Samyang 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens
The Samyang 12mm f/2.8 is a 12mm f/2.8 lens designed for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm X mount cameras. Used copies start from $214.54 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Samyang 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens
Used Samyang 12mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
Key Features — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
12mm Fisheye Prime: Fixed 12mm focal length delivers a full 180-degree diagonal field of view with characteristic fisheye distortion for creative and immersive imagery.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle, making it compatible with larger sensor bodies without vignetting when using the appropriate mount.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Relatively wide aperture for a fisheye lens, allowing usable exposure in low-light conditions such as astrophotography or indoor environments.
Manual Focus Design: All-manual focus ring gives photographers direct, tactile control without autofocus motor noise or hunting.
Multiple Mount Options: Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and Fujifilm X mounts, making it accessible across a wide range of camera systems.
No Filter Thread: The protruding front element of the fisheye design means standard screw-on filters cannot be attached directly to the lens.
Lens Specifications — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Astrophotography, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Fisheye |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 12mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm X |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Weight | 500g |
Description — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
The Samyang 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens is a prime, manual-focus lens built for full-frame mirrorless camera systems, with a fixed focal length of 12mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It falls within the wide-angle focal length range and is specifically categorized as a fisheye type lens, ideal for creative, immersive perspectives in landscape, architecture, and artistic photography. The lens is available across five mount options — Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and Fujifilm X — giving it broad cross-system appeal.
Weighing in at 500g, it offers a solid build without being excessively heavy for field use. There is no image stabilization and no autofocus, placing full creative and mechanical control in the hands of the photographer. The absence of a filter thread means standard screw-on filters cannot be used.
For photographers seeking a dedicated fisheye prime with a bright f/2.8 aperture and wide mount compatibility, this Samyang lens covers the essentials in a straightforward manual package.
Pros — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
- ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/2.8 supports shooting in lower light conditions
- ✓Prime design at 12mm provides a dedicated fisheye focal length with full-frame coverage
- ✓Broad mount compatibility across Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and Fujifilm X systems
Cons — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
- ✗No autofocus capability — manual focus only, which may slow down fast-moving subject work
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady hands or support for low-light or slow-shutter shooting
- ✗No filter thread, limiting use of standard screw-on filters
Reviews — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
- Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye Lens Review
ePHOTOzine - Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-Eye review
Digital Camera World - Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye
Photography Life - Rokinon 12mm fisheye lens review - The urbex and adventure photography dream lens!
SLR Lounge | Photography Tutorials - The Rokinon/Samyang 12mm f2 - This lens is WAY too cheap!
Mark Wiemels
Videos — Samyang 12mm f/2.8
Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS 'Fisheye' lens review (with samples) — Christopher Frost