Comparison – 7artisans 12mm F2.8 vs Rokinon 12mm F2---by Iurii Zvonar

Rokinon 12mm F2 SC is about 1/2 times more expensive, however it’s massively availableon the used lens market. I’ve purchased my sample used for the price of new7artisans 12mm F2.8.

It has huge lens hood and quite wide front lens body area. Focus ring position issame, but 7artisans has more comfortable perture ring location closer tocamera. That is also reducing the chance to accidentally change aperturebecause it’s click-less, while Rokinon aperture has half-stop clicks.

Viewfrom the front makes Rokinon significantly bigger. Fortunately hood can beremoved, but camera still can’t be put on the

flat surfacelike with 7artisans12mm F2.8 lens.

Testshots at same aperture values

Testshots are made on Fuji X-Pro2 from same tripod point. I’ve initially noticeddifferent color tint from both lens, so set WB to constant

6300K for all shots.

F2.8

                                                              7artisans12mm @F2.8 ISO200

                                                             Rokinon12mm @F2.8 ISO200

F4

                                                          7artisans12mm @F4 ISO320

                                                          Rokinon12mm @F4 ISO200

F5.6

                                                        7artisans12mm @F5.6 ISO640

                                                        Rokinon12mm 12mm @F5.6 ISO500

F8

                                                        7artisans12mm @F8 ISO1600

                                                                  Rokinon 12mm @F8 ISO1000

BriefConclusions

Mostresults are quite expected taking into account more advanced optical formulaand glass quality of Rokinon (Samyang) 12mm F2 SC lens.

Rokinon12mm F2 pros:

Rokinon 12mm F2 actual angle is noticeably wider than 7artisans 12mm

F2.8

• It  is collecting more light (lower ISO on same Shutter speed + Aperture),  which is probably result of better coating

• Border and cornersharpness is significantly higher starting at F2.8, thankfully to  Hybrid-Aspherical, Aspherical and ED elements.

• It has wider F2 aperture

• Lens hood cuts side light better

• Filter scan be applied directly

• Aperture has click-stops

  7artisans12mm F2.8 pros:

• Lens front area is noticebly smaller and more compact (but you will needadapter to attach Polarizer or other filter

• It’s more discrete lens for street shooting

• It’s  almost 1/2 times cheaper

• Apertureis click-less which is nice for video