Samyang / Rokinon 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS

Sony E

Review

The Samyang (also known as Rokinon in some markets) 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS is a wide-angle lens designed specifically for crop sensor cameras, including those with the Sony E mount. This lens has gained popularity among landscape and astrophotography enthusiasts due to its bright maximum aperture and compact size.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Samyang 16mm F2 is commendable for its price range. The lens body is made from quality materials that provide a sturdy feel, though it still remains lightweight and portable. The all-metal mount adds to its durability against everyday wear and tear, making it a good companion for travel and outdoor photography. The lens features a smooth focus ring that allows for precise adjustments. However, the lack of weather sealing might be a downside for those looking to shoot in challenging conditions.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Samyang 16mm F2 doesn't disappoint. It produces sharp images across the frame with minimal distortion, which is a crucial factor for wide-angle photography, especially in architectural shots. The lens showcases excellent control over chromatic aberrations and vignetting, particularly when stopped down to F4 or F5.6. The bright F2 aperture enables excellent low-light performance, allowing photographers to capture clear and bright images in darker settings. However, users may notice some softness at the edges when shooting wide open.

Autofocus and Usability

One of the notable aspects of this lens is that it is a manual focus lens. While this can be seen as a drawback for some, many photographers appreciate the tactile feedback and control that comes from manual focusing, particularly in landscape and astrophotography where precise focus is essential. However, those who are accustomed to autofocus might find this inconvenient. The lens does not feature any electronic communication with the camera body, so features like focus peaking and other assistive measures in digital mirrorless cameras will be beneficial for users.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Bright F2 maximum aperture for low-light conditions.
• Excellent sharpness and image quality, particularly for landscapes.
• Compact and lightweight design makes it portable.
• Good control over distortion and chromatic aberrations.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which might not be convenient for all users.
• Lack of weather sealing limits its use in harsh conditions.
• Softness at the edges when shooting wide open.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS is a solid choice for photographers seeking a wide-angle lens that excels in low-light situations and produces sharp, high-quality images. Its manual focus design might require some adjustment for users accustomed to autofocus, but for those who appreciate the precision of manual control, it can be a highly rewarding lens. Overall, this lens offers great value for its price, especially for those interested in landscape, architectural, or astrophotography with their Sony E mounts.