Samyang/Rokinon 12mm F/2.0 NCS CS for Fujifilm

Are you interested in purchasing the Samyang 12mm F2 Fujifilm lens for landscape photography? This APS-C sensor lens is affordable, lightweight, optically sharp (especially for night sky photography). Most importantly, is it a capable lens for landscape photography?

As a full-time travel and landscape photographer, I require inexpensive, lightweight gear that delivers high-quality results. Sounds impossible, right? Additionally, the Samyang 12mm F2 lens is my go-to for the night sky and milky way photography. However, carrying specialised glass around the world for one particular purpose may seem pointless. Therefore, how does the Samyang 12mm F2 stack up for landscape photography?

Rokinon/Samyang 12mm F2 Features:

• Focal Length: 12mm
• System Coverage: APS-C or Four Thirds
• Optical: 12 Glass Elements In 10 Groups
• Aperture Range: F2.0 to F22
• Diaphragm Blades: 6
• Outer Coating: Nano Coating System
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 20cm (7.87")
• Filter Thread: 67mm
• Lens Hood: Removable Petal Shaped
• Maximum Diameter: 72.5mm (2.85")
• Weight: 260 grams (9.17oz)
• Length: 59.0mm (2.32″)

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm VS Samyang 12mm F/2

Currently, my dedicated wide-angle landscape photography lens is the XF 10-24mm F/4. Firstly, this lens is an outstanding lens, with my preferred photography style leaning towards zoom lenses. Therefore, the only similar dedicated prime lens produced by Fujifilm would be the XF 14mm F2.8, an excellent lens but a hefty investment at almost three times the price.

Secondly, the XF 10-24 F/4 may have the upper hand regarding the broader focal range. However, this quickly gets reined back in with the extra weight, price and constant F/4 aperture not optimal for night sky photography (unless accompanied by a star tracker)

Finally, although the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm is my most frequently used lens for wide-angle landscape photography. The Samyang 12mm F2 will always get packed for minimalist lightweight trips. Both lack weather sealing and use manual focus for 90% of my landscape photography images.

Therefore, Samyang's adequate 12mm focal range and night sky capabilities are more crucial. Disagree? Let me know in the comments below what you would choose?

Rokinon/Samyang 12mm F2

The Samyang 12mm F2 is often a neglected lens, sometimes even ignored from my gear. Additionally, I've recently been showcasing the Samyang over on my YouTube, proving it's a fantastic lens for an affordable price. As a result, below are the pros and cons of the Samyang 12mm F2:

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Build quality
• Great contrast
• Sharp
• F/2 aperture
• Great focus & aperture rings
• Small
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Manual focus (Personally not a problem, but some may find)
• No digital contacts (no aperture EXIF data)

Samyang 12mm F/2 Landscape Photography

Firstly, if you're only interested in this lens for night sky photography – just buy it, you'll not be disappointed! However, if you're interested in this lens for multiple purposes, let's jump into it.

Secondly, this lens offers a 12mm focal range, being equivalent to 18mm on a full camera. As a result, this provides a reasonable focal range to capture everything in the surroundings. Additionally, offering a 20cm close focusing distance for the landscape photographer loves to have a substantial foreground element in their images.

Offering no weather resistance on the lens may be a concern as a landscape photographer. However, this isn't shown on the XF 10-24mm either, only on the big, heavy and expensive XF 8-16mm.

Sharpness at F/8 to F/11 is acceptable for the price tag. However, it's not any competition for the XF 10-24mm, especially in the extreme corners. On the other hand, this is being overly critical. Sometimes I forget this is a sub 300 euro lens as it's competing with the big boys! Furthermore, please download the provided images below to display at 100% and make up your mind.

DOWNLOAD SAMYANG 12MM RAW FILES HERE!!!

The Samyang suffers from vignetting wide open during night sky photography which I'll cover on a future vlog/blog to subscribe for upcoming features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're looking to invest in a versatile wide-angle lens for your Fujifilm camera, look no further. As a result, The Samyang 12mm produces acceptably sharp images. It is possibly Fujifilm best night sky lens on the market. Finally, I can highly recommend this lens to anyone.

Enjoy My Night Sky Photography Series - Perfect To Learn For FREE!