Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 Autofocus Review

The Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 is a fast, wide-angle prime for Sony APS-C cameras. It promises a lot of light and a classic 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view, all for a very reasonable price.

This lens is built for one thing: letting in tons of light and creating a shallow depth of field. With an f/1.2 aperture, it's one of the brightest options you can get for the system without spending a fortune.

The optical performance is solid, landing in the 78th percentile. That f/1.2 aperture is the star, sitting in the 96th percentile and delivering beautiful, creamy bokeh. The build quality feels decent too. The autofocus, however, is its weak spot. It's in the 47th percentile, so it's not the fastest or most reliable, especially in low light. And with no stabilization, you're relying on your camera body.

At around $279, the value proposition is strong. You're getting an f/1.2 lens, which is a rare find at this price point. Most competitors in this range are f/1.4, f/1.7, or f/1.8. You're paying for that extra light and bokeh, and accepting some trade-offs in autofocus and features to get it.

It goes head-to-head with lenses like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 and the Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8. The Sirui gives you a wider view and a brighter aperture, but its autofocus likely lags behind those more established third-party options. If you need the absolute best AF for video or kids, look at the Viltrox or a used Sony lens. But if you want the most light for your money and shoot more controlled scenes, the Sirui's f/1.2 is a compelling reason to choose it.

Buy this lens if you're a portrait or low-light shooter on a budget who values that f/1.2 look above all else. It's perfect for someone who doesn't need lightning-fast autofocus and wants to create a beautiful, blurred background. Skip it if you need reliable tracking for sports, video, or chasing pets and kids around.