It's a trade-off
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 Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M offers closer minimum focusing, while the Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF offers a lower price (£293.35 less) and a lighter body (249.4g less).
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 closer minimum focusing.
It really comes down to close focusing versus price — pick the one whose strengths match how you shoot.
…if you want:
| Tokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M | Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF |
|---|---|
| Price £470.85on Amazon | Price £177.50on Amazon |
| BrandTokina |
Lenny's verdictBETALenny couldn't answer just now — it's usually temporary.
| BrandSamyang |
Sensor Format
| Sensor Format
|
| ⚠️ These lenses cover different sensor formats — crop factor applies when comparing focal lengths. |
Mount
| Mount
|
| CategoryUltra Wide | CategoryStandard |
| Use Case ArchitecturalAstroLandscapeTravelVlogging | Use Case EverydayStreetTravelEnvironmentalLow Light |
| Focal Length11mm - 18mm | Focal Length35mm |
| Angle of View77° - 104° | Angle of View63.4° |
| Aperture f/2.8 (max)f/22 (min) | Aperture f/2.8 (max)f/22 (min) |
| Blades9 Smoother bokeh | Blades7 |
| Circular ApertureYes | Circular ApertureYes |
| Min Focus Distance0.19m Focuses closer | Min Focus Distance0.35m |
| Max Magnification0.1x | Max Magnification0.1x |
| Filter Diameter67mm | Filter Diameter49mm |
| Weight335g | Weight85.6g Lighter |
| StabilizationNo (relies on camera) | StabilizationNo (relies on camera) |
| Auto FocusYes | Auto FocusYes |
| Release Date2022 | Release Date2017 |
| View full detailsTokina 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M | View full detailsSamyang 35mm f/2.8 FE AF |
