Samyang’s new AF 24mm F1.8 lens features a dedicated ‘Astrophotography Mode’

Earlier this week, lens manufacturer Samyang (also known as Rokinon or Bower depending on your region) shared a teaser for two unreleased lenses, with the suggestion the pair would be specifically for astrophotography. Now, just a few days after that teaser, Samyang has announced the release of one of those lenses, an AF 24mm F1.8 lens for Sony E mount cameras.

The lens is constructed of 11 elements in 8 groups, including two aspherical elements, three high-refractive index lenses and two extra-low dispersion elements. The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 19cm (7.48″), uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, has an aperture range of F1.8 to F22 and is weathersealed.

In addition to a customizable focus-hold button, which will keep the lens locked at a specific point while in autofocus mode, the AF 24mm F1.8 also features an ‘Astrophotography Mode.’ Samyang says this mode will ‘automatically set the lens focusing mode to MF, move and lock the lens to infinity focus and the Inifinity Focus Confirmation LED will light up green.’ If the lens is moved from infinity focus, the LED will turn red to let you know you’re no longer focused on infinity for your night sky images.

The lens also features a custom switch, which allows the focus ring to be used as an aperture ring (Mode 1 for AF, Mode 2 for aperture). Below is a sample gallery of images taken with the lens, provided by Samyang:

The Samyang/Rokinon/Bower AF 24mm F1.8 will be available in June 2021 for an MSRP of $549.