Samyang (et al) 14mm f2.8

[Roger]

Have anyone tried, or own, this lens? It comes in several mounts, and is known by several names (Rokinon, Bower etc.).
At <400 USD it is very tempting.

[blackcloudbrew]

Hmmm...didn't really notice that this lens was out there. It does look kind of interesting. I found this review on it that might be of help, the reviewer usually does a good job of them.

http://www.lenstip.com/20..._IF_ED_MC_Aspherical.html

I have recently acquired the Pentax DA 14 f2.8 lens which is quite a different design than this one. I'm finding it to be a niche lens given that I have several lenses in this UWA range. It's main features are close focusing and the extra stop over the f4 lenses.

Personally, the fact that the Samyang can't take filters would give me pause on purchasing it. One of the nice things on the Pentax DA 14 is that the front glass is flat, this isn't the case with the Samyang. I will say that the Pentax DA 14 exhibits corner edge sharpness issues too. I'd note that I was able to pick up the DA 14 used for a bit under $500.

Don't know if that helps. Good luck on whatever you decide. If you do get it, give us a report.

Tim

[vrrattko]

I had it for about two-three monnths. It is really great lens, huge and heavy but with very high resolution. But i found that 14mm is too wide for me, so i sold it. I have somewhere couple of photos from it, if you like....

[blackcloudbrew]

Yes, please share them.

[spyglass]

By all means Vrrattko lets see your examples.

Earl, you brought up an interesting point about the lens not being able to support filters (I'm guessing lack of threads on the lens barrel). I would be interested in hearing what filters you enjoy using on UWA lenses. I found the filter effect tends to be over exaggerated around the outer region of the capture? Are there any tricks or things to consider when selecting filters for use with a UWA lens? (possibly using filters with less effect / lower density than one would use on longer focal length lenses, etc). I played around using a CP filter on my Sigma 10-20mm and never did seem to get any results worth keeping (plus found that vignetting tended to  be a problem). I have noticed that UWA lenses tend to offer a richer overall colour. I suspect that it may be due to the gathering of information on a large scale and condensing it onto a smaller (sensor) scale. (probably the reason why T-man loves his 35mm so much) Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Spyglass

[blackcloudbrew]

Well, generally I use CPLs on most lenses outdoors in bright light. Not always, but most of the time. I have determined though that on my Samsung 12-24 f4 lens, that a CPL generally induces an oddly colored blue sky (if that's a component of my image) and thus, it's not desired - generally. My DA 14 lens may (well, it should) be in that same category with respect to CPLs, I don't recall right now on that one. I'm using thinner Hoya HRT CPLs now too which are thinner and I don't recall any vignetting with them. So, I have to say that I'm sort of in your camp on the use of CPLs and UWA lenses. It just varies with the lens for me but I usually start out expecting to use one for daylight shots where I'm concerned about glare and color.

[Ron Kruger]

Although I love my 35mm, I think you meant my 15mm, Spyvee. It shoots as if it had a built in CPL. It not only doesn't need a CPL, I found using one with it something akin to a sin. Yes, I have sinned with a Hoya CPL, but I have repented. The way the 15mm renders can't be improved--period--and it is the most flair resistant lens I've ever used. This lens makes Zeiss cringe. F-4 is too fast, because I use it on f-11 almost all the time. It's not a portrait lens, for God's sake.
My general religion about filters is to avoid them whenever possible, although I do blackslide with GNDs sometimes. The exception is when I go slumming with M and FA lenses, which lack the extra coatings of DA lenses, and benefit greatly from a CPL.
Amen.

[spyglass]

So very right you are T-man. I did mean your 15mm   



Spyglass

[wesley]

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 lens is the sharpest and highest resolving power ultra wide angle lens I've ever used! I have it in Nikon -F mount and it easily outperforms the famed Nikon 14-24 at most aperture range. The only drawbacks are wavy distortion (but easily corrected in DxO Optics), and you can't use filters on it. However, if the lens is used on APS-C sensor bodies like all our Pentax including K-01, you can modify it to fit a 82-77mm step down ring and there you have it!!

I have done prints (at least from my Nikon D7000) with this lens up to 36" x 54" and most who saw it thought it must have come from Zeiss glasses!

Seriously, this is one of the best lens you can have, so much so I have just bought it a second time now, under PK mount for my K-01. Just received it, but will be taking some images and post them here.

Stay tuned!

Wesley

[Ron Kruger]

I'm still wanting an 8mm or 10mm Samyang.