Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E vs Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is 12mm, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is 55mm — 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 Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 213g (7.5 oz) it's lighter than the 370g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 55mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO 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, Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is 55mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is 213g (7.5 oz) vs 370g (13.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E or the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E is 12mm, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is 55mm — 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 Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E?
Choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 213g (7.5 oz) it's lighter than the 370g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO?
Choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO if you need more reach — it goes to 55mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO 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 | 55mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 122° | 43° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 43 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | − |
| 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 | $370 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 71mm | − |
| Length | 80.4mm | 76mm |
| Weight | 213g (7.5 oz) | 370g (13.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
