Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS

For landscapes, especially including night skyscapes, another budget option is the Rokinon 12mm f/2. I haven't tried the new autofocus version, but the manual version is a popular lens for good reason and is great value. (I don't think I would pay $500 for the autofocus version one.). Other third-party options include the new Viltrox 13mm, and it's expected that a new Sigma 16mm f/1.4 will also be available this year.

But during day and especially when the sun is high and bright, this lens has a muddy rendition in my opinion. I think I will still keep it because 16mm is not wide enough as an option, and 10-24 is even bigger in size and higher in price, and would still require me another lens for shooting stars. I am at a position where I can justify investing more money into this hobby. I think the body I have is good enough still.

It's like, if you own a Sony or Canon APS-C camera and you don't own this lens, what are you doing? Even if you'd rather have a 28mm or 35mm equivalent, just get this lens and crop it because it's going to look better anyway. And if you are shooting video, just enable Clear Image Zoom and all your wide angle needs are taken care of in one lens.

There are time when I feel like the AF is lagging a bit and I would miss some opportunities. I currently carry the kit 18-55 F2.8-4 and a Rokinon 12mm 2.0 (for astro). Generally I feel the kit lens is good but wish it was a little bit lengthier. On the other hand I prefer the convenience of a zoom lens vs primes (max I would carry is 3 primes).