I basically blew my whole savings on the X-H2S and now I’m panicking because I have zero budget left for glass but I’m heading to Iceland in like twelve days. I need a solid wide angle but I’m stuck between the Samyang 12mm f2 and the Viltrox 13mm f1.4. My logic was the Samyang is super cheap and small for hiking but the Viltrox has autofocus and might be sharper.
Then I saw the Sigma 16mm but I’m worried it won’t be wide enough. The Viltrox is right at my $380 limit and I don’t know if I should just save the money. Is the Viltrox worth the extra cash or am I overthinking the AF thing?
> My logic was the Samyang is super cheap and small for hiking but the Viltrox has autofocus and might be sharper. Coming back to this... I was in a similar spot last year and ended up grabbing the TTArtisan 10mm f2.0 APS-C to save some cash. Honestly, I have been super satisfied with how it handles. Its fully manual, which some people hate, but for landscapes it works well and that extra 2mm width over the 12mm makes a huge difference for big scenery. Comparing it to the Viltrox AF 13mm f1.4 XF, the Viltrox is definitely the better technical lens, especially for low light stuff like aurora shots. But if you really need to save, the TTArtisan or even the older 7Artisans 12mm f2.8 II are solid budget picks. I had no complaints with the 10mm on my last trip, tho the Viltrox is definitely the sharper beast if you dont mind the weight. You're gonna have an incredible time in Iceland regardless!
Honestly, I would suggest going with the Viltrox. I did a similar trip to the coast once with a cheap manual lens and it was a total disaster because my fingers were too numb to feel the focus ring properly. You really dont want to be second-guessing your focus when you're standing in front of a massive waterfall with mist blowing everywhere. The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a great lens but it definitely wont be wide enough for those epic Iceland landscapes. Be careful with your choice because:
- Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF is way sharper and handles the X-H2S sensor much better.
- Samyang 12mm f/2.0 AF is lighter for hiking but the build quality is kinda hit or miss. I once missed a perfect shot of the aurora because I was fiddling with focus in the dark... just get the one with autofocus. It is 100% worth the extra cash for that peace of mind.
> Honestly, I would suggest going with the Viltrox. Agree, but unfortunately the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 AF STM flare resistance isnt as good as expected. I had issues with ghosting during sunset shots. Maybe look for a used Fujifilm XF 16mm f2.8 R WR instead. It only weighs 155g and the weather sealing is crucial for Iceland. The 83.2 degree angle of view is tighter, but the technical performance and edge sharpness beat the Samyang easily.
Just catching up. Unfortunately, I had issues with Viltrox electronics in the cold before and it was a total letdown. Not as good as expected for a place like Iceland. Are you planning on doing any night shots or long exposures? If not, you could save a ton of cash and get better reliability by hunting down a used Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 R instead. Its built way better for those winds.
Would love to know this too
