Brightin Star MF 12mm F2.8

The Brightin Star MF 12mm F2.8 is a manual focus full frame ultra wide prime for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF and Leica L mount. It was announced in April 2025 and is aimed at landscape, architecture, street and astrophotography. According to the manufacturer it covers a 122.5 degree angle of view, which is very wide for a full frame prime.

Optical design

The manufacturer manual lists 15 elements in 11 groups. The design includes two aspherical, two high refractive and two ED elements, and near zero distortion is named as a design goal. The aperture range is F2.8 to F16, the diaphragm has 5 blades, and the closest focusing distance is 0.24 m.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, and the aperture ring is clicked. The lens has no electronic contacts, so the camera does not record aperture data. A notable detail is the rear filter thread of 34 mm, and a natural night filter is included for it. No front filter thread is listed, so the rear thread is the way to use filters.

Build and size

The lens measures 70 mm in diameter and 96.6 mm in length and weighs 550 g, the same for the Sony E and L mount versions. At 550 g the lens is moderate for a full frame 12mm and balances well on mirrorless bodies.

Where it fits

In the database the Venus Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D is the closest comparison, offered for the same mounts plus EF and F. Brightin Star also sells a 14mm and an autofocus 12mm, and the 7artisans 14mm F2.8 covers E, RF, Z and L. For fisheye rendering at a similar width see the TTArtisan 11mm f/2.8. The Brightin Star is the simpler, manual design with a built in rear filter thread.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 122.5 degree angle of view on full frame
• F2.8 aperture, fast for a 12mm lens
• 550 g and compact for the focal length
• Four mounts including Leica L
• Rear filter thread with a filter included

Cons

• Manual focus only
• No front filter thread
• 5 blade diaphragm
• No electronic aperture data

Verdict

The MF 12mm F2.8 is a compact, manual ultra wide for full frame mirrorless users who want a 12mm view without a very large lens. It suits landscape and architecture where focus is set once, and it is less suited to moving subjects.