The range of third-party lenses for the Fuji X system is rapidly expanding and here we have a new, compact Samyang AF 12mm f/2 lens that broadens the possibilities. Coupled with the 26MP Fujifilm X-S10 body, this gives us a “35mm equivalent” field of view of around 18mm, a definitely ultra-wide lens. At f/2 it is also fast, which in itself opens up the possibilities of low light use and more selective focusing because of the reduced depth of field. So now let's get out there, shoot some pictures and see how the new lens handles and performs.
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 X Handling and Features
The lens is small and light, weighing in at just 213g without caps or hood. Add the hood and it tips the scales at 225g. It balances very nicely on the Fujifilm X-S10 and sits squarely and with stability on a flat surface, so it could be placed, for example, on a table or flat wall top for shake-free long exposures.
Starting our tour of the lens at the front, the provided petal lens hood clips securely into place. There is no tendency for this to become dislodged during use. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a conventional 62mm filter thread. Behind this, and visible when the lens is viewed from the front, is the “hidden red ring” which is mentioned several times in the Samyang literature and appears to be a design flourish. On that basis, it is aesthetically pleasing.
The wide manual focusing ring affords an excellent grip, but manual focus is not the easiest way to use this ultra-wide lens. There is a useful manual focus scale in the viewfinder that becomes activated in MF mode, but the overall need for MF is not the forte of this particular optic. The AF system, driven by a linear STM motor, is fast, very quiet and very accurate, far better than we could achieve by eye. It is possible that the MF setting could be used to set a snapshot focus point for street photography, so having the option is good.
Focusing is down to 0.2 m, or 0.66 feet, for a maximum magnification of 0.09x. This is usefully close, but not in the realm of macro photography.
The lens is weather-sealed, protecting against moisture and raindrops, and a rear protective glass adds to the level of sealing. The bayonet mount is metal, is well made and clicks securely into place without even a hint of rotational play.
Optical construction is 12 elements in 10 groups, including 1 Hybrid Aspherical, 1 Aspherical and 3 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion). The diaphragm comprises 7 blades. Flare resistance is enhanced by the use of Samyang's well-proven UMC multi-layer coating techniques.
There is no shake reduction, just as there are no additional controls on the lens. Everything is handled by the camera body. As such, the handling of the lens is very straightforward - focus, compose and shoot. The lens becomes an extension of the eye and there is little else to distract from that creative process. This could well, therefore, appeal to street photographers looking to get right into the action, even becoming a part of the ebb and flow as opposed to being a simple viewer from a distance.
Other applications include interiors, food, lifestyle, astrophotography, nature and architecture. The taste for wider angle images has been steadily growing wider and wider over the years, so whereas once a 35mm (full-frame) lens would have been considered wide and a 28mm ultra-wide, this perception has meant that this 12mm (18mm full-frame) has now entered the mainstream and at a realistic price level too.
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 X Performance
Central sharpness is outstanding from f/2 to f/16 and excellent at f/22. A truly remarkable performance. The edges are very good from f/2 to f/8 and good from f/11 to f/22.
Samyang AF 12mm F2 X MTF Charts
How to read our MTF chartsThe blue column represents readings from the centre of the picture frame at the various apertures and the green is from the edges.The scale on the left side is an indication of actual image resolution and sharpness as LW/PH and is described in detail above. The taller the column, the better the lens performance. For this review, the lens was tested on a 26MP Fujifilm X-S10 body using Imatest. Want to know more about how we review lenses? |
CA (Chromatic Aberration) is approaching zero centrally, another fine result. The edges do show some fringing, but of course, if it should be an issue it can be tackled in-camera or using other software.
Samyang AF 12mm F2 X Chromatic Aberration Charts
How to read our CA chartsChromatic aberration (CA) is the lens' inability to focus on the sensor or film all colours of visible light at the same point. Severe chromatic aberration gives a noticeable fringing or a halo effect around sharp edges within the picture. It can be cured in software.Apochromatic lenses have special lens elements (aspheric, extra-low dispersion etc) to minimize the problem, hence they usually cost more. For this review, the lens was tested on a 26MP Fujifilm X-S10 body using Imatest. |
Barrel distortion measures at -2.00%, certainly noticeable but a very acceptable result from such a wide-angle lens. If correction is needed then software is available to deal with it.
Bokeh, the smooth gradation of the out of focus areas in an image, is not the main raison d'etre of an ultra-wide lens but is relatively smooth anyway. Having the f/2 aperture does mean that some out of focus areas can be achieved in the right circumstances and these are well rendered.
Flare control is excellent as always with Samyang lenses. The UMC coating seems to be highly effective.
There is some vignetting, but this is remarkably well controlled for such a wide lens.
The vignetting results:
| Aperture | Vignetting |
| f/2 | -1.3 |
| f/2.8 | -1.3 |
| f/4 | -1.3 |
| f/5.6 | -1.4 |
| f/8 | -1.5 |
| f/11 | -1.5 |
| f/16 | -1.5 |
| f/22 | -1.5 |
Samyang AF 12mm F2 X Aperture range
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Value For Money
The Samyang AF 12mm f/2 X lens is priced at £399. There is a manual focus Samyang 12mm NCS CS at £329, but the extra for the AF and newer design is probably well worth it.
Other alternatives do not offer the same speed and are not as diminutive, but could be:
- Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R LM OIS WR, £899
- Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR, £1799
- Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8, £699
This leaves Samyang's new lens at an attractive price point indeed.
For more lens options, have a look at our lens top lists which feature optics we've reviewed and compiled into easy-to-read lists so you can make more informed decisions.
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 X Verdict
It's ultrawide, it's fast, it has crisp AF performance and it offers a very high level of performance. There is huge potential in such a lens, especially as it fits seamlessly into the operation of the Fujifilm camera body.
It is actually good to see so many small, high-performance prime lenses coming into the market; perhaps a refreshing change from huge, heavy optics that defy the logic of having small, compact camera bodies.
Another fine lens from Samyang, and 'Highly Recommended'.
| Highly Recommended – A compact, fast ultrawide lens with weather sealing and an excellent performance. |
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