The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 and the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 91mm. The Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE with a length of 61mm, is 30mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 also has a larger diameter of 75mm compared to the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE's 64mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE weighs 145g, 64% (264g) lighter than the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8's weight of 409g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 and the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V.
Focal Range
Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 has a focal range of 16-25mm and
1.6X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 37.5mm.
On the other hand, the Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE 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 a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27mm.
