Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS

Canon EF-M

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is a versatile wide-angle lens designed for the Canon EF-M mount, making it an excellent choice for photographers using Canon's mirrorless system. With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.0, this lens provides great low-light performance and the capability to create a pleasing bokeh effect, appealing to both landscape and street photographers alike.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of this lens is impressive for its price point. The lens features a robust, all-metal construction that gives it a premium feel and enhances durability. Weighing just under 300g, the Samyang 12mm is lightweight, making it ideal for travel and handheld photography. The compact size also means that it pairs beautifully with Canon's mirrorless bodies without adding excess bulk.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS performs remarkably well. Its sharpness is commendable, especially when stopping down to around f/4.0, where edge-to-edge sharpness reaches its peak. The lens incorporates high-quality glass elements, including multi-coated surfaces to minimize flare and ghosting, thus improving contrast and color fidelity in challenging lighting conditions.

However, as with many wide-angle lenses, distortion can be noticeable, especially at the extreme edges of the frame. While the barrel distortion is largely correctable in post-processing, it’s something to be aware of if you’re capturing straight lines in architectural photography.

Usability

The manual focus design of this lens may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer the convenience of autofocus for quick shots. However, the focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments when composing your shot. The lens also features a relatively short minimum focusing distance of about 20cm, enabling some close-up shots that take advantage of its wide field of view.

Compatibility

While primarily designed for Canon EF-M mirrorless cameras, this lens can also serve as a fun option for those using other systems with adapters. However, users should be aware that functionality, such as autofocus, may be limited or non-existent when using adapters.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a compact and lightweight design.
• Sharp optics, especially when stopped down.
• Fast maximum aperture of f/2.0 for low-light performance.
• Good control over distortion with careful shooting.

Cons

• Manual focus may be limiting for some users.
• Noticeable distortion at the edges without correction.
• Lack of autofocus can be a drawback for action or street photography.

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is a fantastic addition to any Canon EF-M lens lineup, particularly for photographers focused on landscape, architecture, or astrophotography. Its solid construction, sharp optics, and fast aperture make it suitable for a variety of shooting situations. However, prospective buyers should consider their shooting style and comfort with manual focusing before making a purchase. If you are comfortable with manual operation and don’t mind some distortion correction in post-processing, this lens could be a valuable tool in your photography kit.