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

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang (also known as Rokinon) Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS is a mirror lens that offers an interesting option for photographers looking for a compact and lightweight telephoto solution for their Canon EF mount cameras. This lens is particularly appealing to those who appreciate the unique characteristics of mirror lenses, including their compact design and enhanced portability.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Samyang 300mm is its compact size. Weighing in at just over a pound, it’s significantly lighter than traditional telephoto lenses. The lens design follows the classic mirror lens configuration, using a catadioptric design that enables the lens to be shorter and lighter than its traditional counterparts. The exterior build quality is decent, with a solid feel that suggests durability. However, it is quintessentially a budget-friendly option, and while it may not have weather sealing or high-end materials, it performs adequately for its price point.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Samyang 300mm F6.3 displays some typical characteristics of mirror lenses. It yields sharp images at center frame, particularly when stopped down a bit. However, you may notice a decline in sharpness towards the edges, especially in wide-open conditions. The lens contains ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass, which helps in reducing chromatic aberrations, but like many mirror lenses, it can exhibit noticeable bokeh effects, often described as “donuts.” This can be a creative tool or a drawback, depending on your photographic style.

The contrast is generally good, although there may be a slight drop under backlighting situations. Flare is well-controlled, thanks to its UMC (Ultra Multi Coating) which prevents ghosting and maintains color neutrality. Low-light performance is where the lens struggles a bit; being a F6.3 lens means higher ISO settings may be necessary, which can introduce noise in your images.

Usability

The lens is manual focus only, which may not be suitable for everyone. While this can encourage a more intentional shooting method, it does require practice to achieve critical focus, especially at such long focal lengths. The focus ring is smooth but may feel a bit loose, which could lead to unintentional adjustments if not careful. The field of view is relatively narrow, so some users might find it tricky to compose shots in dynamic environments or when tracking moving subjects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable
• Good sharpness at the center, especially when stopped down
• Reasonably priced for a 300mm lens
• UMC coating reduces flare and ghosting

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may deter some photographers
• Edge sharpness can suffer in wide-open conditions
• Bokeh may not appeal to everyone, with noticeable "donut" effects
• Limited low-light performance due to F6.3 aperture

Verdict

The Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS lens is a great option for photographers seeking an affordable and lightweight telephoto lens for their Canon EF mount cameras. While it has some limitations regarding optical performance and usability, it can be a fun and creative tool for landscapes, wildlife, or any kind of distant subject photography. With its manual focus and unique characteristics, it can be a rewarding addition to your kit if you're willing to embrace its quirks.