Samyang AF 16mm f2.8 Prima Lens for Sony FE

The Samyang AF 16mm f2.8 P FE lens offers full-frame coverage and a 107° angle of view in a lightweight 207g body optimised for hybrid creators. Its optical design features 8 elements in 7 groups, including HR, ED, and aspherical elements, reducing distortion and improving clarity. With a linear STM AF motor, a 12cm minimum focus distance, 0.33x magnification, and USB-C firmware support, the Samyang Prima Lens is a compact prime tailored for both stills and videos.

Samyang AF 16mm f2.8 Prima Lens for Sony FE Key Features:

• Ultra-wide 16mm f2.8 prime lens for Sony FE-mount full-frame
• Optical design includes 8 elements in 7 groups with HR, ED and ASP glass
• Covers a 107° angle of view with excellent edge-to-edge resolution
• Close 0.12m minimum focusing distance for semi-macro photography
• Delivers 0.33x magnification for wide-angle close-up shooting
• Linear STM autofocus motor provides fast and quiet focusing
• AF/MF switch and smooth focus ring for tactile control
• Weather sealing and IP5-level internal dust resistance
• USB-C port for direct firmware updates without an external dock
• Engineered with a lightweight, high-strength composite material
• Upgraded hood design reduces flare and controls backlight
• UMC coating suppresses internal reflections and ghosting
• Standard 62mm front filter thread for creativity and control
• Weighs just 207g and measures only 70.5mm in length
• Compatible with APS-C Sony FE-mount cameras (24mm equivalent)

Optical design

The AF 16mm f2.8 P FE is constructed with 8 elements in 7 groups, incorporating one high-refractive (HR), three extra-low dispersion (ED), and one aspherical (ASP) element. This combination effectively corrects optical aberrations, improving contrast, sharpness and colour accuracy across the full 107° angle of view. UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating) is applied throughout to control flare and suppress ghosting, particularly in high-contrast or backlit environments. The result is a lens capable of rendering wide scenes with clarity from corner to corner without the distortion typically associated with ultra-wide-angle lenses in this class.

Focusing system

A Linear STM (Stepping Motor) drives the lens’s autofocus, enabling fast and quiet focusing across both stills and videos. This motor allows smooth transitions with minimal focus breathing, maintaining compositional stability during rack focus and pull focus operations. A responsive AF/MF switch is built into the barrel, enabling instant toggling between modes. The focus is manually adjustable via a broad, fluid focus ring that provides tactile precision for controlled shots, whether working with gimbals, handheld rigs, or manual pull systems.

Close-up performance

Despite its ultra-wide perspective, the lens delivers impressive close-up performance, with a 0.12m minimum focus distance and a 0.33x magnification ratio on full-frame cameras. This semi-macro functionality allows users to fill the frame with smaller subjects while retaining dramatic environmental context. On APS-C cameras, the lens functions as a 24mm equivalent and can produce compositions with nearly half-macro impact, adding flexibility for hybrid creators who shoot both wide establishing scenes and intimate detail shots without needing to change lenses.

Build and usability

The AF 16mm f2.8 P FE is constructed from a new in-house engineered composite that strikes a balance between durability and low weight. The result is a robust build at just 207g and 70.5mm in length, making it an excellent match for compact Sony full-frame cameras. The lens is internally tested to IP5 standards for dust resistance and includes weather sealing for added protection during outdoor shoots. A redesigned petal-style lens hood helps reduce stray light and maintain contrast, while the 62mm front filter thread supports screw-on filters, rare for lenses this wide. A USB-C port located on the lens barrel enables direct firmware updates, keeping the lens up to date without requiring additional accessories.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Samyang AF 16mm f2.8 Prima Lens for Sony FE
• 1 x Front Lens Cap
• 1 x Rear Lens Cap
• 1 x Petal-Type Lens Hood
• 1 x Soft Lens Pouch

FAQs:

Can I use the Samyang AF 16mm f2.8 Prima Lens with APS-C cameras?

The AF 16mm f2.8 P FE is fully compatible with APS-C Sony FE-mount bodies, providing a 24mm equivalent field of view. This compatibility makes it well-suited to handheld vlogging, interiors, and close-up wide-angle shooting, offering similar benefits to its full-frame performance but with tighter framing.

How do I update the lens firmware?

Firmware updates are straightforward thanks to the built-in USB-C port on the lens. Connect the lens directly to your computer without a dock or accessory hub and easily install software enhancements or compatibility fixes as Samyang releases them.

Does the Samyang AF 16mm f2.8 Prima Lens support filters?

Yes, it accepts standard 62mm screw-in filters, making it highly usable for videographers and landscape photographers who require ND or polarising filters, and avoids the need for bulky or rear-mounted filter solutions often required for lenses in this focal range.

What kind of protection does the lens offer for outdoor use?

The lens includes weather sealing and has passed Samyang’s internal IP5-level dust resistance tests. While not fully waterproof, it can endure dusty or unpredictable conditions, making it a reliable option for travel, location shoots and all-day outdoor use. It also features a hood to protect the lens from knocks at the end.

How does this lens differ from earlier Samyang compact prime models?

The AF 16mm f2.8 P FE introduces an upgraded optical design and modern housing made from new lightweight materials. Compared to previous compact models, it features a revised hood, a built-in USB-C port, improved close-focusing performance, and a refreshed Prima Series aesthetic.