Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2
Sirui · 16 mm · f/1.2 · Sniper
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
62
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptional f/1.2 aperture for ultra-fast wide-angle work with shallow depth of field and bokeh
+Excellent optical performance with minimal distortion and flare, especially at center of frame
+Lightweight at under 400g with premium carbon fiber/aluminum construction
+Budget-friendly compared to competing f/1.2 lenses from major manufacturers
+Minimal focus breathing ideal for video production
+STM autofocus with Eye AF support for efficient subject tracking
Worth Knowing
−Inconsistent autofocus performance with focus hunting and pulsing issues, particularly on Fuji cameras
−Slower autofocus speed than premium competitors like Sony 15mm f/1.4
−No weather sealing or internal seals
−Edge sharpness softens at wider apertures, particularly toward frame corners
−Some flaring with bright light sources, though reviewers note this can have retro appeal
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 is an ultrafast wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras delivering eye-tracking autofocus and 24mm full-frame equivalence. Its optical design incorporates two aspherical, two HR, and three ED glass elements for minimized flare and ghosting, with an STM motor that minimizes focus breathing for video applications. The lens is capable of capturing exceptionally high-quality images with excellent centre sharpness and minimal distortion, though it suffers from inconsistent autofocus performance that struggles to pull focus smoothly with faster-moving objects. | |
| Brand | Sirui |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | Sniper |
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. | Nikon Z |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z APS-C |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  APS-C |
Physical57/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 403 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 70 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 94 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 58 mm |
Optics90/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 16 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.2 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 82.98° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 13020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 30 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.09x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 14 |
| Groups | 5 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 3 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |