Samyang / Rokinon 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS is a wide-angle lens designed specifically for APS-C sensors, making it an excellent choice for Nikon F (DX) mount users. This lens is ideal for landscape photography, architecture, and astrophotography due to its wide field of view and fast aperture.

One of the standout features of this lens is its impressive optical performance. The 16mm focal length provides an expansive perspective that is great for capturing vast landscapes or tight indoor spaces. With a maximum aperture of f/2, it allows for excellent light transmission, making it suitable for low-light conditions and enabling beautiful background blur when shooting with a shallow depth of field.

The lens construction includes 13 elements in 11 groups, which helps to minimize optical aberrations. The use of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass significantly reduces chromatic aberration, and the UMC (Ultra Multi Coating) treatment enhances light transmission while reducing flare and ghosting. Users often report that images produced by this lens are sharp, with vibrant colors and good contrast, especially when stopped down a bit.

However, being a fully manual lens means that autofocus is not available, which might be a drawback for some photographers accustomed to focusing with their camera’s AF system. Focusing can be a bit challenging in low light conditions, and the depth of field can make it tricky for those who are not used to manual focusing, particularly at closer distances.

Build quality of the lens is solid, featuring a metal mount that provides durability while maintaining a lightweight design. This makes the lens portable and a great option for photographers on the go. Although compact, the lens does exhibit some distortion and vignetting at its widest aperture, but these issues can usually be corrected in post-processing or can be accepted as part of the creative process.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness and color rendition.
• Fast f/2 aperture for low-light performance.
• Lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around.
• Good build quality with durable materials.
• Suitable for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography.

Cons

• Fully manual focus may be limiting for some users.
• Distortion and vignetting at wider apertures.
• Focusing can be challenging in low-light situations.

Verdict

The Samyang / Rokinon 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS shines as a versatile and high-performing wide-angle lens for Nikon F (DX) users. While the lack of autofocus could be a hurdle for some, the optical quality, fast aperture, and portability make it an compelling choice for those who appreciate manual control and seek to capture stunning wide-angle imagery. Whether you're shooting sweeping landscapes or starry night skies, this lens has the potential to be a valuable addition to your photography kit.