Samyang 12mm F2.0 | Overview and Photo samples

July 18, 2018

Samyang 12mm F2.0 | Overview and Photo samples

The Samyang 12mm F2.0 Lens.

The Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 Lens is a prime wide-angle lens (fixed Focal length) designed specifically for use with APS-C sized image sensors. Providing a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 18mm and a broad 98.9° angle of view, this lens is well-suited for architectural, interior, and landscape images. Its fast f/2.0 maximum aperture is further beneficial to working in low-light conditions

Specifications

Focal Length: 12mm
Maximum Aperture: F2.0
Coverage: APS-C/Four Thirds
Optical Construction: 12 Glass Elements In 10 Groups
Aperture Range: F2.0 to F22
Diaphragm Blades: 6
Coating: Nano Coating System
Minimum Focusing Distance: 7.87”(0.2m)
Filter Size: 67mm
Lens Hood: Removable Petal Shaped
Maximum Diameter: 2.85”(72.5mm)
Weight: 8.64oz (245g)
Length: 2.32” (59.0mm)

I brought this lens around 10 months ago for my Fuji FinePix X-T1

My main reason for the original purchase was for time-lapse photography, the lens is small and light, you also have to manually set the aperture blades, which means they stay in the set position during the multiple exposures which can help reduce flickering, I also wanted to use it with on my TurnsPro, the Turnspro is limited to how much weight it can hold, and with my Fuji X-T1 and a Samyang 12mm it brought the total weight well below the recommend amount.

Since owning this lens its now my "GoTo" lens, I use it for everything, particularly out shooting landscapes and days out with my family.

If you are not use to shooting with manual lenses it can take some time to get the hang of it, one advantage with using this on a Fuji X-T1, is with the digital viewfinder, at a touch of a button you can zoom right in and get a quicker more accurate focus. But, after using this lens for a some time I can get the focus spot on without the focus zoom or peaking options.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Small
Light
Sharp
Good price
Smooth focus ring
Nice aperture clicks
Great build quality
Manual everything (this can be a Con for some)

Cons

No EXIF data from the lens (would be nice sometimes)
Not weather sealed (but I have used it in light rain without any problems...not recommended though)

Is it worth the money??

Personally YES, I use this lens so much and really enjoy using it, I love the manual focus and aperture, its sharp, light and easy to carry around. For me its a great lens for family life, landscapes and general walk around photography, I know a few who also love it for street photography.

You can buy this through Amazon

Photo Samples

Camera: Fuji X-T1

Lens: Samyang 12 mm F2.0