Sirui Sniper 16mm F1.2

Focal length: 16 mm
Aperture: f/1.2
Weight: –
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 30 cm
Length: –

Overview

The Sirui Sniper 16mm F1.2 is an autofocus wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X or Nikon Z mount. According to Sirui, its angle of view corresponds to roughly a 24mm lens on full frame. It joined the Sniper series in 2024 together with the 75mm, complementing the existing 23mm, 33mm and 56mm lenses, and is aimed at vlogging, travel, landscape and interior work in low light.

Optical design

Sirui specifies 14 elements in 5 groups, including 3 ED, 2 high refractive index and 2 aspherical elements. The two aspherical elements were added to the wide-angle lens to keep its size close to the other lenses in the series, says Sirui. The aperture runs from F1.2 to F16 with 13 blades. The minimum focus distance is 0.3 m. The lens covers the APS-C image circle only.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by an STM stepping motor that supports eye AF and object tracking, according to Sirui. The focus ring turns through 360 degrees. A USB-C port allows firmware updates, and the lens passes EXIF data to the camera through its electronic contacts. A petal-shaped hood is included in the box.

Build and size

The barrel combines carbon fiber, aluminum alloy and a ceramic coating, as listed by Sirui. The filter thread is 58 mm. Sirui lists 384 g and 94.3 mm for the E mount version and 386 g and 94 mm for the X mount version. Dustin Abbott notes in his review that the Sniper lenses are not weather resistant.

Where it fits

Within APS-C, the closest competitors in this focal length are the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and, for Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R WR. Both are roughly half a stop slower than the Sirui. A wider option from Viltrox is the AF 13mm F1.4. The Sirui Sniper line also includes the 75mm F1.2 as a telephoto counterpart with the same F1.2 aperture.

Pros and cons

Pros

F1.2 maximum aperture at a 24mm equivalent view
Close focus at 0.3 m
STM autofocus with eye AF and object tracking
Available for three APS-C systems, hood included

Cons

Heavy for an APS-C wide-angle at around 385 g
No image stabilization in the lens
Not weather resistant according to a hands-on review
Covers APS-C only

Verdict

The Sniper 16mm F1.2 is a fast, solidly built wide-angle for APS-C shooters who want a very bright aperture and do not mind the weight. Those who prefer a lighter lens can look at the F1.4 alternatives.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 16 mm
max focal length: 16 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.2
max f (max zoom): f/1.2
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 14
Groups: 5
Weight: –
Filter diameter: 58 mm
min focus distance: 30 cm (11.81 in)
Length: –
Diameter: –

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Sirui Sniper 16mm F1.2 fit?

The Sirui Sniper 16mm F1.2 is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Nikon Z cameras its field of view equals 24 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Nikon Z cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5II, Nikon Z6III, Nikon Z8, Nikon Zf, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6II, Nikon Z7II, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7
APS-C:: Nikon Z50II, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50