Samyang CS II Lens — Specs, Reviews, Used Prices

Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II

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Lens Overview — Samyang CS II

The Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II is a manual-focus fisheye prime lens designed for APS-C mirrorless camera systems. With a fixed 8mm focal length and a maximum aperture of T3.8, this lens is built for videographers and photographers seeking an ultra-wide, immersive field of view with the characteristic barrel distortion that fisheye optics are known for. It is available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, and Micro Four Thirds mounts, giving it broad compatibility across multiple camera ecosystems.

The lens is a true prime, offering no zoom capability, and relies entirely on manual focus — making it well-suited for shooters who prefer hands-on control, including those using follow focus rigs in video production. Weighing in at 443g, it is a solidly built option for APS-C mirrorless shooters. The lens carries no image stabilization, so users will need to account for camera movement through other means.

With its T-stop rating rather than f-stop, the T3.8 aperture designation reflects actual light transmission, which is particularly relevant for video exposure consistency. This is a dedicated creative tool for wide, distortion-driven imagery.

Key Features — Samyang CS II

8mm Fisheye Prime: Fixed 8mm focal length on APS-C sensors delivers an ultra-wide, immersive field of view with characteristic fisheye barrel distortion.

T3.8 Maximum Aperture: T-stop rating reflects actual light transmission rather than theoretical f-stop, giving videographers more accurate exposure consistency across setups.

Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus ring gives shooters direct control and is well-suited for use with follow focus rigs in video production.

UMC Optical Coating: Ultra Multi-Coating reduces flare and ghosting, helping maintain contrast and color accuracy in high-contrast or backlit situations.

APS-C Coverage: Image circle is optimized for APS-C sensors, keeping the lens compact while maximizing the fisheye effect on crop-sensor bodies.

Multiple Mount Options: Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, and Micro Four Thirds mounts, making it compatible with a wide range of camera systems.

Lens Specifications — Samyang CS II

Samyang CS II full specifications
Spec	Detail
Use Cases	Travel, Studio, Video / Cinematography
Lens Type	Fisheye
Format	APS-C
Zoom/Prime	Prime
Focal Length	8mm
Maximum Aperture	f/3.8
Camera System	Mirrorless
Lens Mount	Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds
Autofocus	No
Focus Type	Manual
Image Stabilization	None
Weight	443g

Description — Samyang CS II

The Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II is a manual focus, fisheye prime lens built specifically for APS-C mirrorless camera systems. Operating at a fixed 8mm focal length, it delivers an ultra-wide angle of view with the bold curvature characteristic of fisheye optics. The lens is rated at a maximum aperture of T3.8 — a T-stop measurement that reflects true light transmission, making it a reliable choice for videographers who need exposure consistency across a lens kit.

Weighing 443g, the build has substance while remaining practical for handheld and rigged shooting setups. The lens is available across four mount options — Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, and Micro Four Thirds — offering flexibility for shooters across different systems. There is no image stabilization and no autofocus, placing full creative control in the hands of the operator.

The absence of a filter thread means standard screw-on filters are not compatible, so alternative filtration methods will be needed. Overall, this is a purpose-built creative lens for fisheye work on APS-C mirrorless cameras.

Pros — Samyang CS II

✓Broad mount compatibility across Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, and Micro Four Thirds systems
✓T3.8 maximum aperture provides a calibrated light transmission rating useful for consistent video exposure
✓Fixed 8mm focal length on APS-C delivers an ultra-wide fisheye perspective
✓Prime lens design keeps the optical path simple and focused
✓Manual focus gives full control, ideal for videographers using follow focus systems

Cons — Samyang CS II

✗No autofocus support — manual focus only, which may limit use in fast-moving stills photography
✗No image stabilization, requiring external stabilization solutions for smooth handheld video
✗APS-C-only lens format limits use to crop sensor bodies
✗No filter thread, restricting the use of standard screw-on filters
✗At 443g, the lens carries notable weight relative to its compact focal length

Videos — Samyang CS II

Samyang 8mm f/2.8 UMC ii lens review with samples — Christopher Frost

Frequently Asked Questions — Samyang CS II

Which camera mounts is the Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II available in?+

This lens is available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, and Micro Four Thirds mounts. This gives it compatibility across a wide range of APS-C mirrorless camera systems from multiple manufacturers.

Does this lens support autofocus?+

No, the Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II is a manual focus lens only. Autofocus is not supported, so all focus adjustments must be made by hand.

Is this lens compatible with full-frame cameras?+

The lens is specified for APS-C format sensors. While it may physically mount on a full-frame body depending on the mount variant, its image circle is designed for APS-C and vignetting or coverage issues may occur on larger sensors.

Does the lens have image stabilization?+

No, the specifications confirm that image stabilization is listed as None. Users shooting handheld video or in low-light conditions should plan to use a stabilized camera body or external stabilization equipment.

Can I use standard screw-on filters with this lens?+

No. The filter thread size is not available on this lens, meaning standard screw-on filters cannot be attached directly. Alternative filter solutions such as rear gel filters or matte box systems would need to be considered.

What is the aperture rating and why is it listed as a T-stop?+

The maximum aperture is T3.8, expressed as a T-stop rather than an f-stop. T-stops measure actual light transmission through the lens elements rather than the theoretical geometric aperture, making them particularly useful for video work where consistent exposure across different lenses is important.

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