Samyang AF 18mm F/2.8 FE

Specifications01

MountSONY FE

Focal length18mm

Max aperturef/2.8

TypeCinema · Wide · Prime

Weight145 g

Filter size58 mm

Physical length63.5 mm

Barrel diameter64 mm

Min focus distance0.25 m

Max magnification0.0901

Aperture blades7

Optical elements9

Groups8

AutofocusYes

StabilizationNo

Weather sealedNo

Lens hoodpetal-shaped, bayonet mount, supplied

Approx price$329

Additional Info02

TypeWide-angle prime

Category["Sony","Sony FE (Full Format)"]

Keywords["E-mount","Prime","Samyang","Ultra-wide"]

Angle Of View100.1°

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating6

Review VerdictThe Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE isn't the silver bullet in its segment but given its size and also price tag this can't be expected anyway. If you are aware of its limitations, it can still be an excellent tool. While it isn't the last word on corner sharpness at f/2.8, the question is whether it's required for on your usage pattern. It's not ideal for astro photography but sharp corners aren't really needed for shallow depth-of-field photography. Stopped down, the image quality is actually very decent across the image frame so applications such as landscape photography or city scenes are certainly possible with pretty impressive results. The amount of lateral CAs is about average but can easily be corrected in post. Image distortions are moderate for such a lens even in RAW format. An unsurprising weakness - given the small front element - is vignetting. It's very heavy at f/2.8 and not brilliant at medium aperture settings either. Auto-correction reduces this a bit but some light falloff remains. We didn't run our formalized bokeh tests but based on the field images, the quality is in line with other ultra-wide lenses - meaning that it can be a bit on the rough side. We aren't totally convinced by the build quality of this little Samyang lens. Formally there's nothing wrong with it. There's nothing shaky about it and it doesn't change size during focusing. The focus ring is smooth, too. It just feels a little … cheap. The AF speed is Ok for such a lens but it takes a while before it finally settles. It has to be pointed out that the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE is - by far - the most affordable option ultra-wide AF lens in Sony E mount. And it's not only affordable but it also represents a great value proposition.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":7,"Optical Quality":6,"Price / Performance":9}

Review Published2020-08-05T13:00:00+00:00

Optical Construction9 Elements in 8 Groups inc. 3x aspherical, 2xHR, 3xED elements

Field Notes02

Samyang AF 18mm F/2.8 is a Sony E-mount ultra-wide prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It’s intended for wide-angle shooting such as landscapes and interiors, with a bright f/2.8 for low-light use.

AI-assisted summary — verify against linked sources

Catalog note · source: opticallimits