Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED vs Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9
Nikon 20mm f/1.8 is 0.2 stops brighter maximum aperture. Samyang 20mm f/1.9 has a physical aperture ring.
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED is a 20mm f/1.8 prime, and the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 is a 20mm f/1.9 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED 
Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED better than the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9?
- 0.2 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/1.9)
- 655 g lighter (355 g vs 1010 g)
- 35 mm shorter (83 mm vs 117.6 mm long)
Why is the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- More aperture blades (11 vs 7)
- Newer design (2017 vs 2014)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED has the edge: it is 655 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED has the edge: it is 655 g lighter to carry.
- low-light For low-light shooting, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED has the edge: its f/1.8 aperture gathers more light than f/1.9.
- astrophotography For astrophotography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED has the edge: its f/1.8 aperture gathers more light than f/1.9.
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED | Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 20mm | 20mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 ◆ | f/1.9 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | — |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 355 g (12.52 oz) ◆ | 1010 g (35.63 oz) |
| Dimensions | 81 x 83 mm | 95.3 x 117.6 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.20 m (7.87 inches) | 0.2 m (7.87 inches) |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 11 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 13 elements / 11 groups | — |
| Filter size | 77 mm | — |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, PL |
| Released | 2014 | 2017 |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Samyang
- 83 × 81 mm
- 117.6 × 95.3 mm
The Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 is 35 mm longer and 655 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which lens has the brighter aperture, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED or the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9?
- The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED opens to f/1.8, against f/1.9 on the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9, 0.2 stops brighter.
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED or the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9?
- The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED weighs 355 g, 655 g less than the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 (1010 g).
- Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED and the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED or the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED has the edge: it is 655 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED or the Samyang Xeen 20 mm T1.9 better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 20 mm f/1.8G ED has the edge: it is 655 g lighter to carry.
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