Sony E Autofocus

Brightin Star AF 12mm F2.8

Focal length: 12 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Weight: 499 g
Filter diameter: –
Min. focus distance: 30 cm
Length: 96.6 mm

Overview

The Brightin Star AF 12mm F2.8 is an autofocus ultra-wide prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Brightin Star lists the Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. The angle of view is 122.5 degrees, and the lens is aimed at landscape, architecture, interior and astrophotography use.

Optical design

The lens has 15 elements in 11 groups, according to the maker. The design includes 2 aspherical, 2 high-refractive and 2 extra-low dispersion elements. A Super IMC coating is listed for flare control, and the maker pitches a near-zero distortion design. The aperture runs from F2.8 to F16 and uses 7 blades. The minimum focus distance is 0.3 m.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor, which the maker describes as silent and suited to video, and the product page mentions AI subject tracking in video. There is an AF/MF switch and a customizable Fn button on the barrel, and a USB-C port is used for firmware updates. The lens includes an integrated petal-shaped hood. A filter of 34 mm size is listed as a rear (post-processing) filter, and a Natural Night rear filter is shown in the box.

Build and size

The weight is about 499 g, with a diameter of 70 mm and a length of 96.6 mm.

Where it fits

The database has no predecessor for this lens. Brightin Star also sells a manual 12mm F2.8 full-frame ultra-wide for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and Leica L. Among autofocus rivals for Sony E, the Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 FE and the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN are the nearest, though both are longer in focal length. Manual 14mm alternatives include the 7artisans 14mm F2.8 and the Venus Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D.

Pros and cons

Pros

Autofocus in a full-frame ultra-wide with 122.5 degree view
Bright F2.8 aperture and 0.3 m close focus
AF/MF switch, Fn button and USB-C updates
Integrated hood and a 499 g body

Cons

7 aperture blades
The 34 mm filter fits only at the rear

Verdict

The Brightin Star AF 12mm F2.8 brings autofocus and a very wide field of view to a segment that is otherwise mostly manual. The data sheet is strong.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 12 mm
max focal length: 12 mm
max f (min zoom): f/2.8
max f (max zoom): f/2.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 15
Groups: 11
Weight: 499 g (1.1 lb)
Filter diameter: –
min focus distance: 30 cm (11.81 in)
Length: 96.6 mm (3.8 in)
Diameter: 70 mm (2.76 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Brightin Star AF 12mm F2.8 fit?

The Brightin Star AF 12mm F2.8 is a full-frame lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 18 mm in full-frame terms.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3