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Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$350
  • Lens mount: Sony E
  • Maximum focal length: 12 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 99.1 °

Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.9

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%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

9.1

User score

Very good
7.6

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%

8.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Very good
9.1

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%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(386)
amazon
4.2
(147)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(386)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(163)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Exceptional
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.9

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.1

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.2

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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  • samyang-af-12mm-f-2-e
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  • samyang-af-12mm-f-2-e
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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 Samyang AF 12mm F2 E is a compact, ultra-wide-angle prime lens designed for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering an 18mm full-frame equivalent focal length and a bright f/2.0 maximum aperture. It features a lightweight 213g build with advanced weather sealing, a quiet Linear STM autofocus motor, and an optical design consisting of 12 elements in 10 groups, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to minimise distortion. Main pros include its exceptional sharpness in the centre, fast performance for astrophotography and vlogging, and excellent price-to-performance ratio. However, some cons include noticeable corner softness at f/2.0, heavy vignetting that requires software correction, and a lens hood that cannot be reversed for more compact storage.

Technical Specifications of Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E

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%

8.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

7.6
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a technical score of 7.59 points, which is higher than 68.5% 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%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(386)
amazon
4.2
(147)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(386)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(163)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

9.1
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a user score of 9.12 points, which is higher than 72.9% 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.
10
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 69.2% 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%

7.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

8.3
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.3 points, which is higher than 98.5% 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

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

Sony E
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

62 mm
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
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
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

?
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

99.1 °
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

99.1 °
Show more
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

STM, linear motor
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

0.19 m
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E focuses as close as 0.19 m, which is closer than 86.5% of camera lenses and equal to 2.3% 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
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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

yes
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via DMF mode.
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
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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

224 g
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E weighs 224 g, which is lighter than 85.2% 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

59.2 mm
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is 59.2 mm long, which is shorter than 82.1% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.2% 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

70 mm
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a diameter of 70 mm, which is slimmer than 70% of camera lenses and equal to that of 3.5% 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

yes
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E supports weather sealing. 50.2% 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
Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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

?
Show more

Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E vs the average camera lens

  • 0.8 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2 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 AF 12mm F 2 E has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.2 vs 2.8
  • 301.4 g lighter
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is lighter than the average camera lens (224 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 AF 12mm F 2 E is lighter than the average camera lens (224 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.224 g vs 525.4 g
  • 32.8 mm shorter lens
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is shorter than the average camera lens (59.2 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 AF 12mm F 2 E is shorter than the average camera lens (59.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.59.2 mm vs 92 mm
  • 0.11 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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 AF 12mm F 2 E 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.0.19 m vs 0.3 m
  • Newer release date
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    April 2021
    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

    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E was released more recently than the average camera lens.2021 vs 2016
  • 7 mm narrower lens barrel
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is slimmer than the average camera lens (70 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 AF 12mm F 2 E is slimmer than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.70 mm vs 77 mm
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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

    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
  • 12.6% better value for money
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.27 vs 7.346).
    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.
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.27 vs 7.346).8.27 vs 7.35
  • 0.8 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 0.11 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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.
  • 301.4 g lighter
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is lighter than the average camera lens (224 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 32.8 mm shorter lens
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is shorter than the average camera lens (59.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • Newer release date
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 7 mm narrower lens barrel
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E is slimmer than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Total
Overall
Optics & Aperture
Focus & Controls
Build & Handling
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 0.1 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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

    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • Fixed lens hood
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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 AF 12mm F 2 E does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 0.1 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E 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 AF 12mm F 2 E 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
Total
Optics & Aperture
Focus & Controls
Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
386 Reviews
amazon
4.2
147 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
386 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
163 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E?

  • Incredibly lightweight and compact design
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus system
  • Excellent value for money compared to first-party alternatives
  • Weather-sealed construction for use in various conditions
  • High center sharpness even at f/2.0
  • Low barrel distortion for an ultra-wide focal length
  • Ideal for vlogging and astrophotography due to the wide f/2 aperture

What customers dislike about Samyang AF 12mm F 2 E?

  • Corner and edge sharpness are noticeably softer wide open
  • Significant chromatic aberration (color fringing) in high-contrast areas
  • Heavy vignetting at f/2.0 requiring software correction
  • No physical AF/MF switch on the lens barrel
  • Lens hood cannot be reversed for more compact storage
  • Rough bokeh quality in certain backgrounds

Expert reviews

D
dustinabbott.net
24/05/2021
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm F2Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Review - DustinAbbott.net
E
ephotozine.com
08/06/2021
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E Review - Verdict - ePHOTOzine
O
opticallimits.com
23/10/2023
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E Review - OpticalLimits
S
shotkit.com
03/07/2021
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 for Sony E Mount Review - Shotkit
D
digitalcameraworld.com
15/05/2021
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm F2.0 review - Digital Camera World
F
fotokoch.de
27/05/2021
Summary of the review
Impressive Vastness – Samyang AF 12mm F2.0 E Review
(Translated)Show original
F
fujistas.com
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
Samyang 12mm f/2 Review and Photo Gallery (Note: This historical review covers the original lens that serves as the basis for the AF model)
(Translated)Show original
F
fotonerd.it
25/01/2022
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E review: here is what we think of it
(Translated)Show original
J
juzaphoto.com
27/07/2026
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm f/2: Features and Reviews
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
01/07/2021
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm F2 E Review
(Translated)Show original
M
maarten.photos
No Date
Summary of the review
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 Lens Review
(Translated)Show original

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