Samyang AF 24-60 mm f/2.8 FE review

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Samyang AF 24-60 mm f/2.8 FE

14 September 2026

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Our resolution test (resolution meaning the MTF50 function values) of Sony FE lenses is based on RAW files from the 42.4 Mpix sensor of the Sony A7R II, the Sony A7R III or the Sony A7R IIIa cameras. In the case of this kind of detector the decency level we set about 39-41 lpmm and the best fixed focal lenses have been able to exceed 80 lpmm. Record-breaking lenses can go beyond 85 lpmm or even 90 lpmm and so far, our list of these record-breakers goes as follows: the Sigma A 17-40 mm f/1.8 DC (89.9 lpmm), the Meike 85 mm f/1.4 FF STM (90.2 lpmm), and the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM (90.9 lpmm).

Let's check how the Samyang AF 24-60 mm f/2.8 FE compares in the frame centre at 24, 40 and 60 mm.

Samyang AF 24-60 mm f/2.8 FE - Image resolution

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The shortest focal length is the best and in this place the tested lens deserves to be praised. The best resolution you get already near the maximum relative aperture, with results reaching 73-74 lpmm.

The problems start when you pass to longer end of the focal spectrum – the most pronounced regress can be observed by f/2.8. At 40 mm the lens reaches 50.2 lpmm, and at 60 mm it's just 46.0 lpmm. It's still above the decency level, but we admit, when it comes to a contemporary lens with a zoom ratio of just 2.5x you should expect something more. On the other hand, when you remind yourself of results of such models as the Samyang AF 24-70 mm f/2.8 FE or the Sigma C 28-70 mm f/2.8 you find out that these instruments aren't much sharper and at the shortest focal length the Samyang, tested here, fares actually better than these two.

What about the situation on the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor? An appropriate graph you can find below.

The situation is very interesting. By f/2.8 the shortest focal length fares actually the best and in the 40-60 mm range the lens gets results that are on the borderline of the decency level. On stopping down the results at 24 mm start to lower more and more and at the longer end they increase very quickly so by f/4.0 all resolution values are practically the same. By f/5.6 longer focal lengths fare the best.

Overall, in the case of the edges of this type of detector, the results of the Samyang are good or at least decent, never giving you any reason to complain. However, it changes after passing to the edge of full frame – let's glance at a graph below. Only at the 24 mm focal length there are no serious reservations, as results are decent across the aperture range. Unfortunately at the longer end of the focal spectrum images reached at the maximum relative aperture are simply weak. In order to improve them, you have to stop the aperture down to a value close to f/4.0. The rivals, mentioned above, didn't have such weak results by f/2.8.

To sum up, you can say the Samyang AF 24-60 mm f/2.8 FE didn't manage to avoid some compromises in this category. The constructors decided to take proper care of the shortest focal length that provides the highest resolution in the frame centre and does't have any weak points on the edge. In case of the 40-60 mm range if you want to get sharp images across the frame you have to stay away from the maximum relative aperture.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution testing chart; they were saved as JPEG files along RAW files, used for the analysis above.

A7R IIIa, JPEG, 24 mm, f/2.8