Schneider Kreuznach × LK Samyang Interview With Kim Dubin Samyang’s Product and Planning Manager
Phototrend posted a lengthy interview with Kim Dubin Samyang’s product and planning manager at CP+2026. You can read the full interview on Phototrend or check out the translated, summarized interview below:
Strategic Overview & Development Philosophy
- User-Driven Innovation: Samyang is using these 3D prototypes to gather feedback from users and media before finalizing production.
- The “f/2” Standard: The company is exploring f/2 as the next performance standard for zoom lenses to differentiate itself from the saturated f/2.8 market.
- New AF Technology: The manufacturer is moving toward a new linear Voice Coil Motor (VCM) for autofocus to improve video tracking and speed, replacing older stepper motors.
- Optical Stabilization: Samyang is actively developing its own proprietary OIS system, which is currently being tested on 135mm f/1.8 prototypes.
- Mount Strategy: While primarily focused on Sony FE, they are technically prepared to adapt designs like the 24-60mm to Canon RF and Nikon Z once licensing is secured.
Detailed Lens Prototypes
Samyang AF 20-50mm f/2 FE
- Concept: Designed to provide a wider-than-average starting point (20mm) with a very bright f/2 aperture.
- Physicality: Expected to be significantly larger and heavier than the current 24-60mm f/2.8 due to the fast aperture.
- Timeline: Still in early development; launch not expected before 2028 or 2029 to avoid competing with their own recently released 24-60mm.
Samyang AF 28-85mm f/2-2.8 FE
- Evolution: Originally envisioned with a constant f/2 aperture, but changed to a variable f/2-2.8 to keep the size manageable.
- Features: Will not feature internal stabilization (unstabilized) and will be slightly larger than the 24-60mm f/2.8.
- Market Position: Intended to compete with Tamron’s 28-75mm and Sigma’s 28-70mm f/2.8 zooms.
- Timeline: Potential release in late 2027 or spring 2028 depending on user reception.
Samyang AF 28-135mm f/2.8 FE
- Production Status: Reportedly already in production (first showcased as a prototype at IBC 2025).
- Technology: Will feature the new linear VCM autofocus motor for superior video performance and fast-action tracking.
- Versatility: Positioned as a more versatile “king of versatility” compared to competitors like the Sigma 28-105mm or Tamron 35-100mm.
- Timeline: Planned for release in late 2026 at the earliest.
Samyang AF 300mm f/4 FE OIS
- Key Innovation: Likely to be Samyang’s first lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
- Workaround Feature: Samyang is considering an internal 1.4x teleconverter (converting it to a 420mm f/5.6) to bypass licensing restrictions that prevent them from selling external teleconverters.
- Controls: The prototype shows numerous physical control switches on the lens barrel.
Samyang AF 200mm f/1.8 FE OIS
- Performance: A high-end prime lens aimed at professional sports and portrait photographers.
- Challenges: Samyang acknowledges that production will be very costly due to the complex optics and the new OIS system.
- Market Goal: The objective is to demonstrate Samyang’s technical capabilities against established Japanese brands and emerging Chinese competitors.
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