Samyang 12mm f2.0 AF: Compact, Astrotential UWW for APS-C Alphas

Two weeks ago, the South Korean lens manufacturer Samyang introduced the AF 24mm F1.8 FE for Sony mirrorless full-frame cameras. That wide angle lens shines not only with compact dimensions with high light intensity and high performance but also with special functions for Astro and nocturnal landscape photography. Today, April 23, 2021, Samyang is now submitting a similar, but wide angle lens – Samyang 12mm f2.0 AF for Sony E mount, but is designed for cameras with a small image sensor in APS-C format.

The new 12mm f2.0 AF is the first autofocus wide angle lens from Samyang for sensors in APS-C format and, with its 12mm, corresponds to a 35mm focal length of 18mm. The new Samyang lens offers a bright 2.0 aperture that enables shorter shutter speeds in astrophotography.

The Sony E mount lens has 12 elements in 10 groups with five special elements (1 H-ASP, 1 ASP, and 3 ED); three elements with particularly low dispersion and the two aspherical elements (H-ASP & ASP) have been integrated into the optical design to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions and produce sharper images. In addition, an improved ultra-multi-coating (UMC) was applied to the lens elements to reduce surface reflections and prevent lens flare and ghosting, which leads to improved light transmission and higher-contrast images.

Photographers can capture every moment not only at night but also during the day, as this compact and lightweight lens have a short minimum focusing distance, a weather seal, and a quiet and smooth AF system for photos and films.

This new 12mm f2.0 AF has an autofocus system and a new, modern design that goes beyond the scope of previous lenses with manual focus; it is more optimized for astrophotography by adding convenience to functionality.

Price and availability

The Samyang 12mm f2.0 AF with Sony E mount for Sony Alpha cameras with image sensors in APS-C format will be available from June 2021. The recommended retail price for the lens is $399 and is now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com website.

Samyang 12mm f2.0 AF Specifications

• Focal Length: 12mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 18mm)
• Maximum Aperture: f/2
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• Format Compatibility: APS-C
• Minimum Focus Distance: 19 cm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.09x
• Optical Design: 12 Elements in 10 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 7
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Front Filter Size: 62 mm
• Dimensions: 70 x 59.2 mm
• Weight: 7.5 oz / 213 g

Talking about wide angle lenses, Sony has also introduced the FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens is compact with a large F1.8 aperture, photographers can capture the world from new perspectives, especially when taking pictures of landscapes, buildings, the starry sky, and interiors.