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Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£270
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: 16 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): ?
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 106.9 °

Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Good

6.7

Good

7.2

Very good

5.9
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
?
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
4.7
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
?
Lens length
25.0%
7.3
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#312 in Best Wide Angle Lenses
#723 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Samyang 16mm T2.6 VDSLR ED AS UMC is a professional wide-angle cine lens designed for full-frame sensors, featuring a complex optical construction of 14 elements in 11 groups, including 2 aspherical and 2 extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses to minimise distortion and chromatic aberration. Its main characteristics include a bright T2.6 maximum aperture, a 106.91° field of view, and a manual focus system with de-clicked gear rings optimized for follow-focus setups. Key pros are its excellent center sharpness, cinematic depth-of-field control, and durable build quality with distance scales marked on both sides of the lens. Main cons include the lack of autofocus and optical image stabilization, as well as some light fall-off and softness at the corners when used wide open.

Technical Specifications of Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC

Overall score

6.8

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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

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

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

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Optics & Aperture

7.8

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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

16 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

16 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

106.9 °

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

106.9 °

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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

5.9

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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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC vs the average camera lens

Why is Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC better than the average camera lens?

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Has aperture ring
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
96.3% cheaper
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is cheaper than the average camera lens (£270 vs £530).
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is cheaper than the average camera lens (£270 vs £530).£270 vs £530
Has aperture ring
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.

Focus & Controls

Why is Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC worse than the average camera lens?

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No full-time manual focus
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
0.08 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Fixed lens hood
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
154.6 g heavier
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is heavier than the average camera lens (680 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
4.65 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is wider than the average camera lens (81.7 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Not weather-sealed
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No full-time manual focus
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Fixed lens hood
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
154.6 g heavier
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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
0.08 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC 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.0.11 x vs 0.192 x
4.65 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is wider than the average camera lens (81.7 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 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is wider than the average camera lens (81.7 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.81.65 mm vs 77 mm
4.1x less popular
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is less popular than the average camera lens (1.56 vs 6.383).
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.
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC is less popular than the average camera lens (1.56 vs 6.383).1.56 vs 6.38
12.6% lower user score
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.19 vs 8.091).
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.
Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.19 vs 8.091).7.19 vs 8.09

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC?

Excellent center sharpness even at wider apertures
Professional geared focus and aperture rings for follow-focus systems
Consistent and pleasing color rendering
Minimal barrel distortion for a wide-angle lens
Affordable price point compared to high-end cinema glass
Robust metal build quality with smooth damping
Dual-sided focus and T-stop scales for easier operation

What customers dislike about Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC?

Fully manual operation with no autofocus or electronic communication
Noticeable vignetting (light fall-off) at the corners when wide open
Corners can be slightly soft until stopped down to T4 or T5.6
Relatively large and heavy compared to mirrorless-native primes
Lacks optical image stabilization
Information scales on the barrel can be difficult to read in low light

Expert reviews

pcmag.com

22/12/2015

Summary of the review

Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II Review

The PCMag review highlights the Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II as a capable, budget-friendly, manual-focus cinema lens for APS-C sensors, featuring geared focus/aperture rings for follow-focus systems and bright T2.2 optics. It offers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and a close 7.9-inch minimum focus distance, making it suitable for low-light cinematography. However, the lens lacks autofocus, electronic integration, and image stabilization, along with noticeable vignetting that requires post-processing. Its bulky, all-manual design may be unbalanced on smaller bodies, and it does not cover full-frame sensors.

uk.pcmag.com

22/12/2015

Summary of the review

Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II - PCMag UK Note on Lens Identification:

The Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II is a sharp, fast wide-angle manual focus lens designed specifically for APS-C SLRs and mirrorless cameras, offering a field of view equivalent to a 24mm prime on a full-frame sensor. In testing, the lens demonstrated excellent center-weighted sharpness, scoring 2,483 lines at its maximum t/2.2 aperture and peaking at 2,686 lines when stopped down to t/8. Key advantages of this lens include its robust composite plastic build, a geared focus and aperture ring tailored perfectly for cinema follow-focus systems, a close minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches, and a highly competitive price point of £259. Furthermore, its clickless aperture ring allows for seamless light adjustments during video recording. Despite its optical strengths, the lens has several notable drawbacks, including a complete lack of optical stabilization and a somewhat bulky, 1.3-pound footprint that feels heavy on compact mirrorless systems. It exhibits a modest 1.4 percent barrel distortion and significant light fall-off at the corners, dropping by about four stops at t/2.2. Additionally, because it is designed for cropped sensors, using it...

mpb.com

N/A

Summary of the review

Samyang 16mm T2.6 Cine ED AS UMC - Canon EF Fit - MPB Versus

The Samyang 16mm T2.6 ED AS UMC Cine lens for Canon EF is a robust, manual, wide-angle prime optimized for cinematography, featuring high-grade optical construction (14 elements in 11 groups) to control distortion. Key advantages include its bright T2.6 aperture for low-light scenarios, dual-side focus/aperture markings, and a de-clicked, geared aperture ring suitable for follow-focus systems. Conversely, the lens operates fully manually with no AF motor or electronic camera communication, which may hinder fast-paced workflows. Minor limitations include soft, vignetted corners at maximum aperture and a lack of built-in optical image stabilization, requiring tripod or gimbal support for smooth video.

cameranu.nl

No date provided

Summary of the review

Samyang 16mm T2.2 II Canon EF-mount lens specifications

The Samyang 16mm T2.2 ED AS UMC CS II VDSLR for Canon is a manual-focus prime designed for APS-C and Super35 sensors, featuring de-clicked aperture rings and geared focus rings for video production. It offers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, a 0.2-meter minimum focus distance, and robust construction at a competitive price point. Conversely, the lens lacks autofocus, image stabilization, and electronic metadata transmission, while showing noticeable vignetting at T2.2. The 590-gram, 77mm filter thread design is front-heavy and strictly designed for cropped sensors. For more technical details, visit PCMag.

tweakers.net

No date provided

Summary of the review

Samyang Optics 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II Reviews & Comparison

The Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II is an affordable, manual cinema lens designed for APS-C sensors, featuring geared focus/iris rings and a de-clicked aperture for smooth video operation. Key strengths include excellent sharpness when stopped down, a close 20cm minimum focus distance, and a robust build. Conversely, the fully manual design lacks autofocus, auto-diaphragm, or EXIF data transmission. Performance drawbacks include noticeable vignetting at T2.2, visible focus breathing, and a lack of image stabilization.

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