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

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS is a unique lens catered specifically for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. Known for its compact and lightweight build, this lens stands out due to its mirror design, offering a long focal length in a surprisingly portable package. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a budding wildlife photographer, this lens provides an exciting opportunity to explore telephoto photography without the bulk of traditional large lenses.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Samyang Reflex 300mm is commendable considering its price segment. The lens is reasonably well constructed, featuring a sleek, matte finish that helps reduce glare. Its compact size (with a length of just 14.5 cm and weighing about 560 grams) makes it easy to handle, especially for long shooting sessions. The lens is lined with a built-in lens hood that protects the front element from stray light and physical obstructions, which is a handy feature for outdoor shooting.

Optical Performance

As a mirror lens, the optical characteristics of the Samyang Reflex 300mm offer distinct advantages as well as limitations. It features a focal length equivalent to 600mm on standard 35mm cameras due to the crop factor of the MFT system, which provides impressive reach for distant subjects. The lens also comes with a decent level of sharpness across the frame, particularly when stopped down a bit, enhancing both detail and contrast.

However, mirror lenses are known for their unique bokeh, which can be quite different from traditional lenses. The donut-shaped out-of-focus highlights can be either creatively appealing or distracting, depending on your photographic style. Furthermore, the maximum aperture of F6.3 can be limiting in low-light situations, requiring you to manage your shutter speed efficiently or boost your ISO.

Autofocus and Usability

One of the significant drawbacks is the absence of an autofocus mechanism; the Samyang Reflex 300mm operates solely in manual focus mode. While this may not be a dealbreaker for many experienced photographers, it can be a challenge for those used to the convenience of autofocus, especially when trying to capture fast-moving subjects. The manual focusing ring, while smooth, can take some practice to master for precision.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it portable.
• Impressively long focal length (600mm equivalent) for Micro Four Thirds.
• Good optical performance with decent sharpness.
• Built-in lens hood adds protection from stray light.

Cons

• Manual focus only can be tricky for beginners.
• Unique bokeh may not suit every style of photography.
• Limited maximum aperture (F6.3) restricts low-light capability.

Verdict

In summary, the Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS offers an attractive option for photographers looking for a lightweight and compact telephoto lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera. While it presents some challenges—as with any manual focus lens—the image quality and reach it provides can be rewarding for those willing to put in the time. If you enjoy nature or wildlife photography and are prepared to handle the quirks of a mirror lens, this could be a solid addition to your photographic arsenal.