The Samsung 30mm NX Pancake Lens ($299 list) is a compact prime lens for Samsung NX cameras. Compatible with the APS-C NX camera system, the 30mm lens is the equivalent of a 45mm lens in classic 35mm photography, just slightly longer than a true standard angle lens. Even though there is some noticeable barrel distortion, the lens is small and extremely sharp at all apertures. As such, it earns our Editors’ Choice award for standard angle prime compact interchangeable lens camera lenses.

The optic is only 0.85 by 2.4 inches (HD) in size and weighs 3 ounces. Its short height puts it in the pancake class, as the lens barely protrudes from the camera when mounted. A hood isn’t included, although there is a metal screw-in hood available separately for around $20. Adding that to the lens will improve contrast and protect the front element from damage—and it does so without adding a lot of height to the lens. Even with the hood, the 30mm is noticeably smaller than the Samsung 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 ED II NX kit lens that is included with the NX1000($499.95 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window). One downside to the compact size is the ommission of Samsung’s iFn control, which lets you control certain camera functions via the lens’s focusing ring.

I used Imatest(Opens in a new window) to measure the optical performance of the lens. At its widest aperture it resolves 2,155 lines per picture height, well in excess of the 1,800 lines required for a sharp image. It tops 2,300 lines at f/2.8, and levels out at close to 2,500 lines at f/4 and f/5.6. There is a bit of distortion when you shoot Raw—1.1 percent of the barrel variety—but if you shoot in JPG the camera corrects for this, reducing it to 0.3 percent. Raw shooters can make the same correction in Lightroom—this prime lens doesn’t zoom, so distortion is going to be consistent from shot to shot.

If you’re looking for a fast, compact lens for your NX camera, it’s tough to go wrong with the 30mm f/2. The lens is extremely sharp at every aperture, allowing you to shoot wide open to create a shallow depth of field without sacrificing image quality. As such, it’s a must-own lens for NX system owners, and is worthy of our Editors’ Choice designation.

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