Is Samyang Launching A New Lens for Canon RF Mount?

Last Updated on 11/19/2024 by Nilofer Khan

Canon has recently been warming up to the idea of third-party lenses for their cameras. We aren’t sure how this change of thoughts, but it is a thing. For instance, Sigma announced two RF lenses, albeit for the ASP-C mount: EOS R7, a 10-18 mm f2.8 DC DN, or an 18-50 mm f2.8 DC DN. The company states that as the RF-S lineup does not have ‘expert’ lenses, Sigma hopes to fill that void. Now, it appears Samyang is also expanding its lineup to cater to the needs of the community.

According to Asobinet, a Japanese publication, Weibo has been buzzing with this news. Weibo is a Chinese social media site where Chinese sources post rumors about these kinds of things. Samyang is expanding its AF 12mm F2.0, which already exists for APS-C Sony and Fujifilm cameras, to the Canon RF lineup as a third-party manufacturer. Although Saymyang has not officially said anything yet, it seems many Chinese manufacturers are in talks with RF mount licenses.

Here’s what the Association of Independent Photographers on Weibo said:

• Who said Canon wouldn’t open up the mount?
• The Samyang RF-S AF 12mm f2 has been announced, featuring a 62mm filter mount and a minimum focusing distance of 0.2m.
• Following Sigma and Tamron, RF mount  lenses. It could become the second optical brand authorized to manufacture.
• According to reliable sources, it is known that three domestic optical brands are in negotiations with Canon for licensing RF mount lenses and are waiting for the right timing for progress or announcement.

There is a buzz on Weibo that Samyang has announced the release of the AF 12mm F2.0 for the Canon RF mount. It has not yet been released on the global site, but there may be some movement soon. In addition, it seems that several Chinese manufacturers are in negotiations regarding the RF mount license.

Per the website, the existing Samyang lens is constructed using 12 Elements in 10 Groups, including one H-ASP, one ASP, and three ED lens elements. However, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.19m, a magnification ratio of 0.09x, and 7 aperture blades. It also features a 99.1˚angle of view and has been touted by astrophotographers. There is a linear STM motor that weighs 224g and measures 59.2mm in length.

The leaked images shared on Weibo portray an AF/MF switch, which doesn’t exist for Sony and Fujifilm. If Samyang releases the lens by next year, it will make them the third company to do so. Furthermore, it will open a new possibility for them to adapt their existing APS-C lenses for RF mounts.

So far, Canon has only six RF-S lenses, which is quite a small number. Of them, two are VR lenses, which makes the number for photography even smaller. This means that third-party lens manufacturers may be given a leeway to compensate for the lack of devices. This could also mean Canon gets more time to perfect its full-frame cameras.

Opening up the third-party gateway comes late but perhaps also out of desperation, as their APS-C cameras sell well. If you don’t allow customers to expand their lens lineup, you are losing out on a significant profit margin. This also means that Canon must pick up its weight in the APS-C department, which has been lagging. We are yet to see what the next brings.