So I'm finally heading out to the PNW next month for a two-week road trip and I really want to capture those massive forest vibes and some coastal shots but my current kit lens just isnt doing it for me. I'm rocking a Sony a6400 and while the 16-50mm is okay it feels a bit soft and not quite wide enough when I'm standing at the base of these huge trees. My budget is pretty tight though honestly I'm looking to stay under $450 if possible because I still need to pay for gas and campgrounds.

I spent the last three nights falling down a YouTube rabbit hole and I keep seeing the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f2 come up. People say it's a steal for the price but then I read some forum posts saying the quality control is a total gamble and you might get a decentered copy which sounds like a nightmare to deal with if I'm already on my trip and notice it too late. Then there is the Sigma 16mm f1.4 which everyone raves about for sharpness but I'm worried it's gonna be too bulky for long hikes through the Olympics. I mean is 16mm even that much wider than the 16mm I already have on my kit lens? I know it's a prime so it's better but still.

My logic was originally just to get the cheapest thing that works but then I saw the Sony 11mm f1.8 and it looks tiny and perfect but it's definitely pushing my budget. Is the extra 1mm on the wide end really that noticeable compared to the 12mm options? I've also seen some people mention the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 but I'm worried about the weight again and if the colors will look weird.

Here is what I'm looking at so far:

• Samyang 12mm f2 (cheap but manual focus/QC issues?)
• Sigma 16mm f1.4 (sharp but heavy for hiking)
• Sony 11mm f1.8 (perfect but expensive)
• Viltrox 13mm f1.4 (looks good but heard mixed things about the flare)

I just cant decide if I should prioritize the faster aperture for maybe some astro shots at night or if I should just go for the most compact thing I can find for the trail. Every time I think I've picked one I read a comment that makes me second guess everything...