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Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£320
Avg. price in US: ~$280
Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F
Maximum focal length: 14 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 115.7 °

Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Good

5.8

Good

9.1

Exceptional

7.2
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.8
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
4.7
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.5
Lens length
25.0%
6.9
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#359 in Best Wide Angle Lenses
#808 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is an ultra-wide prime lens featuring an optical construction of 14 elements in 10 groups, including two ED elements, one hybrid aspherical element, and one glass aspherical element to minimize aberrations. Designed for full-frame sensors with a dramatic 115.7° angle of view, it employs an internal focusing (IF) system with a minimum focus distance of 28 cm and uses Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) to reduce flare. Its primary advantages include exceptional center sharpness even at f/2.8, a robust metal-based build, and high value for astrophotography and landscape use. However, it lacks autofocus, features a fixed petal-type hood that prevents the use of standard screw-on filters, and exhibits noticeable 'moustache' distortion and vignetting that often require correction in post-processing.

Technical Specifications of Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC

Overall score

6.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

2.8

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

wide-angle prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

6.6

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

14 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

14 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

115.7 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

115.7 °

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Focus & Controls

5.4

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

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Build & Handling

5.8

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

6.2

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC vs the average camera lens

Why is Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC better than the average camera lens?

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Has aperture ring
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.
Importance: MEDIUM
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has drop-in filter support
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.
Importance: LOW
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.25 m vs 0.3 m
2 points higher DxOMark score
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (28 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.
Importance: HIGH
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (28 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.28 vs 26
2 points higher DxOMark sharpness
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (18 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.
Importance: HIGH
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (18 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.18 vs 16
Has drop-in filter support
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has aperture ring
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
2 points higher DxOMark score
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (28 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
2 points higher DxOMark sharpness
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (18 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.

Focus & Controls

Why is Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC worse than the average camera lens?

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3 fewer aperture blades
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
No rounded blades
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
No full-time manual focus
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
0.11 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Not weather-sealed
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Fixed lens hood
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
10 mm wider lens barrel
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC is wider than the average camera lens (87 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
24.6 g heavier
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC is heavier than the average camera lens (550 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
4.1 mm longer lens
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC is longer than the average camera lens (96.1 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
1.3 % higher optical distortion
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (1.6% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
Not weather-sealed
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
3 fewer aperture blades
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.6 vs 9
No full-time manual focus
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No rounded blades
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.
Importance: HIGH
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
1.3 % higher optical distortion
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (1.6% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.
Importance: MEDIUM
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (1.6% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.1.6 % vs 0.3 %
Fixed lens hood
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
10 mm wider lens barrel
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC is wider than the average camera lens (87 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC is wider than the average camera lens (87 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.87 mm vs 77 mm
0.11 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.08 x vs 0.192 x

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC?

Excellent value for the price, often costing significantly less than first-party alternatives
Impressive sharpness, even when used wide open at f/2.8
Sturdy, high-quality build construction featuring metal and durable plastics
Outstanding performance for astrophotography and low-light landscape shots
Sweeping 115.7-degree ultra-wide angle of view on full-frame cameras
Smoothly damped focus and aperture rings

What customers dislike about Rokinon 14mm F 2 8 ED AS IF UMC?

Fully manual operation with no autofocus or electronic communication with the camera
Noticeable 'mustache' or wavy barrel distortion, especially in architectural photos
Fixed petal-type lens hood prevents the use of standard screw-on filters
Inconsistent quality control between copies, sometimes requiring multiple returns to find a sharp one
Inaccurate focus distance markings and a slow focus ring throw
Prone to significant lens flare when bright light sources are near the edge of the frame
Significant vignetting and corner softness on full-frame sensors

Expert reviews

the-digital-picture.com

18/07/2016

Summary of the review

Rokinon (Samyang) 14mm f/2.8 ED IF UMC LensGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review ePHOTOzine

The Rokinon (Samyang) 14mm f/2.8 ED IF UMC lens offers high-value performance for landscape and astrophotography, characterized by impressive center sharpness at f/2.8 and minimal lateral chromatic aberration. The manual lens features robust construction with a built-in hood, a smooth focus ring, and relatively low vignetting. Conversely, the lens suffers from strong, complex mustache distortion and heavy corner vignetting, making architectural photography challenging. As a fully manual, non-electronic lens, it lacks EXIF data transmission and causes significant viewfinder darkening when stopping down from maximum aperture.

lonelyspeck.com

22/03/2014

Summary of the review

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Review – Lonely Speck

The Lonely Speck review identifies the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC as an essential, affordable ultra-wide lens, highlighting exceptional sharpness at f/2.8 and low coma performance ideal for astrophotography. It is praised for its solid build quality and immense value compared to higher-priced alternatives. Conversely, the manual-only lens suffers from complex moustache distortion and susceptibility to lens flare. It features a slow, long-throw focus ring with an inaccurate distance scale that requires user compensation for precise, sharp focusing.

imaging-resource.com

06/09/2013

Summary of the review

Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Review

The Imaging Resource review identifies the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC as a budget-friendly ultra-wide-angle lens delivering exceptional center sharpness and well-controlled chromatic aberration, comparable to more expensive lenses. Ideal for landscape and astrophotography, it features a robust build and a 115.7-degree field of view. Conversely, the lens is fully manual, lacks EXIF data communication, features a fixed hood preventing standard filter use, and exhibits severe "moustache" distortion alongside edge softness at f/2.8.

dustinabbott.net

01/10/2013

Summary of the review

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 Wide AngleGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is an ultra-wide angle manual lens that offers exceptional optical resolution and low coma, making it an excellent and highly affordable choice for landscape and nightscape photography. Its robust metal-and-plastic build quality features a permanently attached petal hood to protect its bulbous front element, which unfortunately prevents the use of conventional filters. Optically, the lens delivers incredible corner-to-corner sharpness that rivals lenses costing thousands of dollars, alongside excellent color rendition, high microcontrast, and a strong resistance to flare and chromatic aberrations. It can focus down to 0.9 feet, though its ultra-wide 114° field of view minimizes magnification, rendering it impractical for true close-up or macro work. However, the lens comes with several significant liabilities, most notably a total lack of electronic coupling to the camera body. This forces the photographer to use manual focus and manual aperture control while losing out on focal and aperture EXIF data. The lens also suffers from heavy, complex "mustache-shaped" barrel distortion and moderate vignetting, making it ill-suited for architectural, real estate, or video work without digital...

northlight-images.co.uk

20/12/2013

Summary of the review

Review: Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMCGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. lens

The Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is an ultra-wide manual lens that provides an extremely broad 115.7-degree angle of view, offering budget-conscious photographers an affordable alternative to premium alternatives like the £1,850 Canon 14mm. Tested on a full-frame Canon EF mount, its optical performance stands out for exceptional control over chromatic aberration, which it handles better than the much costlier Canon lens. It is solidly built with a robust plastic body and a metal lens mount, and features a smooth, long focus throw that assists with manual adjustments. When stopped down to f/8, the lens produces excellent image contrast and sharp details across the frame, especially when utilizing infinity focus for street and landscape photography. However, the lens has several distinct drawbacks, most notably a complex, wavy "moustache" geometric distortion that makes uncorrected architectural shots highly problematic. It operates entirely manually with no electronic communication to the camera body on the Canon mount, meaning users will get no autofocus confirmation, missing EXIF lens data, and must manually set the aperture and exposure. Additionally, it suffers from pronounced vignetting...

ephotozine.com

04/07/2012

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC LensGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review

The ePHOTOzine review of the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC lens highlights it as a highly capable manual optic offering exceptional value, featuring a solid build, smooth focusing, and outstanding central sharpness even at f/2.8. It is noted for excellent resolution across the frame when stopped down, strong control over chromatic aberrations, and a built-in lens hood, making it a budget-friendly choice for landscapes and architecture. ePHOTOzine

f64academy.com

30/12/2014

Summary of the review

Rokinon 14mm Lens Review – f64 Academy

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens is an ultra-wide-angle, budget-friendly manual lens highly recommended for specific landscape and Milky Way photography. Priced at roughly $300 at the time of review, it offers an affordable alternative to the Canon 14mm L-series lens, which costs nearly six times more, while matching or exceeding its performance in several categories. Its 14mm focal length provides an expansive field of view on full-frame cameras, though it narrows to roughly 22mm on APS-C sensors and 28mm on Micro Four Thirds cameras. A standout feature is its impressive control over chromatic aberration—showing minimal purple or green fringing in high-contrast areas even at its widest f/2.8 aperture—making it exceptionally sharp and reliable for capturing raw, uncorrected images. However, the lens comes with notable trade-offs, primarily that it is completely manual. Users must adjust the aperture via a physical ring on the lens, meaning the aperture values will not register in the camera’s digital screen or EXIF data, showing up instead as f/0. Manual focusing can also be incredibly challenging by eye through the viewfinder; achieving tack-sharp results requires using...

sternenhimmel-fotografieren.de

14/08/2023

Summary of the review

Lens Review - Samyang - Walimex 14 mm for Astrophotography

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle lens (also marketed under the brand names Walimex, Rokinon, and Vivitar) is widely considered the most popular entry-level lens for wide-field astrophotography, particularly for capturing the Milky Way and night-sky time-lapses. A key benefit highlighted in the review is its exceptional value for money; priced at around €350, it delivers a robust, heavy-weight build quality mostly consisting of metal components that rival significantly more expensive premium lenses from major camera brands. Optically, the lens functions seamlessly across both crop-sensor and full-frame cameras. It is highly praised for its excellent sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/2.8, alongside featuring a precise, long-travel manual focus ring that allows for exact focusing on distant stars. Conversely, the review notes several physical and functional limitations inherent to the lens. It relies entirely on manual focus, though the reviewer deems an autofocus system unnecessary since autofocus fails at night anyway. In terms of image quality, typical ultra-wide-angle characteristics like heavy corner distortion (edge curvature) and distinct vignetting are present, though these optical traits can easily be corrected automatically using...

4photos.de

n/a

Summary of the review

Samyang 14 mm f/2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical Test YouTube ValueTechTV

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical is a budget-friendly ultra-wide-angle lens that delivers highly polarizing results, with online opinions ranging from "unusable" to "better than the Nikkor 14-24". On the positive side, the lens produces sharp images, boasts great colour rendition, and exhibits excellent resistance to flare and stray light. Its bokeh is surprisingly pleasant and smooth for such a wide focal length, especially when used wide open at f/2.8 for close-up shots. Additionally, it performs exceptionally well in infrared photography, showing absolutely no central hotspots across apertures from f/2.8 to f/8. However, the lens suffers from notable build quality and optical issues, causing the reviewer to ultimately deem it an unrepairable "throwaway product" after it broke after one year of use. Optically, it exhibits severe, complex mustache-shaped (wave-like) distortion and heavy vignetting, though both can be digitally corrected using software profiles like PTLens or Lightroom. Mechanically, the lens relies far too heavily on internal plastic components; even the metal lens mount is secured by screws driven directly into plastic. This flimsy construction leads to calibration issues, as...

lesnumeriques.com

08/11/2016

Summary of the review

Samyang FE 14 mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC Review

The Samyang FE 14 mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is an ultra-wide-angle lens designed for Sony full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras, offering autofocus capabilities for the first time in Samyang’s history. Boasting an elegant 100% metal construction inspired by Zeiss aesthetics, the lens weighs 505 grams, features an internal focusing design, and incorporates 14 optical elements (including three aspherical and two extra-low dispersion glass pieces). The reviewer notes that the autofocus motor performs impressively fast and accurately for still photography, and the lens shows surprisingly low levels of geometric distortion, making it highly suitable for landscape and architectural work. Furthermore, it achieves peak optical performance and excellent sharpness across the frame when stopped down between f/8 and f/11. Despite these strengths, the review highlights several distinct weaknesses in ergonomics and wide-open shooting. Optically, the lens suffers from pronounced vignetting across all apertures and a noticeable lack of corner-to-center sharpness and homogeneity at its wider f/2.8 settings. Mechanically, the lone manual focus ring is overly fluid and lacks precision, and the lens barrel omits physical distance markers, a manual aperture ring,...

photoklub.com

26/01/2018

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC Lens Review - PhotoKlub

This review evaluates the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC ultra-wide-angle lens, tested on a full-frame Pentax K-1 camera. Mechanically, the manual-focus lens features a compact but dense, all-metal construction weighing 550 grams. Optically, the reviewer praises the lens for its exceptional resistance to chromatic aberrations and flare, even when shooting directly into the sun. Furthermore, it delivers great value for its low price of €379, offering high sharpness and general image quality from f/5.6 down to f/8. On the downside, the lens suffers from notable geometric distortion, displaying complex barrel and pincushion warping that makes it unsuitable for serious architectural photography. Image sharpness also drops significantly at the borders when using wider apertures below f/8. Additionally, the bulbous front element lacks a filter thread, making it impossible to mount standard filters. Finally, the manual focus ring has an excessively long 3/4-turn throw, which complicates fine-tuning focus on such a short focal length.

dxomark.fr

01/08/2009

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Aspherical Canon Review - DxOMark

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Aspherical lens for Canon mount delivers outstanding image sharpness and field uniformity, making high resolution one of its standout strengths. Even when shooting at wide-open apertures, it manages to maintain exceptional clarity across the frame. Additionally, the lens performs admirably in controlling peripheral light fall-off, keeping vignetting strictly under management for cleaner image corners. However, the ultra-wide-angle design introduces a significant drawback regarding geometric straightness. The lens exhibits a high level of distortion measured at 1.6%, which causes noticeable bending of straight lines near the borders of the frame. Photographers relying on this lens will need to account for this optical warping, though its excellent central sharpness and vignette control help offset the geometric flaws.

fernandocortes.com

26 de noviembre de 2024

Summary of the review

Review of the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC

summary of the review: The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC is a budget-friendly ultra-wide-angle manual lens with a 115.7° field of view on full-frame cameras, making it a highly useful tool for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography. Its advanced optical construction consists of 14 elements in 10 groups, including two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and a hybrid aspherical element to curb image abnormalities. Boasting a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens excels at drawing in light during nighttime shoots, allowing users to cleanly document celestial bodies like the Milky Way. Key benefits highlighted in the review include its exceptional central sharpness across the frame, a robust metallic build featuring an integrated lens hood, and a highly competitive price tag (around $300 USD) that delivers comparable optical performance to premium alternatives costing thousands of euros. On the downside, the lens suffers from slight distortion and noticeable chromatic aberration along the extreme edges of the frame, which can complicate straight-line architectural layouts. Weighing in at a substantial 530 grams, its bulk and size can become cumbersome during prolonged outdoor or travel sessions....

juzaphoto.com

2009–2020

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Aspherical - JuzaPhoto

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Aspherical is a manual-focus ultra-wide-angle lens produced from 2009 to 2020 for full-frame and APS-C formats, available in multiple mounts including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Sony A, Micro 4/3, and Pentax. User reviews highlight its excellent optical performance, noting that it delivers outstanding sharpness, rich contrast, and natural-looking colours. It is widely regarded as a budget-friendly "best buy," especially for wide-field astrophotography, interior photography, and landscapes due to its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture and massive 114.2-degree field of view. However, reviewers frequently point out several drawbacks, most notably strong barrel distortion that requires digital correction in post-processing. The lens's physical design features a prominent, bulbous front element with a fixed hood, which completely prevents the use of standard screw-on filters, forcing users to rely on bulky and expensive slot-in filter systems. Additionally, users note that the manual focus ring can sometimes be imprecise or poorly calibrated, there is a total lack of image stabilisation, and buyers must watch out for sample-to-sample quality variation, making it wise to test a used copy...

andreaverzola.com

25/02/2016

Summary of the review

My Camera Bag: Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Review

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC is a completely manual wide-angle lens praised for offering "stratospheric" image quality and excellent value for money, costing up to five times less than native automatic equivalents. Designed primarily for static photography like landscapes and interiors, it boasts superb sharpness, high contrast, vibrant colours, and excellent resistance to lens flare. Built with a solid metal body and a tactile aperture ring that clicks in 1/2 stop increments, the lens features a wide 104° horizontal field of view on full-frame cameras. This makes it an ideal, budget-friendly experimental tool for landscape photographers willing to work slowly using a tripod, live view, and hyperfocal distance focusing. However, the reviewer highlights several practical drawbacks, starting with its completely manual nature, lack of electronic stabilization, and absence of EXIF data. Optically, the lens suffers from visible barrel distortion—particularly curving lines in the center—and noticeable vignetting when shot wide open at f/2.8. Its physical design presents further challenges: the prominent, bulbous front element is highly exposed to scratches, it cannot accept standard screw-on filters, and it features a...

dariocarminati.it

04/02/2020

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 Review - Dario Carminati

Dario Carminati's review highlights the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC as a high-value, ultra-wide-angle lens tailored for landscape and astrophotography, praised for its stellar center sharpness, robust build, and competitive price point. However, the lens features a complex "mustache" distortion, lacks electronic communication for EXIF data, and requires special filters due to its bulbous front element. The lens offers an expansive 114-degree field of view, making it ideal for night photography, though it exhibits significant corner softness when shooting wide open at f/2.8. Overall, it is recommended for photographers seeking ultra-wide perspectives on a budget who are comfortable with manual focus and post-processing distortion corrections.

perbo.it

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC Lens Review - perbo.it

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED AS UMC is a highly affordable, completely manual ultra-wide-angle lens that offers impressive image quality for professional-level results at a fraction of the cost of its brand-name competitors. The reviewer notes that it delivers exceptional sharpness, particularly across the center of the frame, and displays an impressive, near-total absence of lateral chromatic aberrations even in high-contrast scenes. Its solid metal body construction makes the lens a pleasure to handle. Because it lacks electronic communication and autofocus, it requires the photographer to use manual rings to set the focus and aperture. However, the reviewer finds this to be a negligible drawback for landscape and astrophotography, where a tripod and live-view framing are typically utilized. On the downside, the lens suffers from severe mustache-style waveform distortion and heavy vignetting that reaches nearly three stops when shooting wide open at f/2.8. The physical distance indicators on the focus ring are completely inaccurate, requiring the user to rely on a camera's live-view screen to achieve a sharp focus. Additionally, the lens loses a bit of micro-contrast at f/2.8...

playerdue.com

13/02/2014

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f2.8 (ED AS IF UMC) Review | Forum

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 (ED AS IF UMC) is a compact, ultra-wide-angle prime lens that offers exceptional value for money, earning the reviewer's title of a "cool but inexpensive" lens. Built with high-quality hard plastics and a solid metal mount, it weighs roughly 552 grams and delivers an impressive, durable feel. Its manual focus ring is exceptionally well-calibrated, offering smooth, wide rotation accuracy. The aperture ring is tactile and distinct, though the markings are inconsistent, notably missing specific intermediate markings between f/5.6 and f/8. In terms of performance, it matches the sharpness of more expensive landscape lenses like the Canon 17-40mm without requiring a premium price tag. The lens features several distinct pros and cons stemming from its budget-friendly, fully manual nature: Pros: Excellent Value: Highly competitive pricing relative to its focal class. Robust Construction: Surprisingly heavy and premium build quality with a metal mount. Excellent Focus Ring: Highly precise mechanics with a wide throw that prevents accidental shifting. Deep Depth of Field: Easy zone focusing by setting the aperture to f/7.1 or f/8 and matching it to infinity.

shoot.be

28/04/2015

Summary of the review

Tested: Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is a budget-friendly, full-frame manual focus ultra-wide-angle lens constructed primarily of metal with a built-in plastic lens hood. Its main advantages include outstanding sharpness from the center to nearly the edges even at the widest f/2.8 aperture, minimal and practically negligible chromatic aberration, and excellent resistance to lens flare. Additionally, it offers exceptional value for money, costing around a quarter of the price of similar lenses from major competing brands. For the Nikon mount version tested, it also features electronic communication with the camera body, enabling aperture control from the camera, focus confirmation, EXIF data transfer, and i-TTL flash pairing. On the downside, the lens suffers from distinct vignetting, making the corners two to three stops darker than the center when shot wide open. It also exhibits heavy and complex barrel distortion along the edges and corners, which requires manual post-processing since common editing software lacks a built-in correction profile. Because it features a large, protruding bulbous front element, screw-on filters cannot be attached directly, requiring an expensive, optional external filter holder...

marijnheuts.nl

24/08/2017

Summary of the review

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/1.4 Review

The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/1.4 are highly acclaimed, budget-friendly manual lenses that excel in night and astrophotography, often outperforming expensive first-party alternatives in controlling coma (star distortion in image corners). Built sturdily from metal, both deliver exceptionally sharp images with excellent contrast and neutral colours. The 14mm variant provides an ultra-wide field of view ideal for expansive Milky Way captures, though it features a fixed lens hood and a bulbous front element that entirely prevents standard filter use. Meanwhile, the 24mm f/1.4 stands out as a low-light powerhouse; its ultra-fast aperture lets in two full stops more light than an f/2.8 lens, which allows photographers to drop their ISO or drastically shorten shutter speeds to freeze moving features like the Aurora Borealis. It also features a flat 77mm front thread that easily accommodates standard filters. However, prospective buyers must navigate significant drawbacks, chief among them being their entirely manual design, lacking electronic chips to transmit aperture data or EXIF metadata to Canon cameras. This omission forces reliance on live view focusing and complicates post-processing, as Adobe Lightroom profiles...

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