Olympus 12mm F/2.0 Vs. Rokinon 12mm F/2.0 by Pier Yves.

Olympus 12mm Vs Samyang 12mm Video Test from Pier-Yves Menkhoff on Vimeo.

Pier Yves sent us the following Olympus 12mm F/2.0 Vs. Rokinon 12mm F/2.0 comparison:

Before everything, I would like to thank Hervé Danes for the loan of the Olympus 12mm F/2.0 lens. It was not possible with Olympus France. Jonathan Lang and Martina Beckman did not deign to answer to our request of loan. It was the same thing with Marc Rabuteau of Samyang France. This happens frequently in France !!!
In theory and often in practice, there is a difference of quality between a lens at 800 € and another one at 330 €. However, we are not in California. Where is the difference when you live in a gray city ? When we are in the rain in Lyon in winter ? Will we see a real difference ? The shot was made with a Panasonic DMC-GM1 camera on a tripod. I only alternated the lenses for each plan. Recording at 1 080p. No correction at the editing.
When we place side by side the Olympus 12mm F/2.0 and the Rokinon 12mm F/2.0 lenses, the difference is huge. The first is compact, the second is massive. Among the advantages of the Olympus, perfect aperture and autofocus synchronization with Olympus and Panasonic M43 cameras. We note a difference of framing between the two brands. Olympus offers a tighter framework. The Samyang present an alternative advantage: its price. Nearly half of the Olympus. But the difference has a cost. No electronic contact with the body of the camera. All controls are manual. Another aspect can be disabling for every user. The focus ring of the Rokinon lacks flexibility. It is firm. Very firm. The Olympus is dedicated to those for whom AF is a major asset.
At the light of the above pictures, you can decide whether to invest € 320 or € 799 for a 12mm F/2.0 lens. It’s up to you !!
Enjoy…