Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a standout lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) photographers looking for a fast and versatile prime lens. With its 50mm focal length equivalent (100mm in full-frame terms), this lens is designed specifically for mirrorless cameras, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography and other applications that benefit from a shallow depth of field.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Samyang 50mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is commendable. It features a robust, all-metal construction that feels solid in the hand. The finely crafted lens hood is an extra touch that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. The focus ring is well-damped and smooth, allowing for precise manual focusing, which is essential when shooting at such wide apertures. With a relatively compact size and lightweight design, this lens is easy to carry around, making it a great option for street photography or travel.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the F1.2 aperture allows for stunning background blur (bokeh), giving portraits a professional feel. At wide open, the lens produces sharp images, especially in the center, while the corners may exhibit some softness, which is typical for fast lenses. Stopping down to around F2.8 significantly improves corner sharpness, making it a reliable choice for landscape and architecture as well. Additionally, the lens features anti-reflective coatings that help minimize lens flare and ghosting, ensuring clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance in Low Light

One of the most impressive attributes of this lens is its performance in low-light situations. The fast F1.2 aperture allows for shooting in dimly lit environments without needing to push the ISO excessively. This capability significantly reduces noise, yielding high-quality images even with less-than-ideal lighting. For event and wedding photographers, this lens serves as a valuable asset for capturing crucial moments in low-light settings.

Autofocus and Manual Focus

A key consideration for many photographers is the lack of autofocus in this lens. While it does not come with autofocus capabilities, the manual focus experience is satisfying, thanks to the smooth and easy-to-use focus ring. However, it's worth noting that this could be a drawback for those who typically rely on autofocus for quick shots. This lens is best suited for someone who is comfortable with manual focusing or for creating intentional compositions where focus can be carefully controlled.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast F1.2 aperture for excellent low-light performance.
• Beautiful bokeh for stunning portraiture.
• Solid, all-metal build quality.
• Smooth manual focusing experience.
• Good sharpness when stopped down.

Cons

• Lack of autofocus may deter some users.
• Softer corners at wide open aperture.
• Larger size compared to non-wide-aperture counterparts.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a fantastic lens for Micro Four Thirds photographers who prioritize low-light performance and stunning bokeh in their images. Its build quality and manual focusing experience add to its appeal, though the absence of autofocus may limit its usability for those who prefer speed and convenience. This lens is ideal for portrait and artistic photography, making it a worthy addition to any MFT photographer's kit.