Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE § 03 Head to head
Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE vs Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8
Samyang 18mm f/2.8 is 185 g lighter. Zeiss 18mm f/2.8 has a higher maximum magnification.
The Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE is an 18mm f/2.8 prime, and the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 is an 18mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE 
Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE better than the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8?
- 185 g lighter (145 g vs 330 g)
- Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 better than the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE?
- Higher maximum magnification (0.1x vs 0.09x)
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 has the edge: it is weather sealed.
- architecture For architecture, the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE has the edge: it is 185 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE | Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 18mm | 18mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Ultra wide-angle prime lens | Ultra-wide-angle prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) ◆ | 330 g (0.73 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 63.5 mm (diameter) x 60.5 mm (length) | 100 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25 m (0.82 ft) | 0.25 m (9.84 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.09x | 0.1x ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes ◆ |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 8 groups (3 aspherical, 2 high refractive index, 3 extra-low dispersion) | 11 elements in 10 groups |
| Filter size | 58 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Released | — | 2016 |
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Sample frames
Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE
Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE or the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8?
- The Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE weighs 145 g, 185 g less than the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 (330 g).
- Do the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE and the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE or the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 has the edge: it is weather sealed.
- Is the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE or the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE has the edge: it is 185 g lighter to carry.