THE HEADLESS PHOTO BLOG

An Experimental Site By Infomatique

Samyang 12mm F2 APS-C

THE FAIRY VILLAGE AT BLESSINGTON STREET BASIN

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HAS UNDERGONE MUCH REDEVELOPMENT SINCE MY LAST VISIT

In case you are worried that photographing the fairies and their homes could bring me bad luck you need not be concerned as I asked for and got their permission but they did not, themselves, want to be photographed.

What makes fairies in Irish mythology and folklore unique:

Not the Disney Version
Irish fairies (sometimes referred to as the Sidhe or Aos Sí) are far from the tiny, winged, benevolent creatures of Disney films. They are complex beings with their own society, motivations, and potential for both good and mischief.

A Blend of Traditions
Irish fairy lore interweaves pre-Christian Celtic beliefs with later Christian influences, creating a unique blend:

Tuatha Dé Danann: Ancient Celtic deities were often diminished in stature over time, becoming associated with the fairy folk. They are seen as powerful, otherworldly beings.

Fallen Angels: Some Christian interpretations cast fairies as angels who remained neutral in the conflict between God and Lucifer. They live in a world between heaven and hell.

Neither Human nor Divine


Fairies are not considered gods, nor are they exactly human. They inhabit a liminal space, a parallel world that intersects with our own. They can be both beautiful and terrible, and their motivations are often ambiguous.

Powers and Abilities

Irish fairies possess a range of otherworldly powers:

Shapeshifting: They can transform into animals or appear in various guises.
Glamour: The ability to create illusions or alter perceptions of reality.
Abductions: Stories abound of fairies stealing away humans, especially children. This gave rise to the concept of ‘changelings’.
Time Distortion: Time flows differently in the fairy realm. A visitor might return to find years or even centuries have passed.

Types of Irish Fairies

Irish folklore features a diverse range of fairies:

Leprechauns: Solitary cobblers, known for their gold and trickery.
Banshees: Female spirits whose wailing foretells death.
Pooka: Mischievous shapeshifters, often appearing as animals.
The Sluagh: Restless spirits of the dead who fly through the night.

Interactions with Humans:


The relationship between fairies and humans is fraught with danger and potential for both blessing and curse.

Respect: Treat fairies with respect and avoid disturbing their places (like fairy forts) to avoid misfortune.
Offerings: Leave offerings of food or drink to potentially appease them.
Bargains: Be very cautious when striking bargains with fairies, as they are known for twisting words and unforeseen consequences.

Overall Uniqueness

The uniqueness of Irish fairies lies in their complexity, their connection to the land and ancient beliefs, and the ever-present tension between their beauty and potential for danger. They represent a fascinating and enduring aspect of Irish cultural heritage.

SAMYANG 12mm F2 APS-C

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I GOT IT TO USE WITH THE SONY FX30

My main camera is the Sony A7RIV but soon after getting I had a serious fall and managed to damage the camera and the attached lens but the camera was, to some extent, usable. When the A7RV was launched I was tempted to get it but decided to wait until the next update became available. Not long afterwards as I was developing an interest in Video I decided the get a Sony FX30. I soon discovered that I liked using the FX30 because of its size and weight and then I decided to get some second hand APS-C lenses and the Samyang was the first and I got it at a greatly reduced price.

Let’s discuss the Samyang 12mm F/2.0 AF Sony E (APS-C) and its suitability for the Sony FX30:

The Samyang 12mm F/2.0 AF Sony E (APS-C)

Ultra-Wide Lens: Designed specifically for APS-C Sony cameras, it offers an ultra-wide view (equivalent to 18mm on a full-frame camera).
Fast Aperture: The f/2.0 aperture excels in low-light and enables creative use of shallow depth of field.
Autofocus: Features a quiet and smooth autofocus motor, beneficial for video work.
Compact & Lightweight: A relatively small and portable lens, making it a good travel companion.
Affordable: Samyang often delivers compelling value for the price.

Why it Might Suit the Sony FX30

Vlogging: The ultra-wide field of view is ideal for vlogging where you need to capture yourself and your surroundings, particularly in tight spaces.
Landscape & Architecture: Great for expansive landscape shots or exaggerating perspective in architectural photography.
Astrophotography: The fast aperture aids in capturing starscapes and the Milky Way.
Low-light Situations: The f/2.0 aperture allows for handheld shooting in lower light conditions.
Price: A more budget-friendly option compared to some native Sony lenses.

Important Considerations

Crop Factor: Designed for APS-C, so on the full-frame FX30 there’ll be a crop factor (image will be less wide).
Distortion: Ultra-wide lenses have some inherent distortion, which you may need to correct in post-processing.
Manual Focus Override: While it has autofocus, having the option to fine-tune focus manually is sometimes desirable.

Overall Suitability

The Samyang 12mm F/2.0 AF can be a great addition to an FX30 kit if:

You specifically want that ultra-wide perspective for vlogging, landscapes, or creative videography, even with the crop factor considered.
You need a fast lens for low-light shooting and don’t mind some potential distortion.
You’re on a budget and find the value proposition appealing.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you want a wider native full-frame lens without the crop factor, or if pin-sharp corner-to-corner sharpness is your utmost priority, you might need to explore other, potentially more expensive options.

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