Samyang / Rokinon 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang (also known as Rokinon) 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC lens for Canon EF mount is a prime wide-angle lens that has garnered significant attention among landscape, architectural, and astrophotography enthusiasts. With its impressive field of view and a fast maximum aperture, it offers photographers a unique tool for capturing expansive scenes with remarkable clarity and detail.

Build Quality and Design

The build of this lens reflects a solid construction, featuring a durable plastic exterior with a metal mount. The lens feels robust and can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, which is a great advantage for photographers who prefer hiking to get to their shooting locations. The focus ring is smooth and well-dampened, facilitating precise manual focusing, critical for wide-angle photography.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Samyang 14mm delivers impressive results, showcasing sharpness across the frame, even when shot wide open at F2.8. The lens utilizes several special glass elements, including extra-low dispersion (ED) and aspherical components, to effectively control chromatic aberration and distortion, which are common challenges in wide-angle lenses. However, like any lens in this category, some noticeable barrel distortion may occur, particularly at the edges of the frame, although this can often be corrected in post-processing.

Bokeh and Out-of-Focus Performance

While the primary focus for wide-angle lenses isn't typically on bokeh, the Samyang 14mm produces a fairly pleasant out-of-focus quality. Subjects can be isolated effectively when shooting close-ups, although the depth of field at F2.8 is generally quite expansive. This makes the lens versatile for creative compositions where foreground interest is important.

Flare and Ghosting

When it comes to flare and ghosting, the lens is designed with multi-coating that minimizes these effects. However, when shooting directly into bright light sources or at sunrises and sunsets, some flare may still be noticeable. Utilizing lens hoods and mindful positioning can help mitigate these issues to some extent, but users should remain aware of this characteristic.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness across the frame
• Well-constructed with a solid build quality
• Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel
• Affordable price point for a wide-angle lens
• Good optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration

Cons

• Noticeable barrel distortion, particularly at the edges
• May struggle with flare and ghosting under certain conditions
• No autofocus; manual focus only, which may be a drawback for some users

Verdict

The Samyang / Rokinon 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a high-quality wide-angle lens without breaking the bank. Its solid build, sharp optical performance, and affordability make it a compelling option for both amateurs and professionals alike. While it has some drawbacks, particularly concerning distortion and flare, these can often be mitigated with careful technique and post-processing. If you are considering enhancing your wide-angle photography with a reliable and budget-friendly lens, the Samyang 14mm is certainly worth considering for your Canon EF mount camera.