CameraReview
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S
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Samyang · 12 mm · f/2 · Canon RF-S mount · APS-C

Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S

From $417.97 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSamyang
Announcement dateDec 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Excellent compact design and lightweight (213g) makes it ideal for travel and mirrorless camera systems
+Fast f/2.0 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for creative compositions
+Very affordable price ($449) for a fast, wide ultra-wide angle prime with autofocus
+Quick, quiet, and accurate Linear STM autofocus with reliable tracking performance
+Well-controlled barrel distortion with minimal native optical aberrations
+Weather-sealed design with included hood and solid build quality
Worth Knowing
Noticeable color fringing (chromatic aberration) visible toward edges and corners of the frame
Some coma and edge distortion when shooting wide open at f/2 for astrophotography
Slightly softer edge definition and field curvature means off-center subjects may require refocusing
Lacks advanced features like focus hold button or infinity distance indicator found on premium lenses

General

Brand
Samyang
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Dec 2024
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S Ultra-Wide Angle Prime Lens brings Samyang's ultra-wide prime to Canon RF-S mount. Weighing just 213 grams and measuring 57.2 millimeters long with a 62mm filter thread, the lens features weather-sealing at four points. Available for $449, the lens strikes a good balance between speed and size for an ultra-wide-angle prime and hits the spot for landscape, cityscapes, architectural interiors and even astrophotography, though reviewers note color fringing is quite noticeable towards the edges and corners of the image frame.

Optical design

Aperture Range
f/2.0 - f/22
Angle of View
96.8°
Lens Elements
12 elements in 10 groups
Aspherical Elements
2 (1 H-ASP, 1 ASP)
ED Elements
3

Autofocus

AF Motor Type
Linear STM (Stepping Motor)
AF/MF Switch
Yes, on lens barrel
Minimum Focus Distance
0.2 meters (7.9 inches)

Build

Finish
Matte black with red ring

Coatings features

Lens Coating
Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC)
Magnification Ratio
0.09x

Optics

Min focal length
12 mm
Max focal length
12 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
12 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
2
Max aperture zoom
2
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
7020

Physical

Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon RF-S
Lens length
How long the lens is from front to back.
57.2 mm
Lens diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
70 mm
Lens weight
213 g
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
62 mm
Maximum format
Largest sensor size compatible with the lens.
APS-C

Features

Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes