Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS

Canon EF-M

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS is a unique offering in the realm of telephoto lenses, particularly designed for Canon's EF-M mount. This lens is a compact, mirror-type telephoto lens that provides an impressive focal length of 300mm, which is equivalent to approximately 480mm in 35mm terms. This feature makes it an excellent choice for wildlife and sports photography where distance is paramount.

Build and Design

The build quality of the Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm is quite commendable. It features a solid metal construction, giving it a robust feel that inspires confidence while shooting. Weighing in at around 2.4 lbs, it is relatively lightweight for its class, making it more comfortable to use over extended periods compared to traditional long lenses. The compact design is also a plus, as it can easily fit into a camera bag without taking up too much space.

Optical Performance

Optically, the lens employs a catadioptric design that utilizes mirrors, which not only allows for a smaller size but also helps to minimize chromatic aberration and other optical distortions. The lens delivers good sharpness, especially when stopped down to F8 or F11, which is recommended for obtaining the best image quality. However, one must be cautious about the unique bokeh it produces due to its mirror design, which may not be to everyone's taste.

One downside is that the lens lacks autofocus, which can be a challenge for those who prefer quick and straightforward focusing. This manual focus lens requires a bit of practice to get used to, especially when tracking moving subjects.

Usability and Handling

The lack of image stabilization can be a limitation when shooting at such a long focal length. Users will need to ensure that they use fast shutter speeds to compensate for camera shake, or better yet, use a tripod to achieve optimal results. Despite this, the lens does have a smooth focus ring that allows for precise manual adjustments, which can help when fine-tuning focus in challenging situations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, easy to carry.
• Solid build quality with a metal casing.
• Good sharpness, especially when stopped down.
• Unique mirror design limits chromatic aberrations.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which can be challenging for fast-moving subjects.
• No image stabilization, requiring steady hands or a tripod.
• The bokeh performance may not appeal to everyone.

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS offers excellent value for photographers seeking a budget-friendly telephoto lens for their Canon EF-M systems. While it does come with certain limitations, such as the absence of autofocus and image stabilization, its compact design and good optical performance make it a worthy addition to any photography kit. If you're willing to spend the time mastering its manual focus capabilities, this lens can yield striking images and serve you well in outdoor and action photography.