Samyang / Rokinon 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Samyang/Rokinon 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS is an enticing prime lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, catering to photographers who seek a vibrant wide-angle option with a fast aperture. This lens is especially appealing for landscape, street, and architectural photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its impressive maximum aperture of F1.4, which allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field, emphasizing your subject against an aesthetically pleasing blurred background. The wide 21mm perspective provides a unique viewpoint, making it perfect for capturing expansive scenes while maintaining a good level of detail.

The optical construction includes extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and aspherical elements, which contribute to minimizing chromatic aberrations and distortions. Photographers will appreciate the sharpness across the frame, particularly when stopped down to around F2.8. The lens also boasts a robust build quality, giving a sense of durability that will appeal to many photographers.

However, there are some negative aspects to consider. Given its manual focus design, users must be comfortable with focusing manually, which can be a challenge for those accustomed to autofocus systems. The focus ring provides a decent amount of resistance, offering good tactile feedback but may require practice for precise adjustments. Additionally, the lack of image stabilization can be a drawback when shooting in low-light situations, requiring steadier hands or higher ISO settings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast maximum aperture of F1.4 for low-light shooting
• Excellent sharpness across the frame when stopped down
• Robust build quality and aesthetic design
• Good control over depth of field

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may deter some users
• No image stabilization, challenging in low-light conditions
• Slightly bulky compared to other wide-angle lenses

Verdict

In summary, the Samyang/Rokinon 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS is a solid choice for Micro Four Thirds users searching for a fast and versatile wide-angle lens. It excels in low-light conditions and produces sharp images with pleasing background blur. While the manual focus design may require some adjustment and the absence of stabilization could be a hurdle, the lens's overall performance and build quality make it a compelling option for enthusiasts and professionals alike. If you can work with its limitations, this lens offers fantastic value and creativity to your photography toolkit.