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Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£430
Avg. price in US: ~$470
Lens mount: Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony A, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax K, Samsung NX
Maximum focal length: 10 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 3.1
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 109.5 °

Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Good

6.9

Good

6.1

Good

7.1
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.8
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
4.7
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.4
Lens length
25.0%
6.9
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

#320 in Best Wide Angle Lenses
#736 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Samyang 10mm T3.1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is an ultra-wide-angle manual focus cine lens specifically designed for APS-C sensors, offering a broad 109.5° angle of view and a close minimum focus distance of 0.24m. Its advanced optical construction includes 14 elements in 10 groups, featuring two aspherical (ASP) and one extra-low dispersion (ED) lens element, alongside a Nano Coating System (NCS) to effectively reduce flare and ghosting while maintaining high contrast. Key pros include industry-standard geared focus and de-clicked aperture rings for silent operation during video production, a durable aluminum alloy build, and exceptional center sharpness even at the maximum T3.1 aperture. However, notable cons include a non-detachable petal-type lens hood that prevents the use of standard screw-in filters and the inherent challenge of manual-only focus for fast-paced environments.

Technical Specifications of Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II

Overall score

6.7

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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.

Mount & Format

1.0

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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

wide-angle prime

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-M, 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

APS-C

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

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Optics & Aperture

7.9

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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

10 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

10 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

?

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

109.5 °

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

109.5 °

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Focus & Controls

6.1

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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

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

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

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

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Stabilization

4.2

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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

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

?

Build & Handling

6.9

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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

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

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

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

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

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Lab Scores

9.0

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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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Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II vs the average camera lens

Why is Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II better than the average camera lens?

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Has aperture ring
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
De-clicked 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
De-clickable aperture ring.
What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.06 m shorter minimum focus distance
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II 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.0.24 m vs 0.3 m
Has aperture ring
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.06 m shorter minimum focus distance
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II 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.

Focus & Controls

Why is Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II worse than the average camera lens?

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3 fewer aperture blades
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
0.3 higher f-number at telephoto end
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.1 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
No full-time manual focus
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
0.04 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Not weather-sealed
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
10 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is wider than the average camera lens (87 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
154.6 g heavier
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is heavier than the average camera lens (680 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
11.6 mm longer lens
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is longer than the average camera lens (103.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
Older release date
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II was released earlier than the average camera lens.
April 2014
Not weather-sealed
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
3 fewer aperture blades
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.6 vs 9
No full-time manual focus
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
0.3 higher f-number at telephoto end
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.1 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/3.1 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.3.1 vs 2.8
10 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is wider than the average camera lens (87 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is wider than the average camera lens (87 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.87 mm vs 77 mm
154.6 g heavier
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is heavier than the average camera lens (680 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is heavier than the average camera lens (680 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.680 g vs 525.4 g
11.6 mm longer lens
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is longer than the average camera lens (103.6 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is longer than the average camera lens (103.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.103.6 mm vs 92 mm
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 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
Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II?

Excellent center sharpness even at wide apertures
Cinematic features like de-clicked aperture and geared focus rings for video
Solid build quality with a high-strength aluminum alloy frame
Wide field of view ideal for real estate, architecture, and landscapes
Nine rounded aperture blades for smooth, attractive bokeh
Effective coatings (NCS/UMC) that minimize flare and ghosting
Good value for money compared to expensive first-party ultra-wides

What customers dislike about Samyang 10mm T3 1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II?

No screw-in filter support due to the fixed petal-shaped lens hood
Manual focus and manual aperture only (no electronic communication for AF)
Noticeable barrel distortion and wavy edge patterns
Significant vignetting when used on full-frame cameras (designed for APS-C)
Lacks weather sealing for protection against dust and moisture
No hard infinity stop, which can complicate setup for astro-photography
Can be front-heavy on lighter mirrorless camera bodies

Expert reviews

mpr.photo

23/06/2017

Summary of the review

Samyang 10mm F2.8 Review - A Fully Manual APS-C Ultra-Wide Angle Lens

This manual ultra-wide-angle lens is designed specifically for APS-C and Micro 4/3 sensors, featuring a robust metallic build, a smooth manual focus ring with a long throw, and a fixed lens hood. Optically, it delivers excellent center sharpness and well-controlled chromatic aberrations even at its maximum f/2.8 aperture. It is highly practical for deep depth-of-field photography, such as landscapes, because closing the aperture down to f/8.0 resolves edge softness and yields high detail across the entire frame. Additionally, the inclusion of physical distance and depth-of-field scales aids precise manual operation. However, the lens suffers from notable performance drawbacks, including heavy vignetting at wide apertures and severe unevenness and softness in the corners at f/2.8. The lack of electronic contacts on most mounts means no EXIF data communication or electronic aperture control. It completely lacks image stabilisation, utilizes a basic 6-blade diaphragm, and its bulbous front element dictates that external filters cannot be used. Because of these edge distortions and corner inconsistencies, the reviewer specifically warns astrophotographers to avoid this lens for milky way photography.

lksamyang.com

01/02/2013

Summary of the review

LK Samyang official product page for 10mm T3.1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II

The Samyang 10mm T3.1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is an ultra-wide-angle, manual-focus cine lens specifically engineered for professional film and video work on APS-C and Four-Thirds sensor cameras. It features a standardized gear module of 0.8mm on both the focus and uncoupled aperture rings, making it fully compatible with professional follow-focus systems for quiet, fluid adjustments. The optical configuration relies on 14 elements in 10 groups, incorporating two glass aspherical (ASP) lenses, one extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, and a specialized Nano Coating System (NCS). Built from a high-strength aluminum alloy, the lens sports a solid, compact frame with a non-detachable petal-type lens hood and dual-sided markings for light transmission (T-numbers ranging from T3.1 to T22) and focus distance scales. The lens offers several notable advantages, particularly its robust build quality, precise manual control mechanics, and advanced optical coatings that effectively control light dispersion, minimize chromatic aberrations, and suppress flare and ghosting. Furthermore, its 6-blade aperture design creates clean, beautiful starlike rays when stopped down, and its wide availability across 9 different camera mounts (including Canon EF, Nikon F,...

mpb.com

Sin fecha (Consultado mayo 2024)

Summary of the review

Samyang 10mm T3.1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II for Sony E - Product Review

The Samyang 10mm T3.1 VDSLR ED AS NCS CS II is a manual focus, ultra-wide-angle cine lens designed for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras, featuring 0.8mm pitch geared rings and a de-clicked iris for smooth video operation. It offers high-quality imaging with aspherical elements and excellent contrast, complemented by a robust build. Key drawbacks include the complete lack of autofocus or electronic contacts, a non-detachable lens hood that prevents the use of screw-in filters, and noticeable barrel distortion requiring post-production correction. Additionally, the 630-gram weight can make it front-heavy on smaller mirrorless bodies.

digitalcamaralens.com

16 de noviembre de 2019

Summary of the review

Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS Review - In-depth test of the ED AS NCS CS optical formula shared by the VDSLR II line

The Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS is a manual focus prime lens designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras, providing an ultra-wide 15mm equivalent focal length in 35mm terms. While the lens is constructed with high-quality materials such as a thermosetting plastic chassis and an integrated petal-shaped hood, it lacks a front filter thread due to its bulbous glass design. Performance is most functional on Nikon F mounts, where it offers automatic exposure handling, whereas other mounts require full manual aperture control. Optically, the lens delivers impressive central sharpness, peaking at f/4.5, though corner resolution remains significantly weaker across most apertures. The review highlights several pros and cons regarding its specialized application in landscape and interior photography. Pros include a robust build quality, excellent focus ring travel, and commendable control over geometric distortion for such an extreme wide angle. However, cons involve high lateral chromatic aberrations, significant vignetting at wide apertures, and poor resistance to lens flare when facing direct or lateral light sources. Ultimately, the reviewer suggests that while the lens is a solid performer, it faces stiff...

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