Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£330
  • Avg. price in US: ~$350
  • Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony A, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax K, Samsung NX
  • Maximum focal length: 12 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 180 °

Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

8.5

User score

Very good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.1

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.3

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.4

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(104)
amazon
4.4
(100)
amazon
4.4
(74)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(105)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(79)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(46)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 4.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.5

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.6

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye is a full-frame manual lens featuring an expansive 180° diagonal field of view and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light versatility. Its complex optical design includes 12 elements in 8 groups, utilizing three extra-low dispersion (ED) and two aspherical (AS) elements to minimize aberrations, alongside a Nano Crystal System (NCS) and Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) to reduce ghosting and flare. Main pros include exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness, a sturdy metal build with a smooth internal focus system, and a stereographic projection that offers a more natural perspective than typical fisheyes. Primary cons are its fully manual focus and aperture control (except on Nikon AE versions), the lack of electronic EXIF data communication, and a bulbous front element that prevents the use of standard screw-on filters.

Technical Specifications of Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.1

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.3

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.4

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.7
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a technical score of 6.69 points, which is lower than 71.6% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(104)
amazon
4.4
(100)
amazon
4.4
(74)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(105)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(79)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(46)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

8.5
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a user score of 8.49 points, which is higher than 57.9% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
8.2
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 60.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

7.6
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 64.9% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

fisheye
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony A, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax K, Samsung NX
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

12 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

12 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

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Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

180 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

180 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.2 m
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye focuses as close as 0.2 m, which is closer than 79.4% of camera lenses and equal to 7% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.09x
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.09x, which is lower than 94.6% of camera lenses and equal to 2.1% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

no
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

515 g
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye weighs 515 g, which is lighter than 51.3% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.9% of camera lenses.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

98.6 mm
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye is 98.6 mm long, which is longer than 56.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

77.3 mm
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a diameter of 77.3 mm, which is wider than 50.6% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.3% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye vs the average camera lens

  • Has aperture ring
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
    When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.2 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • Has aperture ring
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 0.1 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye was released earlier than the average camera lens.
  • 6.6 mm longer lens
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye is longer than the average camera lens (98.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
    When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

    Importance: HIGH

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • 0.1 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
    When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.09 x vs 0.192 x
  • Older release date
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye was released earlier than the average camera lens.2014 vs 2016
  • 6.6 mm longer lens
    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye is longer than the average camera lens (98.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye is longer than the average camera lens (98.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.98.6 mm vs 92 mm

Graphic comparison of Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye?

  • Exceptional sharpness across the frame, even at f/2.8
  • Excellent build quality featuring a solid metal body and mounting plate
  • Stereographic design provides a more natural-looking perspective with less corner compression than traditional fisheyes
  • Highly resistant to ghosting and flare due to advanced NCS coatings
  • Smooth, well-damped manual focus ring with a high-quality feel
  • Fast f/2.8 aperture makes it a prime choice for astrophotography and low-light scenes
  • Great value for money, often costing significantly less than first-party alternatives

What customers dislike about Rokinon 12mm F 2 8 ED AS IF NCS UMC Fisheye?

  • Fully manual operation (focus and aperture) requires a steeper learning curve
  • Distance and depth-of-field markings on the barrel can be inaccurate
  • Lens barrel has very little stationary area, making it difficult to grip when mounting to a camera
  • The 515g weight is considered hefty or bulky by some users compared to APS-C equivalents
  • Nikon version is the only one with an AE chip for camera-controlled aperture; other mounts are completely manual
  • The protruding front element is exposed and vulnerable to fingerprints or damage

Expert reviews

S
slrlounge.com
30/01/2015
Summary of the review
L
lenstip.com
30/12/2014
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
16/09/2015
Summary of the review
N
nikonrumors.com
03/02/2015
Summary of the review
N
northlight-images.co.uk
07/02/2017
Summary of the review
G
gormteper.net
15/08/2016
Summary of the review
R
ronbrunsvold.com
No Date Provided
Summary of the review
F
fstoppers.com
03/11/2016
Summary of the review
3
360-grad-sachsen.de
27/05/2015
Summary of the review
P
pixelrama.de
No Date
Summary of the review
D
digitaler-augenblick.de
31/10/2015
Summary of the review

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