Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye

Sony E

Review

The Samyang (also known as Rokinon in some markets) 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye lens is a compact prime lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount cameras. With its ultra-wide perspective and unique fisheye curvature, this lens opens up a world of creative possibilities, making it an exciting option for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Samyang 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye is impressive for its price range. The lens features a solid metal mount that gives a sturdy feel when attached to a camera. The lightweight construction, weighing in at just about 500 grams, makes it easy to carry around for extended periods—perfect for travel and outdoor photography. The lens also has a compact and sleek design, which helps it maintain portability while adding minimal bulk to your camera setup.

Image Quality

One of the standout features of the Samyang 8mm F2.8 is its impressive image quality. The lens is capable of producing vibrant colors and sharp details across the frame, even when shooting wide open. The UMC (Ultra Multi Coating) treatment reduces lens flare and ghosting, significantly enhancing clarity and contrast, particularly in harsh lighting conditions. That said, distortion is inherent to fisheye lenses, and while it's intentional, some may prefer a more traditional perspective.

Focusing and Usability

The lens features a manual focus system, which some users might find limiting, especially in fast-paced settings. However, the focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for fine manual adjustments. The fisheye effect is very pronounced, making it essential to become familiar with the field of view and composition tactics that work particularly well with this type of lens. The minimum focusing distance is approximately 30 cm, enabling you to capture close-up shots with intriguing perspective distortions.

Performance in Different Scenarios

The Samyang 8mm F2.8 excels in various shooting scenarios such as landscapes, architecture, and creative portraiture. In landscape photography, the expansive field of view enhances the overall dramatic effect, inviting viewers into the scene. However, for portraiture, caution is needed as the distortion can exaggerate features near the edges of the frame, which may not be flattering for traditional portraits. For those looking to add creative flair and unique effects, this lens shines.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
• Impressive image quality with good sharpness and vibrant colors.
• Affordable price point for a fisheye lens.
• Built with solid materials, offering durability.
• Good performance in various lighting conditions thanks to UMC coating.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may be less convenient for some users.
• Pronounced distortion may not suit all photography styles.
• Limited versatility compared to non-fisheye lenses in traditional portraits.

Verdict

Overall, the Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye lens is an excellent choice for photographers who wish to experiment with extreme wide-angle perspectives and creative compositions. While it does come with limitations, such as manual focusing and exaggerated distortion, the superb image quality and solid build make it a worthy addition to any lens collection—especially for enthusiasts of landscape and architectural photography. If you're looking to push the boundaries of your creativity, this lens is a fantastic option.