Samyang / Rokinon 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC is a prime lens designed for Nikon F (DX) mounts, renowned for its ultra-wide angle perspective, making it an eye-catching choice for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography enthusiasts. Let's delve into the features, build quality, and overall performance of this lens.

Build Quality and Design

The lens boasts a robust design, crafted from high-quality materials that lend it a solid feel. It weighs around 1.8 pounds (about 0.8 kg), which can feel sturdy in hand but might be slightly heavy for some users on extended shoots. The lens measures 3.5 inches (approximately 9 cm) in length, making it compact enough for an ultra-wide angle lens. The matte black finish and engraved markings offer a professional appearance. One thing to note is that, unlike some modern lenses, the Samyang 14mm does not feature weather sealing, so caution is warranted in adverse conditions.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Samyang 14mm F2.8 shines. With an impressive 115.7-degree field of view, this lens is fantastic for capturing expansive landscapes and tight indoor spaces. It utilizes 14 elements in 10 groups, including low-dispersion and aspherical glass elements, which minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortion effectively. Images tend to appear sharp throughout the frame, especially when stopped down to F4 or F5.6.

One of the outstanding features of this lens is its performance in low light; thanks to its F2.8 maximum aperture, it captures ample light for night sky shots and indoor photography. However, it can exhibit noticeable vignetting at F2.8, which users may or may not find desirable based on their shooting style.

Autofocus and Usability

One of the notable aspects of the Samyang 14mm is its manual focus-only design. Although this might be a downside for those reliant on autofocus, it provides full creative control over focusing, making it a great choice for photographers who enjoy the manual approach, especially in astrophotography where focusing is critical. The focus ring is well-damped and smooth, allowing for precise adjustments.

However, this lens can be challenging for users who prefer a quick shooting experience, particularly in fast-paced environments. Additionally, its lack of electronic communication with the camera body means there's no autofocus and no EXIF data recorded, which can be inconvenient.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality with sharpness across the frame.
• Very effective in low-light conditions due to F2.8 aperture.
• Sturdy and durable build quality.
• Great value for an ultra-wide angle lens.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not appeal to everyone.
• Noticeable vignetting at maximum aperture.
• No weather sealing, making it vulnerable to the elements.
• Lacks electronic communication with the camera.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC is an impressive ultra-wide angle lens, particularly for Nikon F (DX) users seeking high-quality optics at an affordable price. While it presents some challenges due to its manual focus design and the lack of weather resistance, its sharpness, ability to gather light, and solid construction make it a strong contender for landscape and astrophotography. If you're willing to embrace the manual approach and prioritize image quality, this lens can significantly enhance your photographic toolkit.