overkill.

[via Digitalcameraworld; Image credits: Samyang]

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