After releasing the 24mm F1.8 for Sony E mount, Samyang has followed up with a new 12mm F2.0 lens. The fast prime is designed for APS-C sensors and carries on the same aesthetics we've grown to expect from Samyang as well as its budget-friendly price point.
Constructed from 12 elements in 10 groups, including one ASP element, a Hybrid ASP, and three ED elements, the lens can reduce distortion while maintaining corner-to-corner sharpness. Samyang's Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) has also been added to reduce ghosting and improve light transmission, contrast, and color accuracy.
Credit: Samyang
As with other Samyang lenses devoted to Sony E mount, the 12mm F2.0 supports Sony's Fast Hybrid AF. A single linear stepping motor produces fast and effective AF when shooting video or still. The design allows for close focusing to 7.48" with no change in length or the front element rotating.
The lens only weighs 7.51 oz and is 2.33" in length, making it a very light and compact lens. Visually, the lens provides a 99.1° angle of view and with a 7.48" minimum focusing distance, so it will be great for close-up video work. Samyang has added weather sealing for when environments are not ideal.
Expect the Samyang 12mm F2.0 to arrive in June for $399.
It's worth noting, depending on where you live, the lens may be under the Rokinon moniker instead.
