In late June I got a copy of the new LK Samyang 60-180mm F/2.8 to test. I was excited to get my hands on it. I used it hard for 4 days at Tons of Rock 2026. What better way to test a new lens?
The first thing that surprised me, is the weight. The weight is low and controlled. The AF is fast and the sharpness is way better than you would think for a lens in this price and category. I won’t go in the technical specs of this lens. There are plenty of other places to look up that. I only talk about the experience of my use of this lens.
Is it the best lens money can buy? Of course not. It delivers more then good enough for my use and demands. I would love the lens to have internal zoom, but that would add more weight and price.
For the money, you have to look really hard to find anything that delivers in this category. A lens that costs 3-4 times more, of course its better. But does the the quality difference make up for a much higher price? No. The 60-180 delivers what 99% of photographers would need. And the combo between price and quality, this lens is a no-brainer in every photo bag.
I am REALLY happy to have this in my arsenal, combined with the amazing 14-24mm and 26-60mm in the same series. LK Samayng makes these lenses together with Schneider-Kreuznach. And I really think they hit a sweet spot with this new compact series of zoom lenses.
Gallery taken with LK Samyang 60-180mm F/2.8:
