Samyang / Rokinon 24mm F1.4 ED AS IF UMC

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang/Rokinon 24mm F1.4 ED AS IF UMC is an attractive option for Canon EF mount users looking for a wide-angle lens that excels in low-light conditions. With a fast maximum aperture of F1.4, this lens is particularly appealing for astrophotography, street photography, and portraiture, allowing photographers to achieve beautiful background blur (bokeh) and retain great detail in their subjects.

One of the standout features of this lens is its impressive optical quality. It incorporates several special lens elements, including ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, which helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and improve overall contrast and sharpness. Photographers often commend this lens for its crisp image quality, even when shooting wide open at F1.4. Furthermore, the lens features a robust build, giving it a professional feel and making it suitable for various shooting conditions.

In terms of handling, the manual focus mechanism may be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments, especially during video work or astrophotography. On the other hand, those who are accustomed to autofocus may find this manual-only approach less convenient, particularly in fast-paced shooting situations.

The lens also has a moderately sized filter thread (77mm), which allows for greater versatility with filters — useful for landscape photography, where you might want to use a polarizer or ND filter. However, its relatively larger size and weight compared to some more compact options might become a concern for travel photographers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical quality with sharpness across the frame
• Fast F1.4 aperture ideal for low light and creative depth of field
• Robust build quality that inspires confidence
• Smooth manual focus for precision

Cons

• Manual focus only could be a drawback for some users
• Larger size and weight may not be ideal for all photographers
• Lack of image stabilization, requiring careful handling in low light

Verdict

The Samyang/Rokinon 24mm F1.4 ED AS IF UMC is a fantastic choice for those who prioritize image quality and low-light performance, especially within the Canon EF ecosystem. While its manual focus feature and heft may deter some, its sharpness and beautiful rendering make it an appealing lens for a wide variety of photography styles. If you're ready to embrace manual focusing and seek a high-quality wide-angle lens, this offering from Samyang/Rokinon is worth considering.