Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS

Sony E

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is a prime lens designed for the Sony E mount, making it a popular choice among landscape and astrophotography enthusiasts. With its ultra-wide field of view and fast maximum aperture, this lens has garnered attention for both its optical performance and affordability.

Build Quality and Handling

The build quality of the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is commendable for its price range. The lens features a solid, all-metal construction that feels durable and robust in hand. Weighing in at a relatively light 245 grams, it balances nicely on Sony mirrorless bodies, making it a great option for extended shooting sessions without causing fatigue. The focusing ring is smooth and well-damped, providing a satisfying tactile experience as you make adjustments.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the lens excels in many areas. The 12mm focal length offers an impressive field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or architectural photography. The fast F2.0 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, allowing you to shoot in dim conditions without raising the ISO too much. Additionally, the lens features a Nano Coating System (NCS), which significantly reduces ghosting and lens flare, contributing to high contrast and sharp images even in challenging lighting situations.

A notable downside is that while the lens is sharp when stopped down to F4 or F5.6, wide-open performance at F2.0 shows some softness, particularly in the corners. Distortion and vignetting are present but manageable, especially if you're willing to apply corrections in post-processing.

Autofocus and Usability

One of the key aspects to consider is that the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is a manual focus lens, which might not suit everyone's style of shooting. Although manual focusing can be an advantage for precision, it might deter users who prefer the convenience of autofocus, especially in fast-paced shooting situations. For astrophotographers, however, the ability to precisely control focus can be a significant benefit, as precise focusing is critical for capturing starry skies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a solid metal construction
• High-quality optics with minimal flare and ghosting
• Fast maximum aperture (F2.0) for low-light performance
• Compact and lightweight design for portability
• Great for landscapes and astrophotography

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit all users
• Some softness at F2.0, especially in the corners
• Presence of distortion and vignetting that may require correction

Verdict

The Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is a remarkable lens for those who appreciate a well-built, ultra-wide-angle option at an affordable price. Its strengths lie in its optical performance for landscapes and astrophotography, combined with excellent build quality. However, the manual focus aspect and slight softness at the widest aperture can be drawbacks for some photographers. Overall, if you’re looking for an engaging and high-quality ultra-wide lens for your Sony E mount camera, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is definitely worth considering.