Rokinon 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC CS Manual Focus (Auto-Exposure Contacts) APS-C Lens for Nikon F-Mount, Black Review

The Rokinon 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC CS is a manual-focus ultra-wide prime designed for APS-C Nikon DSLRs, where it delivers a 24mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Its fast f/2 maximum aperture makes it well-suited for low-light work, astrophotography, and environmental portraits with some subject separation. The lens includes auto-exposure contacts, so Nikon bodies can meter and record EXIF data even though focus is entirely manual. ED (extra-low dispersion) and AS (aspherical) elements aim to control aberrations and distortion, while the UMC (ultra multi-coating) treatment reduces flare and ghosting.

At $143, this lens sits firmly in the budget ultra-wide category, appealing to enthusiasts and hobbyists who need reach without the price of first-party glass. Build quality is typically solid for Rokinon, with a metal lens mount and a 77mm filter thread. The lack of autofocus and electronic aperture control means you'll need to stop down manually and rely on in-camera metering, a trade-off many accept at this price point. It's a straightforward option for landscape, architecture, and night-sky shooters on Nikon DX bodies who can work with manual controls.