Cheers, thanks mate! Keep up the vids, very entertaining. Was planning to do some last year but got side tracked photo work and didn't want to be in front of a computer (editing burn out). Funny to see you have a style similar to how I perceived I would do it. I shoot mainly Canon FF (35L, 70-200 F/2.8 IS) and 7D (17-50 F/2.8) for events, but wanted lighter travel gear for personal. After mulling around I ended up getting the Fuji X-T20 after seeing your vids, but I couldn't live with the my right thumb hitting the d-pad. I ended up returning it and getting the X-T2, much more comfortable for me to use. I don't know how you do it, switching from Canon FF to X-T20? Hope you keep going with it, fun to watch :)
I wish you didn't answer my question on the mini Marvel statues ... they're a bit pricey! I was hoping to buy the Fuji 56 F/1.2, but instead I ordered Spiderman (same as yours), pre-ordered Hulk and pre-ordered Quinn for step daughter birthday / Christmas gift. So much for the 56, thanks Omar. LOL. I'll let you know for sure. I'm still working my way through all your vides for the X-T20, even though I don't own it. Entertaining vids (content, humour and production quality).
This is the best lens review I've ever seen. Thank you so much for providing example photos from a wide, real world use diversity of scenarios! (And your personality is fantastic; you made me genuinely smile so many times!)
It's a great lens for the Fuji system. I took this lens to Greece with me this summer to shoot astro and boy did it perform really well. Did great for general purpose landscapes as well. Sharp at f2, built well, minimal distortion, good locks, and accurate scale.
I've seen a thousand lens/cameras reviews and everyone mentions almost the same facts, even the manufacturers. You're the first person that makes it clear that the Focus Distance is from sensor to the subject and not from the lens end to the subject. Yisus! so many lenses i discarded because i though the FD was too much. Many thanks!
Back in my film only days, the widest lens I used was an 18mm on a 35mm camera. When I started shooting digital, the widest lens I used was a 16mm on an APS-C sized Fuji X mirrorless camera. I soon realized that there were times when I needed something wider than 16mm. Thanks goodness, the 12mm Rokinon gave me the same angle-of-view on my mirrorless as the 18mm gave me on my 35mm.
thank you very much i watched about 342565 videos about this lens and you are the first and only one who shows the closest focus distance you are the best!!!
I bought mine couple years ago for a trip to Lanzarote where I dropped my X-T20 (with the 12mm Samyang mounted) on the rocky ground of a volcanic cave. The camera survived a few bounces without a scratch, but the Samyang's mount was torn off and the back lens was deeply scratched. I ordered a new one but couldn't focus to infinity. Samyang France not responding to my support requests Amazon replaced it for me with another with exactly the same defect... I finally found a very easy way to adjust it by taking the lens mount apart with the three screws on the back and removing a spacer. Now I'm focused to infinity before the marker, but at least I can use it. I could add a cut sheet of paper maybe to make it correspond better to the focus ring marks.
The best RU-vid on Fujifilm camera(s). Appreciate the great explanations of the various features -- especially the slides that add to understanding. And your sense of humor. Thanks Omar! In defense of used equipment: I shot exclusively with Nikon for 14+ years. During that time I had three bodies and five lenses, all bought used from the two NYC superstores. All condition 9 or higher. Never had any problems - did return one (to B&H) with absolutely no hassles within the 30 day period and one week later had the replacement (live in Colorado so that is fast). Three years ago bought a Fujifilm X100S, also used, and fell in love with Fujifilm. Now have a X-T20, 14mm lens, 35mm lens, and the 90mm - all bought used. Have saved more than $2,000 going used. Problem is used Fujifilm lens don't come up often. GREAT deals on a bodies just after a newer one comes out as folks wanting the latest and greatest start trading in their two year old camera bodies - all the used bodies have had extremely low shuttle counts. Guess they want the latest to set on a shelf somewhere until a new model comes out. Well, enough on that. Time to get out and shoot some pictures!
I'm totally for used...yes...my X100s was used and loved that thing. I think what you did right is go through a seller like B&H that has customer service. Good move. Thanks for the kind words.
Your very informed personal experiences and the tomato are perfect examples why I like your videos. You combine intelligent reviews with unexpected humor, making for very enjoyable and informative videos. Never boring!
I bought that bad boy a few months ago and took it with me on a trip to Italy and Greece. I was VERY pleased with the results. It is an incredible value and kicks ass on my XT-20. Not surprised you bought it again...
I'm digging the casual yet informative way you covered this. I originally picked this lens up for video on my gimbal, and now find myself using it for all kinds of stuff.
I bought the Samyang branded version of this lens for my first camera, a Fuji X-T1, which I also just bought yesterday. So this lens will be the first one I shoot with. I'm looking forward to seeing what pictures I can capture. I've seen a few other people mention this lense but this video has given me some much needed info on how to shoot with it. Thanks!
I got it 4 times omar. First,a brand new copy, gave to a good friend of mine after I got bored of astrophotography. But I got regretted quickly after that, and got a 2nd copy used with excellent condition. Sold it again only after 3 months owning the second copy because I was switching from E mount to X mount. I actually started looking for a used copy even before I got my hand on the XT20. Got the 3rd copy in X mount used, but came with major flaw. Half of front element coating was wipe off (looks like a bad fungus cleaning job). As such, I have to sell it for a big lost, and used the salvage fund with top ups to get my 4th (current copy) again used, which is in a good condition. Never selling it again, it's a lens I can't live without..
Really great lens review bro, I like how you kept it fun and informative at the same time. More importantly you included a lot of photo examples which many people don't do so big respect. Lenses are one of my favorite things to review on my channel also
I am in love with the Samyang/Rokinon lenses. Bought the 85mm 1.4 and was pleasantly surprised with the ease of MF using my X-T20. Picked up the 12mm for our trip to Disney and am now contemplating either the 35 or 50mm.
Ok, I am six year late to the party! I am considering the Samyang 12/f2 (as branded in the UK) for a trip to Vienna in Autumn 2023. I have compared it with the newly released (in 2023) Fuji 8/f3.5, but at £800 vs the Samyang at £276, I am not sure I will see a sufficient increase in IQ for a seldom used focal length to justify the price difference. The biggest recommendation you provided was after the unfortunate drop you replaced it with another copy. One would only do that if the attributes of the lens were top notch relative to the price. I think you have just persuaded me to buy one for the trip. Thank you.
Thanks! Great review. I also just purchased the X-T20 with the 18-55 kit lens. Looking at this Rokinon to use for landscape photography. Nice to know that you can get that close to the subject with it as well. As a hobby photographer its good bang for the $$ vs the $1300 CAN for a Fuji lens.
Thanks. You just saved me about 1K. I just switched from Canon to Fuji. I sold my 6d and all my L glass and started off with a X-T20 with a 35mm f2.0. Today I received my 18-55 kit lens. I had a list of the lenses I would need to rebuild the shooting capability I had with Canon. I used my 17-40 f4L quite a bit and thought I needed to replace that with the 10-20mm. Now I see I don't. This is perfect for corporate events, the few weddings I do and my passion which is concert photography. For know, I'll shoot portraits with the kit lens but will eventually get the 56mm 1.2. So after that, I would just need a tele zoom and I am all set. By the way. I bought the Godox TT686 flash and the transistor for Fuji and I really recommend it. Off-camera shooting is a breeze, even if you're just holding it on your hand. Paid around $160 for both things. Keep up the great vids. My 2-3 year 'thinking about switching to Fuji' was at 90%, your videos made me do it at 100%.
Whoa!! That's amazing. Honestly, if I was still shooting for ME...I'd go 100% Fuji. Been shooting Canon for a while and have lots of gear (lenses, lighting, triggers) invested. It's also so easy for me to use Canon. But down the road, I see it happening. Love the godox, flashpoint stuff. I have the xplor600. That thing rocks.
im learning so much from your channel.. and i love how its not too technical.. and its more on real life taking pictures like normal people.. and i love how funny u are in your videos!!
Thank you for this video - very informative! I was looking to add a lens to my XT20 for night photography and Rokinon 12mm came up in my search. Was sitting on the fence, maybe about to jump and grab one... BTW, Iove your sense of humor and enjoyed your videos!
thanks for the great and fun video. your shots with the 12mm lens were absolutely beautiful. I just ordered the lens from B&H for my Sony a6700. Looking forward to some great closeups like you shot. BTW, I also subscribed with a thumbs up!
@@buleulek5153 I have the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. Its ok for the price but it has low contrast at 1.4 unless you are completely out of the light, it ghosts, and has a lot of purple fringing. The purple fringing is really extreme sometimes and can not be fully removed. I don't think I would recommend it to be honest. I would get a vintage 50 or 55mm manual focus lens over it. You can still find those affordable. Most other vintage lenses are getting way overpriced since so many people are talking about them on RU-vid. They are not worth what people are asking.
Hi Omar love all your Rokinon 12mm sharings and I learn a lot. Now that Samyang 12mm AF is out, and I'm having a Sony zve-10 to take POV food videos, close up mostly and walking through travel videos. Do you still recommend to use manual or AF? Thank you!
Thank you again for another great video and review Omar! I hope you can do in a future a side by side comparison with this lens and the new Fuji 16mm f2.8
bought this lens a few months ago for my a6500 for a special wide angle interior shoot and haven't used it much as I have the Zeiss 24mm; your review makes me want to try it for some interesting close ups...seems very sharp, even at F2. Good review with lots of idea-generating photos.
Thanks Omar, I appreciate your review style. I'm just finding your channel so sorry for the resurrection comments... This was my second lens as well, so nice. Not to make you feel bad Omar, I got it new for $220 last on a cyber Monday (I think) sale. Best value XF mount lens and one of THE BEST wide field astro lenses, if you haven't tried. Last thing I love about this lens; It fits in your pocket so nice, you never leave it at home.
Very important, for infinity focus don't turn all the way to the stop. The actual location for infinity focus is depicted by a white right angle line. This is very different from most other lenses. For astrophotography be sure to have a little flashlight so you can see this painted white line for infinity.
I have it and use it on my X-T2 (Samyang version) - I have found it to be remarkably sharp, has good color and contrast, and the build quality seems more than fine. I am hopeful that it will do well for astrophotographers. The one oddity I have found is that it is only 1/2 stops, rather than the more typical 1/3rd stops - that take a little getting used to.
Great overview! I actually shoot this lens at f/2 in street photography. My trick is to pre-set it to about 1m, set the camera on burst mode, and “walk in” your shot while holding down the shutter button. I’m sure purists are horrified.
This is the fun-est review ever! Love the zoom with your body concept and the doorbell! Lol Will be getting this lens for sure! I was agonizing between this and the fujinon 18mm but this is way more practical and results seem more dramatic ❤️
Dude.. Going through my work from this weekend I realized it was this vid that made me switch my game up a bit.. I've had a 17-40 for years but used it only for real estate and begrudgingly for group shots in tight spots (I don't like to shoot wider than 50mm and I shoot 135 F2L every chance I get).. but I got up in people's faces this weekend and got some amazing shots .. its like having a new toy without having to spend money on a new toy.. so thanks for openin my eyes to that possibility
Great video as usual. Would you compare this Samyang to the Viltrox 13 mm lens? Also, I am very biased towards the fujinon lenses for my x-T30; Fujifilm puts so much effort into making fantastic weather sealed , prime lenses; it's one of the strengths of Fujifilm.
Awesome review. I think the color and the resolution of the images look fantastic. I have been looking at the Fujinon 10-24 but it is pricy. I think you convinced me I need this lens. 8 )
Hey Omar. I know you have the 10-24 now. Obv autofocus is the big plus but I’m keen on a vlog lens with some nice bokeh that I can use for architecture photography. Are you still going back to this lens or has the 10-24 won the race?!
I bought the Rokinon 12mm instead of the Fuji 10-24. I already have the 16-55 (great lens) so really I didn't need the whole range of the 10-24. Love this little lens especially for B&W, very sharp and good contrast. Shooting in color, well, the lens produces muted colors, but these can be fixed up in post. the Rokinon 12mm is well worth the price though.
Omar, I purchased this lens because I liked your review. Do you recommend a lens filter to help keep the lens clean, because of its odd dome shape. Seems like it would be easier to keep the flat lens protector clean, and just keep the real lens covered. If so, would it be a 67mm filter/protector? Thoughts?
The best portraits are environmental. I love the Sigma 16 mm f 1.4 DC DN for that. The sharpness is the best I've ever seen. Now to find a Fuji X mount replacement, if it exists. 13:33 mark, same happened to my Sony 18 - 105 mm. It won't mount on my a6500, but the fix is fast and simple, just get a replacement bayonet mount, if you can find one. Good shots, I'll consider this lens as an option. Thx.
Nice review! If cost wasn't an issue, would you still get the Rokinon 12mm or the XF 16mm f1.4 WR? Traveling to Europe this fall and not sure which to get...
A lens so nice you bought it twice! 😁 This was an excellent review, thanks for talking through the details of the pictures that you noticed, it was super interesting!!!
A great lens, had it for a good while now, Sharp, moderate distortion, and fantastic f/2,0 max aperture, which makes a lovely bokeh in many, many situations!! But, it DOES suffers from pretty heavy color fringing, and only 6 blades of the aperture produce not very nice "sun-star-effect" at f/16-22. But, hey, the alternatives are so, SO more expensive, and I truly love this lens!
I have this lens for my Olympus Pen F and I am very very happy with it. Auto focus is not important to me because one I primarily shoot landscapes and two because just stop it done a little and it has a very deep area of focus to rely on.
Have it for astrophotography, love it. The only concern I have is that it wobbles a little when mounted on the camera so focusing is little hard. But maybe it's just my version.
Great video ! Almost purchased this lens so many times 43, Canon M and today I finally ordred one for Fuji X - the good news is that a MINTER can be had nowerdays for so little...I'll try not to drop it.
Zooming with your legs only works within certain parameters. Depth of field compression doesn't happen with shorter lenses and close up portrait shots with a wide angle are awful, unless you want everyone to look like Barry Manilow. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cj7mVjBym7A.html
I love your video and I am thinking about buying the Rokinon for my X-Pro2 but I doubt any warranty from the manufacturer would have covered you against the damage that happened when you dropped the lens. Insurance yes, but not warranty. But, great pics and a really interesting and fun video.
AND.....here's a tomato. Slayed me! I'm a big fuji guy.....me for fun, my wife professionally. I'm watching your vids even though I'm not trying to learn anything....just to laugh! Great job dude.
I've been in dilemma for weeks going back forth in choosing fuji 16mm f2.8 vs this one. Now I made my final decision, I choose the tomato. Lol Thanks Omar!
The Rokinon 12mm is one of the recommended lenses for astrophotography. It did good for me last year for that purpose but on August 21, 2017 it failed on a different celestial event. I had to do some photo editing because close to a third of the eclipse had the purple fringing. I also have the 10-24 and I would have used it but I was using it for other parts of the eclipse. For the ultra-wide, I prefer the 10-24 over the 12. The 10-24 also does great sunstars. :)
Im thinking of picking up one of these the 12 mm or the 8mm for landscape stuff on the xpro2. I do have the fuji xf 14mm, but I was looking for something to go a bit wider. But I dont want the crazy fisheye look. My issue is. Is the 12mm rokinon really that much wider than the fuji 14mm? Would there be that much of a noticeable difference between the two to justify me purchasing the Rokinon 12mm? Or should I just suck it up and stay with the 14mm?
I just bought Samyang 12mm f/2 NCS for using with Nex 3N E-mount Mirrorless Camera But upgrading to Sony A6000 or A6300 because manual focus will be better with View Finder, also A6000 and A6300 Got 920k Dot Screen comparing to 460k dot screen of Nex 3N . Even with Nex 3N i am getting good sharp images but hoping that it will be more better with A6000 or A6300 View Finder. For indian Market great wide angle lens to buy with 25000/- Indian rupees from Amazon Rokinon is 32000/- INR. All most all other wide angle lenses below 14mm Crosses 30000/- INR. Quality is also good as it is a fixed focal length lens. Only downside can be that the lens is Manual operation but when you check prices of other wide angle lenses you will naturally excel in manual focusing :). Gr8 lens for Architectural and Interior Photography for reasonable price.
Hello. I was watching yours video and I have some kind of dilemma. Rokinon looks great but I wondering about Laova 9mm. So I would like to know your opinion which one lens is better for landscape photography. Thanks for help.
Nice Review! I really liked the picture analysis you did! This helps me to understand a lot of what you are capable to produce with this lens - so thanks =)
I'm from NJ as well, I just got a Sony a6000 and ordered this Rokinon lens. Hopefully it works well! A lot of people said they had distortion at the edges, have you noticed at all? Also, do you recommend any good places around NJ or the tri-state area for some good landscape photography photos?
Thanks for your thoughts. I was thinking about the 8mm/2.8 lens called Samyang here in Europe. Btw. it is a 10-24mm by Fuji, not a 10-20mm and it's a great lens. I own that and it does a great job.
I just got this lens today for the Sony a6700 camera (aps-c) It does auto focus ok, but it seems to be hunting. The image rocks in and out non-stop. I have 5 other Sony lenses that don't do that. Do you have the same experience?
Hey Omar. Thanks for posting great videos. I have an X-T20, and your channel is very helpfull to me. I was considering buying a Rokinon/Samyang 8mm... but now, I think the 12mm will fit my needs better. i'm struggling with my english here... LOL... Thanks again.
Hi, You forgot to tell that the lens is a full manual lens, not only manual focus but manual aperture. People need to know. Also, the main criticism i make to this lens is the lacking of depth of field marks in the barrel. You explained that it is better for street photography stopping down the lens to f5.6, but it would be very nice to know the actual depth of field we are adjusting. unfortunally, the lens lacks marks
