The affordable Samyang 16mm F2.0 ED AS UMC CS is a sharp, fast wide-angle lens for APS-C SLRs and mirrorless cameras.

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  Nice price. Quite sharp. Focuses to 7.9 inches. Available for multiple systems.

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  Doesn't cover a full-frame image sensor. Manual focus isn't for everyone. Omits optical stabilization. Some fall-off at corners.

In conclusion, we have once again taken a hard look a Samyang lens and determined that it delivers quite good image quality for a low price. And, as usual for these lenses, there are features lacking, including autofocus.

Over the length of this lens review, we’ve delved into the intricacies of optical performance and the handling nuances of the Samyang 16mm F2.0 ED AS UMC CS wide-angle prime lens. This lens is exceptional by most measures, and deserves a nod from the Pentax community.

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  Fast F2.0 aperture, Pleasant bokeh, Exceedingly sharp across the frame, Minimal barrel distortion, Great contrast, Ghosting and flare resistance, Great starbursts in daylight, Aperture ring control and automatic aperture control (supports M, A/Av, S/Tv, and P), Affordable at $479 or less

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  Difficult to fine focus in viewfinder due to wide-angle and large depth of field, Prominent vignetting up to F2.8, Sub-optimal flare control in harsh light, No in-camera lens correction profile, Swirl bokeh when used wide open, 1 year U.S. warranty

Handling and features This manual focus wide angle lens for APS-C format cameras, offers a fast f/2 maximum aperture for a budget launch price of around £419.

The Samyang 16 mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS is a really well-made construction. For a very sensible price of 1500 PLN you get a lens with interesting parameters, able to provide a sharp image across the frame, correcting most of optical aberrations in a proper way.

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  excellent image quality in the frame centre,, good image quality on the edge of the frame,, slight chromatic aberration – both lateral and longitudinal,, good correction of spherical aberration,, negligible astigmatism,, advantageous price/quality and price/ability ratios.

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  weak performance against bright light,, distinct vignetting at the maximum relative aperture.

Those looking for wide aperture lenses for the APS-C or smaller format camera need not continue looking at full frame lenses, that generally cost and weigh more now this lens is available.

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  Very good value for money, Excellent sharpness in the centre from maximum aperture, Good build, Very good sharpness towards the edges stopped down to f/4 or beyond

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  No hyperfocal scale, Petal shaped hood is a little loose

The problem is that the image on the website shows a 35mm version of this lens and not the Mirrorless (X mount) I bought. Why does this matter, well the lens has the equivalent of a 35mm to mirrorless adapter between the aperture ring and the lens mount. So the lens becomes Huge!!!

This is a good night/astro/aurora lens, but high contrast shots (daytime sky shots, for example) have a brutal amount of chromatic aberration from f2 all the way to f22 - there's no getting away from it.

This is a great bang for the buck lens. Great performance and the best part is it is rectilinear and not fisheye.

Wasn't as sharp as the reviews I have read about

This is a sharp lens. Not as good as canons own 16-35 but not bad considering the cost. This lens has no weather sealing at all. Mine got a load of sand inside and that was from being on top of my bag at the beach and not even on the sand. So beware it is a delicate lens

I purchased this as a (relatively) low-cost attempt at improving my night-sky photography compared to the factory-default lens that came with my Sony A200 (Sony f3.5-5.6/18-70mm Lens). Considering the price of this lens, it's a step-up in that department.

I've had this lens for over 6 months and it provides great image quality even wide open, stopping down to 2.8 or 4 is ideal. It is fast enough to be useful in almost any lighting situation, and the focal length is as close enough to a 35mm(On MFT) to be just about right for you wide angle...

I wish it had a lock for the focus ring, other than that a very sharp and fast lens for the price and made very well

I just want to warn you that this lens has serious issues. I bought the lens for nighttime photography, and yes I know this is not a top of the line lens, but it's the only lens available that's f./2 16mm and fits most people's budget (the Rokinon is the same lens with a different name). Watch out.

I came across a blog that recommended this for use as an astrophotography lens. This was the first lens i bought apart from my kit lens and it has really lived up to my expectations.I'll post a picture i took of the Milkyway galaxy while i was camping last summer.