Samyang Samyang 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide Angle Lens (Canon Review

So you're looking for a wide-angle lens for your Canon APS-C camera and you want it to be fast. The Samyang 12mm f/2 AF is exactly that. It's a compact, lightweight prime that gives you a super wide 12mm field of view and a bright f/2 aperture, all for a pretty reasonable price.

It's built for photographers who want to get a lot in the frame, whether that's tight interiors, busy city streets, or dramatic landscapes. The autofocus is a nice touch, and the whole package is surprisingly small and light at just 213 grams.

The optical performance is solid, landing in the 76th percentile. The f/2 aperture is bright and sits in the 69th percentile, which is great for low light. But the autofocus is just okay, scoring in the 47th percentile, so don't expect lightning-fast tracking. It also lacks image stabilization, which is a bummer for handheld video or low-light shots. The lens really struggles with landscapes, scoring a low 58.9 out of 100, likely due to some corner softness or distortion.

For the price, which floats between $375 and $438, it's a decent deal. You're getting a fast, wide prime with autofocus and good build quality. The main trade-off is the so-so AF performance and the lack of stabilization. If those aren't deal-breakers for your shooting style, it's a good value. If you need rock-solid AF or steady handheld shots, you might want to look elsewhere.

Compared to other budget primes, it's in a different league because of its focal length. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or Meike 55mm f/1.8 are both faster lenses with potentially better AF, but they're normal or short telephoto lenses, not ultra-wide. If you need width, this Samyang has few direct competitors at this price. You'd have to jump to something like a Canon RF 10-18mm, which is slower (f/4.5-6.3) but has stabilization and likely better AF. It's a trade-off: speed and simplicity with the Samyang, or versatility and stability with a zoom.

Buy this lens if you shoot a lot of interiors, street photography, or astrophotography on a Canon APS-C camera and you value a small, light kit with a fast aperture. It's perfect for the photographer who wants to go wide without breaking the bank or their back. Just don't buy it if you need top-tier autofocus for action or if you shoot a lot of video handheld without a gimbal.