§ 03 Head to head
Meike 12mm f/2 vs Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS
Meike 12mm f/2 has a smaller filter thread. Samyang 12mm f/2.0 is 17 g lighter.
The Meike 12mm f/2 is a 12mm f/2 prime, and the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS is a 12mm f/2.0 prime. On paper the Meike 12mm f/2 comes out ahead, 2 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS 01
Key differences
Why is the Meike 12mm f/2 better than the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS?
- Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 67 mm)
- Newer design (2022 vs 2014)
Why is the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS better than the Meike 12mm f/2?
- 17 g lighter (260 g vs 277 g)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS has the edge: it is 17 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS has the edge: it is 17 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Meike 12mm f/2 | Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 12mm | 12mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2.0 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Wide-angle prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 277 g | 260 g (0.57 lbs) ◆ |
| Dimensions | — | 73 mm (diameter) x 59 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.2 m | 0.2 m (7.87 in) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.08x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | — | Yes |
| Aperture blades | — | 6 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements / 9 groups | 12 elements in 10 groups |
| Filter size | 62 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M | Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Samsung NX, Sony E |
| Released | 2022 | 2014 |
| Price | $189 list price | — |
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Sample frames
Meike 12mm f/2
Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Meike 12mm f/2 or the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS?
- The Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS weighs 260 g, 17 g less than the Meike 12mm f/2 (277 g).
- Do the Meike 12mm f/2 and the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Meike 12mm f/2 or the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS has the edge: it is 17 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Meike 12mm f/2 or the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS has the edge: it is 17 g lighter to carry.
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