Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II

Canon EF-M

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II for Canon EF-M mount is a compact and lightweight lens that offers a unique perspective for photographers looking to explore the world of fisheye imagery. With its 180-degree field of view, this lens is perfect for capturing panoramic landscapes, creative indoor shots, and artistic portraits with an exaggerated sense of depth.

The lens features a maximum aperture of F2.8, which allows for decent low-light performance while still delivering good depth of field control. Its construction includes 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 aspherical and 1 high refractive index elements that help minimize distortion and improve sharpness across the frame. The UMC (Ultra Multi Coating) enhances light transmission and reduces flare and ghosting, further aiding image quality.

One of the standout features of this lens is its build quality. It feels solid and durable, yet it remains lightweight and portable, making it an excellent companion for travel photographers. The lens also has a compact design, making it easy to pack in a small camera bag or carry along on adventures. The manual focus ring is smooth and provides precise control, which is crucial for achieving the desired focus point when shooting with a fisheye lens.

However, it's important to note that this lens is fully manual, meaning that it does not have autofocus capabilities. This can be a drawback for some photographers who rely on quick and accurate autofocus for their shooting style. Additionally, while the fisheye effect can result in stunning images, it might not be suitable for every shooting scenario, and distortion can be more pronounced in certain compositions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, ideal for travel.
• 180-degree field of view for creative compositions.
• Maximum aperture of F2.8 for reasonable low-light performance.
• Good build quality and smooth manual focus operation.
• Ultra Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting.

Cons

• Fully manual operation, lacking autofocus.
• Distortion may not suit every subject or style.
• Specific niche lens that may limit overall versatility.

Verdict

The Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II for Canon EF-M is a solid choice for those looking to experiment with fisheye photography. While it does come with limitations, such as the lack of autofocus and potential distortion issues, its lightweight design and excellent optical quality make it an appealing option for creative photographers. If you're ready to embrace the unique perspectives this lens offers, it can certainly add a fun and artistic dimension to your photography toolkit.