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Samyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS vs Zeiss Carl Distagon T 3,518

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Samyang 16mm f2.0

Wideangle Prime | Nikon F (DX)

Samyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS
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Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18

Wideangle Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Carl Zeiss Distagon T 3,518
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Samyang 16mm f2.0 vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Samyang 16mm f2.0 for the F(DX) Mount and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 for the F(FX) Mount, two Wideangle Prime lenses from Samyang and Zeiss.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Samyang 16mm f2.0 Key Specs

  • 16mm Focal Range
  • F2.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Nikon F (DX) Mount
  • Weight: 583g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 89mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.2m

Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 Key Specs

  • 18mm Focal Range
  • F3.5 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 470g.
  • Diameter: 87mm
  • Length: 84mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.3m
  • Max Magnification: 0.083x

What type of photography are the Samyang 16mm f2.0 and Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Samyang 16mm f2.0 and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Samyang 16mm f2.0 Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelAverageAverage
StreetExcellentAverage
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingVery GoodVery Good
LandscapeGoodGood

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Samyang 16mm f2.0 is the longer of the two lenses at 89mm. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 with a length of 84mm, is 5mm shorter. On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Samyang 16mm f2.0's 83mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 weighs 470g, 19% (113g) lighter than the Samyang 16mm f2.0's weight of 583g.


Lens Mounts

The Samyang 16mm f2.0 has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.

Samyang 16mm f2.0 is also available in Canon EF , Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sony E and Samsung NX mounts.

Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 is also available in Canon EF and Pentax KAF mounts.

Focal Range

Samyang 16mm f2.0 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 16mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera. Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 18mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27mm.

Reasons to choose Samyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS over Carl Zeiss Distagon T 3,518

Focal Length - Wide 16mm vs 18mm 2mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 2 vs 3.5 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2 vs 3.5 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 8 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Diameter 83mm vs 87mm 4mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 77mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.2m vs 0.3m can focus closer to the subject

Reasons to choose Carl Zeiss Distagon T 3,518 over Samyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS

Focal Length - Tele 18mm vs 16mm 2mm more Tele coverage
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors
Weight 470g vs 583g 113g lighter
Length 84mm vs 89mm 5mm shorter
Max Magnification 0.083x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Samyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS and Carl Zeiss Distagon T 3,518
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs Yes able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Common Weaknesses of Samyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS and Carl Zeiss Distagon T 3,518
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Autofocus No vs No Slow and less accurate focusing
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Samyang 16mm f2.0 vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T3,5/18 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Samyang Zeiss
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Prime Wideangle Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (DX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format APS-C / DX 35mm FF
Focal Range 16mm 18mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour - -
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.0 F3.5
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring Yes Yes
Diaphragm Blades 8 -
Optics
Optical Elements 13 13
Optical Groups 11 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.2m 0.3m
Max Magnification - 0.083X
Autofocus No No
AF Motor Type None None
Full Time Manual N/A N/A
Focus Method - -
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 583g 470g
Diameter 83mm 87mm
Length 89mm 84mm
Materials Metal barrel, metal mount metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 77mm 82mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Tripod Collar No No
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