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By admin, on June 15th, 2026
The Pocket 4P is already in stock at major retailers worldwide, except in the USA. We have also seen multiple times the review units pop up on social media channels, websites like ours, TheNewCamera.com, as well as on user online forums, and finally, it’s officially to be announced in China on June 15, which is today.
This is excellent news for creators in Asia, who are waiting for the next-generation Pocket 4P camera.
DJI China’s official flagship store is confirming the June 15 launch of the Osmo Pocket 4P.
 Translated version of the official DJI store chat. Official Confirmation from DJI China Store
Customer service from DJI’s official Chinese flagship store confirmed today that the Pocket 4P will launch on June 15. When asked about pricing, the representative stated:
“The Osmo Pocket 4P will officially release on June 15. The price starts from 3799 yuan. It is recommended to wait for the official announcement.”
This is the clearest launch date we’ve received so far.
DJI Pocket 4 PRO: US Availability Status
As of right now, there is no official way to buy the Osmo Pocket 4P in the United States.
DJI has not received full FCC authorisation for the Pocket 4 series, which is why both the standard Pocket 4 and the Pocket 4P are not being sold through DJI’s US website, Amazon US, B&H, Adorama, or Best Buy.
At the very same time, specifically for buyers in the United States of America, we published an article yesterday on the possible methods that you can use to buy the Pocket 4P / Pro camera if you are in the USA.
Until DJI resolves the regulatory issue, American buyers will have to rely on grey market imports if they want the camera sooner.
Important Note for US Buyers: Grey market units may start appearing on eBay, and importers are ready to ship within days of the China launch. However, these come with risks – limited or no US warranty, potential support issues, and regulatory uncertainty.
 DJI pocket 4 Pricing official confirmation Pricing in China (For Reference)
The Pocket 4P is launching in China at 3799 yuan, which converts to approximately:
This is lower than many earlier global rumours ($730–800 range). Global pricing is still unconfirmed and will likely be higher when the camera is officially released outside China.
What’s New on the Pocket 4P?
The biggest upgrade over the standard Pocket 4 is the dual-camera system — a 1-inch main sensor paired with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens. This gives creators real optical zoom for the first time in the Pocket series, making it significantly more useful for vlogging, travel, and run-and-gun filmmaking.
Other expected improvements include better dynamic range and more professional color tools, positioning the 4P as the more cinematic version of the Pocket 4.
Should US Creators Wait or Import?
| Option |
Pros |
Cons |
Recommendation |
| Wait for the official US Release or switch to the grey market for Import |
Full warranty, proper support |
Could take months (or longer) |
Best if you can wait |
| Insta360 Luna Ultra |
Dual Camera-based system gimbal |
US warranty |
If ur new creator is ready to try the Insta360 brand |
| Wait for Xtramuse 2 PRO |
Same features as the DJI 4 pro with the DJI ECO system support |
None |
Excellent alternative for US buyers |
Most US creators will likely wait for clearer information on official US availability rather than jumping on grey market units immediately.
What’s Next?
- China: Sales begin today (June 15)
- Global markets (Europe, Asia, etc.): Shipping Expected within 1–2 weeks
- United States: No confirmed timeline. We are monitoring FCC developments closely.
We will update this article as soon as DJI makes any official announcement regarding US availability or global pricing.
The article “DJI Pocket 4P Launches in China Today – What It Means for US Buyers” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on 5:38 am, Monday, 15 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | get live news — > DJI Rumors
By admin, on June 14th, 2026
Well, the New DJI Pocket 4 Pro has been announced globally on June 15, 2026. And yes, some of our subscribers are using review units, and they are highly impressed with the camera. Although it’s not available there for pre-order yet, we have collected a bunch of information on how people are getting the DJI Pocket 4p or PRO camera in the USA.
But if you’re in the United States, you won’t find it on DJI’s site, B&H, Amazon, or anywhere official. So what’s the actual situation, and how are people getting their hands on it?
The Real Story on US Availability
We do know that the pocket 4 and 4p did receive FCC certification before the Dec 25 ban, but as per the latest press information, DJI says the camera isn’t available in the US because of “pending authorization.” A lot of people assumed it was banned, but that’s not really accurate.
First of all the authorization status has been shifted to pending from approved, which means its un indecision state. The Ban was initially added to drones but newly launched non-drone products are also waiting for approval despite clearing the FCC test.
Important part: For personal use, importing one (or up to three) units is allowed under FCC rules. It’s not considered contraband for regular people bringing it in for themselves. The drone-related bans and Covered List stuff don’t apply the same way to this camera.
How People Are Buying It
Here are the methods that are actually working right now, based on recent user reports. You can pre-book / pre-order or buy DJI Pocket 4 and DJI Pocket 4 PRO units in USA in the following ways:
- Canada Route (Easiest for many people)
A lot of folks who live near the border are just driving up to Canada, buying it from stores like Henry’s, and bringing it back. One user said they had zero issues at the border – As they say, the agents barely checked anything. Some people are even activating DJI Care Refresh while they’re still in Canada.
- Ordering from UK Retailers
One person ordered the Creator Combo from a UK shop (heliguy) and had it in the US in just over 2 days using FedEx. They prepaid all the shipping and duties upfront, so it cleared customs smoothly. It was more expensive, but it worked without any problems with setup or firmware updates.
- eBay and International Sellers
People are also buying from sellers in South Korea and Europe on eBay. Several users have reported that the camera activates normally in the US, firmware updates work fine, and they’re using it without any issues.
- Friends/Family or Forwarding Services
Some are having people abroad buy it and ship it, or using package forwarding services.
What’s It Like Using It in the US?
From what people are saying:
- Set up works normally with a regular US DJI account.
- Firmware updates go through fine.
- No VPN needed in most recent cases.
- The camera behaves exactly like it should.
The main downside everyone mentions is warranty. You probably won’t get official US warranty support on these imported units, and DJI Care Refresh can be hit or miss depending on how you activate it.
Should You Import One?
If you really want the DJI dual-lens 3x zoom version right now and you’re okay with the warranty situation, then yes – people are successfully doing it. The risk for a single personal unit seems very low.
You Can Wait for Xtra Muse 2 PRO
If you can wait, some are holding out to see if DJI eventually releases it properly in the US or if an “Xtra” rebranded version shows up with local warranty support. In the meantime, the regular Pocket 3 is still excellent and easy to buy in the US.
Final Recommendation
The Pocket 4 Pro isn’t officially sold in America yet, but it’s not banned either. Plenty of people are already importing it through Canada, UK shops, or eBay and using it without major headaches. Just go in knowing that warranty support will be limited.
If you are still in a dilemma, then the best part is to wait for Xtra Muse 2 PRO. The announcement of the camera is expected in late June and Early July, and the shipping of the camera is expected to start as early as mid of July 2026.
The article “DJI Pocket 4 Pro in the USA – How People Are Actually Getting It Right Now” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on 2:29 pm, Sunday, 14 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | get live news — > DJI Rumors
By admin, on June 13th, 2026
Insta360 has finally responded to DJI’s patent infringement lawsuits by filing two countersuits in the United States, claiming that DJI has infringed five of its utility patents.
Why is this happening? Insta360 moved quickly here; the official information comes just two days after DJI filed lawsuits against Insta360 on June 10, 2026 – the same day Insta360 officially launched its new Luna Ultra pocket gimbal camera.
What Happened
So, we are going to break down exactly what happened after the DJI lawsuit, so it all started on June 10, when DJI filed two separate patent lawsuits against Insta360 (Arashi Vision Inc.) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The lawsuits target Insta360’s newly launched Luna series gimbal cameras.
DJI is seeking a permanent injunction to block the sale of the Luna Ultra in the United States, along with damages.
In response, Insta360 filed two countersuits on June 12, asserting that DJI products infringe on its own patents.
DJI’s Allegations
According to court filings, DJI claims that Insta360’s Luna Ultra infringes on:
- 2 design patents — alleging that the Luna Ultra copies the design and appearance of the Osmo Pocket 3.
- 4 utility patents — related to usability features and functionality.
DJI argues that the Luna Ultra was developed using technology protected by its patents.
Insta360 Fires Back with Countersuits
Insta360 is in strong backfire mode and has strongly rejected DJI’s claims and filed countersuits asserting infringement of five utility patents covering key gimbal and camera technologies. These include:
- Gimbal stabilization
- Gimbal directional control
- Camera smooth stabilization
- Telemetry overlay
- Panoramic video stabilization
Insta360 claims these patented technologies are used across several DJI product lines, including the Osmo Pocket series, Ronin/RS series, Osmo Mobile series, and Osmo 360 cameras.
Official Statement from Insta360 Founder JK Liu
Insta360 Founder JK Liu issued a strong statement defending the company’s position:
“At Insta360, we prefer to let our products do the talking. But we are not afraid of a legal battle when challenged. We are fully committed to protecting our innovations and will take decisive action to defend our intellectual property from infringement.”
He further stated:
“Luna Ultra is the result of years of independent R&D, not a response to any competitor’s product. Development began in 2020, with earlier Insta360 products including the ONE R, Link Series webcams, and Flow Series gimbals helping shape the technology and design direction behind Luna Ultra. DJI filing lawsuits on the same day we launched Luna Ultra speaks volumes — exposing their fear of competition from a highly competitive product.”
Buyer Advisory: Will This Affect Insta360 Availability in the USA?
Now, if you are worried about the availability of the Insta360 products in the USA market, here is a quick breakdown for you of what is expected to happen next and why you should not be worried at all about the availability of Insta360 products.
| Time Frame |
Risk Level |
What It Means |
| Next 1–3 months |
Very Low |
No impact expected. Cases are too new. |
| Next 6–12 months |
Low |
Unlikely to affect sales significantly. |
| 1–2 years later |
Low to Medium |
Possible changes, but not guaranteed. |
Key Points:
- These lawsuits are still in the very early stages. No court has made any decision yet.
- Insta360 has filed strong countersuits, which shows they are prepared to fight.
- Even if DJI wins some claims in the future, it usually results in settlements or licensing deals rather than a complete ban on products.
- Right now, the Luna Ultra and all other Insta360 cameras remain fully available for purchase and shipping in the USA with no restrictions.
Bottom line for buyers: There is no need to rush or delay your purchase due to these lawsuits at this time. The situation is unlikely to affect product availability in the short term.
What This Means
This is not new for sure, Both companies have a history of patent disputes. In March 2026, DJI filed a lawsuit in China alleging that Insta360 infringed on drone-related patents developed by former DJI employees. Insta360 had denied those claims and stated that all innovations were developed independently.
This latest legal battle marks a significant escalation in the ongoing rivalry between Insta360 and DJI in the pocket gimbal camera segment. While DJI is attempting to block or restrict the Luna Ultra in the U.S. market, Insta360 is positioning itself as the innovator being targeted for creating a competitive product.
Bottom Line
This time, Insta360 is taking an aggressive stance by filing countersuits rather than simply defending itself. The company appears confident in its intellectual property and is framing DJI’s legal action as an attempt to hinder competition against its new flagship pocket camera.
We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.
The article “DJI Tries to Block Luna Ultra in USA: Insta360 Countersues in US Court” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on3:45 am, Saturday, 13 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | get live news — > DJI Rumors
By admin, on June 12th, 2026
Xtra Muse Pro announcement at the corner, and we are so excited about that. They have been teasing the Muse 2 and Muse 2 Pro for a while now, but they still haven’t made an official launch announcement. However, if you look closely at what they’ve actually said and done recently, you can piece together a pretty clear picture of when this camera is likely to drop — especially in the US.
Before we jump to the announcement window of the two, let’s have a look. Here’s a logical breakdown of all the available evidence so far.
Official Confirmation: Summer 2026
Back on April 30, 2026, Xtra put out an official press release where they confirmed that both the Muse 2 and Muse 2 Pro are coming to the US market in Summer 2026.
This is the only formal timeline they’ve given so far. Everything else we’re seeing now is basically them executing on that plan.
What Xtra Is Doing Right Now (June 2026)
Right now, Xtra is running two important things that give us strong clues:
- Big Promotion Until June 22
They’re currently offering a good discount on the current Xtra Muse (the first-gen model) using the code XTRAMUSEPD. This promotion runs from June 2 to June 22.
Why this matters: Companies usually don’t launch a brand new model while they’re still heavily discounting the old one. The fact that this sale ends on June 22 suggests they want to clear out old stock before bringing in the new Muse 2 series.
So, technically, they want to wipe out the stock of the Muse version 1.0 before June 22, by adding a massive discount on it.
- Creator Selections Start June 15
Xtra has started a creator program where they’re giving away free Muse 2 Pro units to selected creators. Their posts clearly say selections begin on June 15.
Why this matters: Brands usually start sending review units 10–20 days before they want content to go live. Starting selections on June 15 is a pretty strong signal that they expect to have units ready and want reviews/content around launch time.
Instagram Replies Pointing to June
A lot of people have noticed that when they comment on Xtra’s teaser posts asking things like “When is it coming?” or “Are you launching in June?”, the official @xtratech_official account has been replying in a way that points toward June.
This lines up with what thenewcamera.com reported earlier — that after the initial teaser, Xtra’s follow-up replies were indicating a June–July 2026 window for the US.
So When Is It Actually Launching?
Let’s put everything together logically:
- Before June 15 → Unlikely They’re still running a big promotion and haven’t even started creator selections yet. Launching this early wouldn’t make much sense.
- June 15 – June 22 → Possible but not ideal Creator selections start during this period, but announcing a new flagship while a major sale on the old model is still running is unusual. A soft tease or pre-order hint is possible, but a full announcement feels unlikely.
- After June 22 (Late June – Early July) → Most Likely Once the current promotion ends on June 22, Xtra has a clean window. They can announce the new model without mixed messaging, and they’ll have had time to send units to creators. This window fits all the signals we’ve seen so far.
- Latest realistic window: Mid-to-late July — still well within their official Summer 2026 promise.
Most Probable Timeline
- June 15: Creator selections begin (already confirmed)
- June 23 – July 5: Highest chance for the main announcement and pre-order opening
- Mid-to-late July 2026: Expected shipping and general availability
This timeline respects the official Summer 2026 statement, works around the June 2–22 promotion, fits the June 15 creator program start, and matches the pattern of official replies pointing to June activity.
Why This Actually Matters
The Xtra Muse 2 Pro is shaping up to be the most serious US-market alternative to the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P right now. Because of ongoing issues with FCC approval and tariffs, the real DJI Pocket 4 series has been difficult to get in the United States.
If Xtra delivers on the teased specs (dual-lens system, 1-inch sensor, 128GB built-in storage, bi-directional screen), this could become one of the more important pocket camera launches for American creators in 2026.
Bottom Line
Xtra hasn’t made an official announcement yet, but the evidence is pretty consistent. Between the official Summer 2026 statement, the promotion ending June 22, creator selections starting June 15, and their Instagram replies pointing to June, the most logical window for the main announcement is late June to early July 2026, with units becoming available in mid-to-late July.
We’ll keep watching their official channels and update this as soon as anything concrete drops.
Sources: Xtra Technology official press release (April 30, 2026), thenewcamera.com coverage, @xtratech_official Instagram activity (June 2026).
The article “Xtra Muse 2 Pro: When Is It Actually Launching?” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on 7:21 pm, Friday, 12 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | get live news — > DJI Rumors
Insta360 Luna Ultra Now Available in USA: Official Store Live and Best Places to Buy (June 2026)
By admin, on June 11th, 2026
Insta360 Luna has finally been announced and is available for pre-order, and shipping has also started. As we have reported previously, shipping is based on first come first server basis. As early as you place an order, you will have a higher the chance of getting the Luna Ultra within the next few days, or as long as the early stock lasts.
One of our subscribers, who ordered the Insta360 Luna on June 9, has already received their shipment on June 11 in the United States of America. It’s highly recommended to use the B&H Store for quick and secure delivery. Other than that, the Luna Ultra is also available among all the major online retailers and will soon become available in offline stores too.
Current Status (as of June 10, 2026)
Insta360 launched the Luna Ultra today with a live event. The camera is no longer in pure “pre-order” mode in the US — you can buy it right now from the official store.
Here’s where things stand at the moment:
Official Insta360 Store – Bundle Options
The official store currently offers several bundles. Here’s the breakdown:
| Bundle Name |
Price |
Best For |
What’s Included (beyond the camera) |
| Standard Bundle |
$769.99 |
Most buyers |
Protective Cover, Wind Guard, 1/4″ Thread Handle, Wrist Strap |
| Endurance Bundle |
$879.99 |
Travel / long shoots |
+ Carry Bag, Battery Handle |
| Essential Bundle |
$884.99 |
Everyday creators |
+ Carry Bag, Black Mist Filter |
| Vlog Bundle |
$889.99 |
Vloggers & run-and-gun |
+ Crossbody Strap, Mic Pro Transmitter, Black Mist Filter |
| Creator Bundle |
$969.99 |
Serious content creators |
+ Carry Bag, Battery Handle, Mic Pro Transmitter, Wide-Angle Lens |
| POV Bundle |
$864.99 |
Action / POV shooting |
+ POV Head Tracker, Neck Mount |
Our quick recommendation:
- Most people should go with the Standard Bundle ($769.99) unless they specifically need the extra accessories.
- The Creator Bundle ($969.99) offers the best value if you want the Battery Handle and external mic.
Buy here: Official Insta360 Store – Luna Ultra
B&H Photo Update
B&H Photo was one of the first major US retailers to list the Luna Ultra. Some early customers were even able to order and receive shipping confirmation before the official launch event. However, B&H has now changed the listing to “Coming Soon”, suggesting the initial allocation sold out very quickly.
If you want to buy from B&H, we recommend signing up for their stock alert.
Final Verdict
The Insta360 Luna Ultra has arrived in the US market faster than many expected. With the official store now live and multiple bundles available, American buyers finally have a clear and legitimate way to purchase the camera without waiting for grey market imports.
Right now, the official Insta360 Store is the most reliable place to buy, especially if you want specific bundles or accessories.
We’ll be updating this article as stock levels and retailer availability change over the next few days.
Would you like early access to hands-on footage or sample footage from the Luna Ultra? Let us know in the comments.
The article “Insta360 Luna Ultra Launch Today: Already Shipping from B&H” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on 8:15 am, Wednesday, 10 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | get live news — > DJI Rumors
By admin, on June 10th, 2026
Insta360 has confirmed that the Insta360 Luna Ultra announcement is about to happen today, that is on June 10, and more surprisingly than that, the B&H Store has already listed the camera in its stock. The units are already prepared for shipping, and also to a few customers, those who were able to order it in time. So this also shows that Insta360 has adopted an unconventional launch strategy, as the company is shipping real units to consumers even before the global reveal/announcement of the product.
Insta360 Luna Ultra Official Launch Time
Insta360 has announced a live launch event for today. Here are the timings:
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM EDT (US Eastern Time)
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM IST (India Standard Time)
The company is currently using the tagline “Luna has arrived” along with a “Launch Live” prompt on its website, signaling that full specifications and details will be shared during today’s event.
 Screenshot shared by the user after the pre-order of insta360 luna B&H Already Shipping Insta360 Luna Ultra
the biggest surprise we are talking about. B&H has already accepted pre-orders of the Luna Standard Combo (Cosmic Black) even before the official announcement, and we have never seen before that B&H has started shipping a product even before the official announcement has been made by the company itself. For proof, we have the screenshot of a customer who has shared the shipping confirmation of the Insta360 Luna product, and it will be delivered on June 11.
Later on, when we have researched more, several customers have shared order confirmations showing expected delivery as early as June 11. B&H has now changed the listing status to “New Item – Coming Soon”, suggesting the first batch sold out quickly.
This early availability has created significant buzz in the camera community, especially among users looking for an alternative to DJI’s upcoming Osmo Pocket 4 Pro in the US market.
Insta360 Luna Ultra Price at B&H
During the brief in-stock period, B&H listed the Insta360 Luna Ultra Standard Combo at $769.99. This is currently the most concrete pricing available for the US market.
Why Is Insta360 Launching This Way?
Insta360 appears to be following a surprise launch strategy. By allowing B&H to sell units early and holding the official event today, the company is generating real-world interest and authentic customer feedback ahead of wider global availability.
This approach has helped Insta360 create strong momentum in the US market, where demand for new pocket cameras remains high.
Should You Buy the Insta360 Luna Ultra Now?
| Situation |
Recommendation |
Reason |
| Already ordered from B&H |
Good – Some units shipping June 11 |
Early stock is moving |
| Considering buying from B&H now |
Wait for official launch |
More clarity coming today |
| Outside the US |
Wait for global pricing & availability |
Regional details expected soon |
| Want full specs & comparisons |
Wait for today’s event |
Official information coming |
Bottom Line
The Insta360 Luna Ultra official launch is happening today. While some early units have already started shipping from B&H, most buyers should wait for the live event to get complete specifications, final pricing, and bundle details.
We will update this article with key highlights, full specs, and pricing information as soon as the launch event concludes.
source: B&H Store
The article “Insta360 Luna Ultra Launch Today: Already Shipping from B&H” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on 8:15 am, Wednesday, 10 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
By admin, on June 9th, 2026
For L-mount shooters who regularly shoot night streets and urban landscapes, the lens options have always felt like a compromise. You could carry the excellent but heavy Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, or spend Leica money for the 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH. The LK Samyang AF 14-24mm F2.8 L, developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach, is the first lens that genuinely feels like it was designed with real-world night and urban shooters in mind.
I spent several nights testing this lens on my Panasonic Lumix S5 II, walking city streets after dark, chasing light trails, and working with reflections on wet pavement. What surprised me most was how often I reached for it instead of my usual primes. Sample images from these sessions will be updated on this page later this week.
Key Specifications
| Parameter |
Details |
| Focal Length |
14-24mm |
| Aperture |
f/2.8 constant – f/22 |
| Optical Construction |
15 elements in 11 groups (3 ASP, 5 HR, 3 ED) |
| Coating |
UMC |
| Minimum Focus |
0.18m |
| Max. Magnification |
0.17× (14mm) / 0.26× (24mm) |
| Aperture Blades |
9 (rounded) |
| Filter Thread |
77mm (front) |
| Dimensions |
84mm diameter × 86.8–96.6mm length |
| Weight |
441g |
| Weather Sealing |
Yes |
| AF Motor |
Linear STM |
| Mount |
Leica L |
| Angle of View (FF) |
114.2° – 84.1° |
continue
US Pricing (June 2026): Approximately $1,199 street price. Available at B&H Photo, Adorama, and major US retailers.
Build, Handling & Real-World Usability
At just 441g, this is dramatically lighter than the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art. On the S5 II, the combination feels almost like a large prime rather than a zoom. After a full night of walking and shooting, my shoulder and wrist were noticeably less fatigued than with heavier glass.
The 77mm front filter thread is the feature that will matter most to night and urban photographers. While Sigma and Leica force you into rear gelatin filters or no filters at all, the Samyang lets you mount regular NDs for long-exposure light trails or CPLs to control reflections on wet streets and glass. During testing, I found this single feature changed how I approached night street work.
While walking through downtown streets after dark, the 14mm end let me exaggerate the height of buildings and leading lines from wet pavement reflections in a way my 24mm prime never could. With the S5 II’s IBIS, I could comfortably shoot at 1/15s handheld at f/2.8 and ISO 1600 without camera shake ruining the shot — something that would have required a tripod with heavier glass.
Build quality is solid with effective weather sealing. The rings are smooth, and the AF/MF switch is useful.
Image Quality – Real-World Performance
Sharpness
Center sharpness is excellent at f/2.8 across the zoom range. It becomes outstanding by f/4–f/5.6. At 14mm, the corners are good but not perfect wide open — they tighten up nicely by f/4. Between 20–24mm the lens is impressively consistent even at f/2.8. For night street work, I found f/4 delivered the cleanest results when I wanted maximum detail in building facades and street textures.
Distortion & Vignetting
There is noticeable barrel distortion and quite strong vignetting at 14mm. Both are easily corrected in Lightroom. In night street photography, the vignetting sometimes added a pleasing mood to scenes. For straight architectural lines, I preferred working at 18–24mm or applying corrections in post.
Flare & Ghosting
This remains the lens’s weakest area. In challenging night conditions with strong streetlights or headlights, ring flare and ghosting can appear. It’s manageable with careful composition and stopping down slightly, but you need to stay aware of it.
Night Street & Urban Landscape Performance
This is where the lens really shines. The constant f/2.8 aperture, combined with the S5 II’s excellent IBIS, let me shoot clean night streets at ISO 800–1600 handheld in situations where I previously needed higher ISOs or support.
One night, while shooting light trails on a busy avenue, I used a 6-stop ND filter on the 77mm thread and was able to get smooth 2-second exposures of moving traffic while keeping the buildings and street details sharp. The ability to use standard filters instead of fighting with rear gels or no filtration at all made the whole process much more enjoyable and creative.
Coma is well controlled for an ultra-wide zoom, so point light sources remain reasonably round toward the edges — useful when you have a mix of streetlights and building illumination in the frame.
Close Focus & Rendering
The 0.18m minimum focus distance is genuinely useful. I used it for environmental night portraits and detail shots of street elements with pleasing subject separation. Bokeh is smooth and rounded for an ultra-wide — very good in context.
Autofocus & Hybrid Use
The Linear STM autofocus is fast, quiet, and accurate on the S5 II. It works well for both stills and video. Focus breathing is low. For hybrid shooters doing run-and-gun night street work or urban documentary video, this lens performs confidently.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight (441g) — best-in-class portability
- 77mm front filter thread — major practical advantage for night and urban photography
- Excellent center sharpness at f/2.8; very good across the frame stopped down
- Good coma control for night cityscapes
- Close focusing (0.18m) adds creative flexibility
- Solid weather sealing
- Strong value compared to Sigma and Leica options
- Quiet, reliable Linear STM AF
Cons
- Noticeable distortion and vignetting at 14mm (correctable but present)
- Average flare resistance in strong backlit night conditions
- No optical stabilization (relies on camera IBIS)
Comparison Table
| Lens |
Weight |
Filter Thread |
Approx. US Price |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
| Samyang 14-24mm f/2.8 L |
441g |
77mm front |
$1,199 |
Portability, filter convenience, value |
Little distortion at 14mm |
| Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art |
795g |
Rear only |
$1,539 |
Even sharpness, build |
Size, weight, price |
| Leica 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH |
~1,000g+ |
None |
$2,950 |
Premium rendering & build |
Size, weight, very high price |
Who It’s For & Final Verdict
If your priority is carrying less gear while still getting excellent results for night street photography and urban landscapes — with the real-world convenience of a proper filter thread — the Samyang 14-24mm f/2.8 L is currently the most compelling option in L-mount under $1,500.
It’s not optically flawless. If you shoot a lot of critical architecture and want the most even performance with minimal post-processing, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art is still worth considering despite its size and higher price. But for the majority of night street, urban, travel, and hybrid shooters, the Samyang’s combination of size, weight, image quality, and filter flexibility makes it the smarter daily choice.
In my testing, I found myself choosing this lens more often than my heavier options because it simply made the experience of shooting at night more enjoyable. That, to me, is the highest compliment you can give a lens.
Sample images captured with this lens on my S5 II (night streets, light trails, urban nightscapes, and blue-hour city views) will be updated on this page later this week.
Happy Shooting thenewcamera.com Team
The article “LK Samyang 14-24mm f/2.8 L-Mount Review: Is This the Best Ultra-Wide Zoom for Night Street Photography?” was written by thenewcamera.com Team on 8:00 pm, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
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