Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.4 AS UMC

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.4 AS UMC lens for Canon EF mount is a strong contender in the realm of prime lenses, known for its impressive aperture, image quality, and affordability. It's a favorite among both photography enthusiasts and professionals looking for a versatile standard lens that delivers excellent results.

One of the standout features of this lens is its impressive f/1.4 maximum aperture. This allows for stunning background blur and beautiful bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait photography. The fast aperture also excels in low-light situations, permitting photographers to capture sharp, well-exposed images without needing to compromise on ISO settings. The lens construction is robust, and its solid build gives it a pleasing heft, which many users appreciate.

Optically, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 is no slouch either. It employs a sophisticated optical design that includes several special elements to minimize aberrations and ensure high resolution from the center to the corners of the frame. The lens produces sharp images across most apertures, although some users have reported a slight drop in sharpness when shooting wide open at f/1.4, particularly in the extreme corners.

However, it’s important to note a few areas where this lens may fall short for some users. Autofocus is notably absent with this model, which means photographers will need to rely on manual focusing. While many seasoned photographers enjoy the control that manual focus affords, beginners may find it challenging, especially in dynamic shooting situations. Creating tight focus adjustments can also be cumbersome, given the lens's focusing mechanism. Additionally, the lens can exhibit some chromatic aberration and flare under harsh lighting conditions, which might necessitate further post-processing efforts to correct.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Impressive f/1.4 maximum aperture for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance.
• Sharp image quality across most apertures, with minimal distortion.
• Solid build quality and well-designed optical elements.

Cons

• No autofocus; strictly manual focus can be challenging for some users.
• Slight drop in sharpness at f/1.4 in the corners.
• Some chromatic aberration and flare may occur under certain lighting.

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.4 AS UMC for Canon EF mount is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a fast prime lens at a reasonable price. While the manual focus system may present some challenges, the lens's image quality, versatility, and impressive aperture performance significantly enhance its appeal. For those who enjoy shooting with primes and can work with manual focus, this lens becomes a valuable addition to their kit, especially for portraiture and low-light scenarios.