Samyang / Rokinon T-S 24mm F3.5 ED AS UMC

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang/Rokinon T-S 24mm F3.5 ED AS UMC is a standout option for Canon EF users looking for a wide-angle tilt-shift lens. With its ability to manipulate perspective and achieve stunning depth of field control, this lens is particularly geared towards architectural, landscape, and product photography.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things you'll notice about the Samyang T-S 24mm is its robust build quality. The lens has a solid, all-metal construction that provides a professional feel and ensures durability. It also features a matte black finish that minimizes reflections, which is a plus for outdoor shooting. The focus and tilt/shift rings are well-damped, allowing for smooth adjustments without the fear of sudden jerks, which is critical when focusing or shifting the lens for precision.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Samyang T-S 24mm performs admirably, producing sharp images across the frame, even at wider apertures like F3.5. The lens incorporates several low-dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberration, allowing for vivid color rendition and contrast. While it excels in most conditions, some users report slight softness at the extreme edges when shooting wide open, but this is often negligible, especially when stopped down.

Tilt and Shift Functionality

The tilt and shift capabilities of this lens are its main selling points. The lens allows for ± 8.5° of tilt and ± 12mm of shift in either direction. This functionality is a game-changer when photographing architecture or landscapes, providing the ability to control perspective and ensure that lines remain straight, eliminating distortion that often plagues wide-angle shots.

Autofocus and Low Light Performance

It's important to note that the Samyang T-S 24mm F3.5 is a manual focus lens, which might dissuade photographers who heavily rely on autofocus. While the manual focus experience is generally smooth, it can become cumbersome in fast-paced shooting situations. Additionally, while the lens performs decently in low light thanks to its maximum aperture of F3.5, it's not the fastest option available, making it less ideal for night photography or darker conditions without the need for longer exposure times.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid, durable all-metal build quality.
• Excellent sharpness across the frame with minimal chromatic aberration.
• Effective tilt and shift functions for architectural and landscape photography.
• Smooth manual focusing experience.

Cons

• Manual focus may deter some users.
• Lens could be slightly soft at edges when shooting wide open.
• Not the fastest aperture for low-light conditions.

Verdict

The Samyang/Rokinon T-S 24mm F3.5 ED AS UMC is a fantastic lens for photographers who are serious about tilt-shift capabilities and image quality. While it may not cater to those who require autofocus or fast low-light performance, its excellent build quality, optical sharpness, and ability to manipulate perspective make it a valuable tool in a landscape or architectural photographer's kit. If you're ready to embrace manual focusing and tilt-shift techniques, this lens will not disappoint.