Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF vs Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M
It's a trade-off
The short answer
The Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M and Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF differ mainly in focal length — 11-18mm versus 35mm — so the right choice comes down to the field of view you want rather than one lens outperforming the other. The Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF offers a lower price (£237.54 less) and a lighter body (249.4g less), while the Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M offers closer minimum focusing.
Our take: If you're unsure, the Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF is the safer value pick — step up to the Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M only if you want a broader field of view (11-18mm) and closer minimum focusing.
Which should you buy?
It really comes down to field of view — 11-18mm versus 35mm — pick the one that frames what you shoot.
Choose the
Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF
…if you want:
- More reach (35mm)
- A lower price (£237.54 less)
- A lighter body (249.4g less)
Choose the
Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M
…if you want:
- A broader field of view (11-18mm)
- Closer minimum focusing
Full specifications
| Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF | Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price £235on eBay Cheaper | Price £472.54on eBay | |
| BrandSamyang | BrandTokina | |
Sensor Format
| Sensor Format
| |
| ⚠️ These lenses cover different sensor formats — crop factor applies when comparing focal lengths. | ||
Mount
| Mount
| |
| CategoryStandard | CategoryUltra Wide | |
| Use Case EverydayStreetTravelEnvironmentalLow Light | Use Case ArchitecturalAstroLandscapeTravelVlogging | |
| Focal Length35mm | Focal Length11mm - 18mm | |
| Angle of View63.4° | Angle of View77° - 104° | |
| Aperture f/2.8 (max)f/22 (min) | Aperture f/2.8 (max)f/22 (min) | |
| Blades7 | Blades9 Smoother bokeh | |
| Circular ApertureYes | Circular ApertureYes | |
| Min Focus Distance0.35m | Min Focus Distance0.19m Focuses closer | |
| Max Magnification0.1x | Max Magnification0.1x | |
| Filter Diameter49mm | Filter Diameter67mm | |
| Weight85.6g Lighter | Weight335g | |
| StabilizationNo (relies on camera) | StabilizationNo (relies on camera) | |
| Auto FocusYes | Auto FocusYes | |
| Release Date2017 | Release Date2022 | |
| View full detailsSamyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF | View full detailsTokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M | |
Lenny's verdict
