Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE (Sony E Mount)
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE (Sony E Mount)
When comparing Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE (Sony E Mount) and Sony FE 35mm f/1.8, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Sony E. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.8 compared to the 2.8 aperture of Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount). This means that you get more light to your sensor using Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) or Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
4. Focus Distance Comparison
Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) features a minimum focus distance of 20 cm while Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 has a minimum focus distance of 22.1 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) might be a better choice.
Winner: Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE (Sony E Mount)
Regarding minimum focus distance: The minimum focus distance of a lens is the smallest distance from the lens to the subject you want to be in focus; subjects closer than the lens' minimum focus distance will not be in focus. Whether or not this is important to you is up for you to decide, but some want to take close photos and videos and in those cases it's important to have a lens with a low minimum focus distance.
5. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
6. Stabilization Comparison
Neither Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) feature built-in image stabilization.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
7. Autofocus Comparison
Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
8. Macro Comparison
Neither Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) are macro lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding macro: Macro lenses can focus much closer to your subjects and might be suitable when photographing flowers, insects, wildlife and nature.
9. Weather Seal Comparison
Neither Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) feature a weather sealed design. If you need a weather sealed lens, you might want to look further.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding weather seal: A lens that is weather sealed will perform better over time if you're using the lens in harsh conditions where it's wet or dusty. It may not matter if you're merely using your lens in a studio or in your home.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE (Sony E Mount):
| Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | Samyang 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE - (Sony E Mount) | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Samyang |
| Weight | 281 g | Missing |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 35 mm | 12 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.8 | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 22.1 cm | 20 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.8 - 22 | 2.8 - 22 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 55 | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | Missing |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 8 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 12 |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | No |
| Weather Seal | No | No |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | No |