Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye

Testing found very high resolution in the frame centre, good control of longitudinal colour, no spherical aberration and very good resistance to flare, which is notable for a lens with such an exposed front element. Edge resolution is weak and lateral colour fringing is high toward the corners.

Reviewers value it as one of very few stereographic fisheyes and a low-cost way into full-frame fisheye work. The soft edges and lack of AF and electronics are seen as acceptable at the price.

Owners use it for real estate interiors, skate and action video, and night-sky panoramas. They praise the rendering of the projection, the easy hyperfocal focusing at 12mm, and the price.

Common complaints are soft, fringed corners, no EXIF data or focus aids on Sony bodies, and the exposed front element. The Sony E version is longer and slightly heavier than DSLR mounts because it adds the flange distance.