Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II
The Samyang CS II is a 8mm f/3.8 lens designed for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Samyang 8mm T3.8 UMC Fish-Eye CS II
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Lens Overview — Samyang CS II
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
| 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
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
Videos — Samyang CS II
Samyang 8mm f/2.8 UMC ii lens review with samples — Christopher Frost