Pergear 12mm F2 II

The Pergear 12mm F2 II is a manual focus wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras and a revised version of the first Pergear 12mm f/2. It is offered for Fujifilm X, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF and Micro Four Thirds. On APS-C the 12 mm focal length frames like about 18 mm on full frame, on Micro Four Thirds like about 24 mm. Pergear positions it for landscapes, interiors and street photography.

Optical design

The optical formula has 12 elements in 9 groups, including 2 extra-low dispersion elements and 2 aspherical elements, according to Pergear. These are meant to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion. The diaphragm has 10 blades, and the aperture range is f/2 to f/22. Pergear gives an angle of view of 97 degrees. The closest focus distance is specified as about 20 cm in the specification table, while the feature list mentions 0.18 m.

Focusing and handling

Focusing and aperture are manual. Pergear describes a clicked aperture design with perceptible steps, and the lens has no image stabilization. At f/2 on a wide-angle lens, depth of field is large at most distances, which makes zone focusing practical. The lens can take filters and a hood at the front, according to Pergear, but the thread size is not stated in the specification.

Build and size

The body is made from aluminium alloy. Pergear specifies 230 g without cap and hood and a size of 66 mm in diameter and 59.5 mm in length. That is 70 g lighter than the first generation, according to the maker. The figures are given once for all mounts.

Where it fits

The first Pergear 12mm f/2 is the predecessor. Among other manual wide-angle primes for APS-C, the 7artisans 12mm F2.8 is smaller in aperture but also offered for Fujifilm X, and the Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS covers Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E with the same nominal focal length and maximum aperture. Within the Pergear range, the 25mm F1.7 is a normal-range companion.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/2 maximum aperture at 12 mm
• 70 g lighter than the first generation, at about 230 g
• 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements
• 10 aperture blades
• Offered for five mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Filter thread size not stated
• No image stabilization
• Focus distance figures differ slightly within the maker's own data

Verdict

The Pergear 12mm F2 II is an affordable, fairly bright wide-angle prime for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds users who are fine with manual focus. The weight reduction against the first version makes it easier to carry, but buyers who need filters should check thread compatibility first.