Rokinon, backed by Korean company Samyang, has introduced their fourth lens with autofocus for mirrorless cameras, the Rokinon AF 18mm F2.8. At $499, the Rokinon AF 18mm F2.8 ultra wide has an image circle large enough to cover both full frame and APS-C Sony digital cameras and camcorders. 

With a weight of only 5.12 ounces (0.32 pounds) and a length of 1.99 inches, Rokinon is claiming it as the “most compact and lightweight super-wide angle currently available for Sony E Mount.” For landscapes, nighttime photography, and architectural and interior work, the ultra wide has a rectilinear design to correct for barreling and pincushion distortions.

For Sony’s APS-C E Mount cameras, the 18mm full-frame wide angle view is equivalent to a 27mm focal length. For video, the STM “Stepless Motor” is part of an internal focusing mechanism for quieter audio as well as smoother and more accurate autofocus. The AF will work up to a minimum shooting distance of 9.8 inches. 

With a 58mm threaded filter attachment on the front of the lens for polarizers and other optical filters, a commonly used diameter for mirrorless models, the interior has nine Ultra Multicoated elements in eight groups as well as eight specialized lens elements: three Aspherical, two High Refractive Index and three Extra-low Dispersion. 

With both lenses available at a street price of $399, Samyang’s identical 18mm F2.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Lens for Sony E Mount is also currently available for preorder.

Topping off with the XEEN cinema lenses at an average of $2,000 each, Rokinon has mount solutions for DSLRs, mirrorless and cinema cameras for most major manufacturers, including Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony.