Samyang Rokinon 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS Lens for Fujifilm Review
The Samyang 10mm f/2.8 offers a super-wide view at a budget price, but it's a specialist, not an all-rounder. Find out if its trade-offs are worth the savings.
The 30-Second Version
A surprisingly capable ultra-wide specialist for Fujifilm. Its 10mm f/2.8 combo is great for landscapes and astro, and it focuses closer than you'd think. Autofocus is just okay, and it's not built for rough weather. Worth it if you find it under $300.
Overview
The Samyang Rokinon 10mm f/2.8 is a specialized tool. It's an ultra-wide prime lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, offering a super-wide 10mm focal length and a bright f/2.8 aperture. It's designed to capture vast landscapes, dramatic interiors, and the night sky.
This isn't a do-everything lens. Our data shows it's a specialist, scoring a massive 99th percentile for macro (which is surprising for a wide-angle) but landing in the 29th percentile for travel. It's heavy for its size at 581g, lacks weather sealing, and doesn't have image stabilization. You buy this for one thing: that ultra-wide field of view.
Performance
Optically, it's solid, scoring in the 82nd percentile. The f/2.8 aperture is decent for a wide-angle, letting in enough light for astrophotography or indoor shots without a flash. But the autofocus is just okay, landing in the 46th percentile, so it's not the fastest for tracking moving subjects. The bokeh score is low (38th percentile), which makes sense—you don't buy a 10mm lens for creamy background blur. Where it really shines, weirdly, is close-up work. That 99th percentile macro score means you can get surprisingly close to your subject, which opens up creative possibilities for exaggerated perspectives.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely wide 10mm field of view is perfect for landscapes and interiors. 100th
- Bright f/2.8 aperture is great for low-light and astrophotography. 98th
- Surprisingly excellent close-focusing capability for creative macro shots. 83th
- Autofocus is a welcome feature for a lens at this price point.
Cons
- It's heavy and chunky for a prime lens, scoring poorly for build and portability. 19th
- No weather sealing means you need to be careful in dust or moisture.
- Autofocus performance is just average and can hunt in low light.
- Bokeh and versatility scores are low, confirming it's a one-trick pony.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Wide-Angle |
| Focal Length Min | 10 |
| Focal Length Max | 10 |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 9 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 |
Build
| Mount | Fujifilm X |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.3 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 10 |
Value & Pricing
The price swings wildly from $254 to $399 depending on the vendor. At the lower end, around $250, this lens is a steal for the unique perspective it offers. At nearly $400, you start to question the value, especially given the average autofocus and lack of sealing. Our advice? Shop around. If you can snag it for close to $254, it's a fantastic deal for a specialized tool. Paying the full $399 feels a bit steep for what you get.
Price History
vs Competition
This lens sits in a weird spot. The Sony 11mm f/1.8 is a direct competitor with a brighter aperture and likely better AF, but it's Sony-only and more expensive. The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is a zoom with stabilization and more versatility, but it's not as wide. For Fuji shooters specifically looking for an ultra-wide prime, the main competition is Fuji's own 10-24mm f/4 zoom. The Fuji zoom gives you flexibility and weather sealing, but it's slower (f/4), more expensive, and heavier. The Samyang wins on price, aperture speed, and that surprising close-focus ability, but loses on build quality and versatility.
| Spec | Samyang Rokinon 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS Lens for Fujifilm | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High | Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 10mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 581 | 676 | 269 | 544 | 201 | 422 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | — | — |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens good for video?
The autofocus is average and there's no stabilization, so for smooth handheld video, it's not ideal. It's better suited for static shots or on a gimbal.
Q: How does it compare to the Fujifilm 10-24mm f/4?
The Fuji zoom is more versatile and weather-sealed, but it's slower (f/4), more expensive, and heavier. The Samyang is faster, cheaper, and focuses closer, but it's a single focal length with less robust build.
Q: Can I use filters with this lens?
Yes, it accepts standard screw-in filters, which is a big plus for landscape photographers wanting to use polarizers or ND filters.
Who Should Skip This
If you need a lightweight, versatile walk-around lens for travel or everyday shooting, look elsewhere. Our data scores it at a dismal 29th percentile for travel. Also, if you require fast, reliable autofocus for sports or wildlife, or if you shoot in wet/dusty conditions often, this lens's limitations will frustrate you.
Verdict
Buy this lens if you're a Fujifilm shooter who lives for ultra-wide landscapes, real estate interiors, or astrophotography and you're on a budget. Its unique combination of width, aperture, and close-focusing is hard to beat for the money. Just know you're carrying a dedicated tool, not an everyday lens.