Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E vs Sony E 11mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is 12mm, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E for wide-angle, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 for wide-angle.
Choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.1x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is 12mm, Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is $449, $100 under the Sony E 11mm f/1.8.
- ›Durability: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E or the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is 12mm, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E for wide-angle, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 if you like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.1x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E and the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 11mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 122° | 104° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 17-17mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 12 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.26x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 71mm | 66.7mm |
| Length | 80.4mm | 60.9mm |
| Weight | 213g (7.5 oz) | 181g (6.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
