Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF vs Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 12mm, the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF is 13mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF for wide-angle.

Choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF if…

  • You value portability — at 236g (8.3 oz) it's lighter than the 390g (13.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.22x magnification vs 0.1x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF opens to f/1.4 vs the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 12mm, Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF is 13mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 236g (8.3 oz) vs 390g (13.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF or the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 12mm, the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF is 13mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF?

Choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF if you value portability — at 236g (8.3 oz) it's lighter than the 390g (13.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF?

Choose the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.22x magnification vs 0.1x.

What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF and the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF opens to f/1.4 vs the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF
Samyang
$499
Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF
Viltrox
$499
Optical Design
Focal Length12mm13mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1112
Optical Groups810
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureNoYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View99°95°
35mm Equivalent18-18mm20-20mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMSTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance13 cm13 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.22x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$499$499
Filter Size67mm77mm
Diameter72.5mm74mm
Length58.4mm78mm
Weight236g (8.3 oz)390g (13.8 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo