Samyang Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS Lens for Nikon F Review
The Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 delivers stunningly sharp images for landscapes and astro, but its manual-only focus makes it a niche pick. Here's who it's really for.
The 30-Second Version
A sharp, bright wide-angle prime for Nikon APS-C, but it's manual focus only. Great for landscapes and astro if you don't mind focusing by hand. Optical performance is top-tier (83rd percentile), but it's a niche pick.
Overview
The Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 is a wide-angle prime lens built for Nikon F-mount APS-C cameras. It's a bit of a specialist, offering a bright f/2 aperture and a focal length that's great for landscapes and astro shots.
It's a manual focus lens, which is a dealbreaker for some and a non-issue for others. Our data shows it scores highest for portrait and professional work, but it's not the most versatile lens in the bag. It's built solidly, but don't expect any weather sealing or stabilization.
Performance
Optical performance is this lens's strong suit, landing in the 83rd percentile. The glass is sharp, especially in the center, and the f/2 aperture is genuinely useful for low light. The autofocus score is low because, well, it doesn't have autofocus—it's manual focus only. The build quality feels decent for the price, but it's a chunky piece of glass at 572g.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent sharpness and color rendition, especially in the center. 83th
- Bright f/2.0 aperture is great for low-light and astrophotography. 76th
- Solid, durable build quality for the price. 69th
- The 77mm filter thread is a common, useful size.
Cons
- Manual focus only, which can be a dealbreaker for many.
- No image stabilization, so you'll need steady hands or a tripod.
- It's fairly large and heavy for an APS-C prime lens.
- Corner sharpness can suffer, especially when shot wide open.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Ultra Wide-Angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 |
| Focal Length Max | 16 |
| Elements | 13 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.3 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 200 |
Value & Pricing
At $399, it's priced as a specialty tool. You're paying for the wide angle and the fast aperture. If you specifically need a 16mm f/2 lens for your Nikon APS-C camera and are comfortable with manual focus, it's a fair deal. If you need autofocus or a more versatile zoom, your money is better spent elsewhere.
vs Competition
Compared to the Viltrox 35mm F1.7, you're trading a more standard focal length and autofocus for a much wider view and a slightly slower max aperture. Against the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro, you're looking at a portrait-length autofocus lens versus this wide-angle manual focus option. For astrophotography, some users in our database debate this against the Rokinon 10mm f/2.8, where you trade a bit of speed for an even wider field of view.
| Spec | Samyang Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS Lens for Nikon F | 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 | 16mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Nikon F | 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) | 572 | 676 | 269 | 544 | 201 | 422 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Ultra Wide-Angle | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | - | - |
Common Questions
Q: Is the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 or the 10mm f/2.8 better for astrophotography?
The 16mm f/2.0 gathers more light, which is key for astro, but the 10mm offers a wider field of view. Some users stop the 16mm down to f/2.8 to reduce coma in the corners, so it's a trade-off between speed and width.
Q: Can I use this lens for landscape photography on a Nikon D3300?
Absolutely. It's manual focus, but it's a great focal length for landscapes on APS-C cameras like the D3300. You'll get a focus confirmation dot in the viewfinder to help you nail the shot.
Q: Does this lens have autofocus?
No, it's a manual focus-only lens. You have to turn the focus ring yourself, which is fine for static subjects but a challenge for anything that moves.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this lens if you need autofocus for anything, especially video or fast-paced photography. Also, if you're looking for a lightweight, versatile travel lens, look elsewhere—our data shows travel is its weakest category for a reason. It's a specialist, not a generalist.
Verdict
Buy this lens if you shoot on a Nikon APS-C camera and want a dedicated, sharp wide-angle for landscapes, architecture, or astrophotography, and you're perfectly happy with manual focus. It's a tool for a specific job, and it does that job well.