Rokinon 10mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Canon EF-S - Low Light

Our review of the Rokinon 10mm F2.8 finds a purposeful ultra-wide prime that excels for landscape, architecture and night sky shooters using Canon APS-C DSLR bodies. Its single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a true 106 degree field of view with a fast f/2.8 aperture and Nano Crystal coating, which together deliver expansive framing and strong contrast in challenging light. This lens is manual focus only, compact for its class, and built to give dramatic perspectives and reliable corner-to-corner coverage on Canon EF-S cameras.

Key Features

• Nano Crystal coating: reduces internal reflections and increases light transmission to improve contrast in high-contrast scenes and night work.
• 106 degree ultra-wide view: optimized for Canon APS-C sensors to capture sweeping landscapes and tight interiors without heavy distortion.
• Fast f/2.8 aperture: allows handheld low-light shooting and better control of exposure for astrophotography and night scenes.
• Aspherical and ED elements: three high-precision elements (two aspherical, one ED) reduce aberrations and help maintain edge-to-edge sharpness.
• Inner focusing: the lens does not change length and the front element does not rotate, keeping the petal-type hood orientation consistent for filters or rigs.
• Close focus: a 9.5 inch close-focusing distance enables creative near-field wide-angle compositions in tight spaces.

Who It's For

This lens is aimed at photographers who need an expansive ultra-wide perspective on Canon EF-S bodies: landscape and architectural shooters who want strong corner-to-corner coverage, astrophotographers who benefit from f/2.8 and wide field of view, and commercial shooters working in confined environments. Its manual focus design and optical priorities make it especially appealing to users comfortable with precise, intentional focusing.

Those who should look elsewhere include shooters who require autofocus for fast-paced event or sports work, and photographers who need full-frame coverage without cropping. If autofocus and in-camera stabilization are essential, a different lens would be a better match.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent ultra-wide coverage and strong image quality thanks to aspherical and ED elements.
• Fast f/2.8 aperture is beneficial for night and low-light photography, including Milky Way work.
• Nano Crystal coating improves contrast and reduces flare in high-contrast scenes.
• Compact design with inner focusing keeps length stable and the hood properly oriented.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which can slow capture speed for some users and requires practice for critical focus.
• Designed specifically for APS-C Canon EF-S mount, so it is not optimized for full-frame users.

Specifications

Mount	Canon EF-S
Focal length	10mm
Maximum aperture	f/2.8
Angle of view	106 degrees (APS-C)
Close focus	9.5 in (0.24 m)
Lens elements	Includes 2 aspherical and 1 ED element
Coating	Nano Crystal anti-reflection coating

Our Verdict

The Rokinon 10mm F2.8 is a strong value for Canon APS-C shooters who prioritize an expansive field of view, low-light capability and optical control over autofocus. It delivers the wide, dramatic perspectives landscape and astrophotographers want, with coatings and element choices that keep images contrasty and sharp; buyers who need autofocus or full-frame coverage should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this lens work on Canon APS-C cameras?
Yes, it is optimized for Canon EF-S mount APS-C DSLRs and gives a 106 degree field of view on those bodies.

Is the lens suitable for astrophotography?
Yes, the f/2.8 aperture and wide 106 degree view make it well suited to Milky Way and night sky work when used with careful manual focusing.

Does the front element rotate for filters?
No, the inner focusing design keeps the front element from rotating, so a petal-type hood and oriented filters remain stable.