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Lens review

Samyang 12 mm f/2.0 NCS CS

28 May 2014
Arkadiusz Olech

4. Image resolution

The resolution test of the Samyang 12 mm f/2.0 NCS CS was based on RAW files from the Fujifilm X-E1 camera. The files were developed by the dcraw program (with the 3-pass X-trans algorithm) and analyzed using the Imatest package. Let’s remind you here that the best fixed-focus lenses tested in that manner could reach 70-73 lpmm and the decency level is situated near 40-41 lpmm. Now let’s check how the tested lens compares here.

Samyang 12 mm f/2.0 NCS CS - Image resolution


When it comes to the performance in the frame centre you can only praise it. Already at the maximum relative aperture the lens is able to get to over 60 lpmm – a very high value indeed. By f/2.8-4.0 the results come near 74 lpmm – so they are practically brushing against the record level! Here the tested Samyang fares as good or even slightly better than expensive devices like the Zeiss Touit 2.8/12 or the Fujinon 2.8/14. A round of applause!


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The performance on the frame edge is definitely less impressive but we are aware that the optics constructors had very difficult time dealing with such unique parameters. At the maximum relative aperture the image is a bit below the decency level, set by us; still if you are a very understanding person you can forgive the lens that much because it almost makes it. With stopping down the aperture the MTFs are rising, reaching their maximum level by f/5.6. Those results you can call good but the difference between the excellent frame centre and the edges is too big and sticks out too much to make us really comfortable.

At the end we present crops taken from photos of our testing chart, saved as JPEG files.

Samyang 12 mm f/2.0 NCS CS - Image resolution