Samyang 100mm F 2 8 ED UMC Macro Review | 54 Data compared

The Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro is a manual focus, 1:1 magnification lens featuring robust build quality, a non-rotating 67mm filter thread, and a precise, smooth manual focus ring. The review highlights its sensational center sharpness and very low distortion as key pros, noting it balances well on full-frame cameras. Conversely, the lack of autofocus and built-in stabilization makes handheld, wide-aperture macro work difficult, requiring a tripod. Further cons include slightly reduced edge sharpness when shooting at f/2.8 and the absence of weather sealing.

The LensTip.com review of the Samyang 100 mm f/2.8 ED UMC MACRO lens presents a comprehensive evaluation of this full-frame manual macro lens. Optically, the lens performs exceptionally well, delivering sensational image resolution in the frame centre and good image quality on the edges of smaller APS-C/DX sensors. It stands out for its outstanding optical corrections, exhibiting practically zero distortion, negligible spherical aberration, and exceptionally low lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations. Additionally, users will appreciate the low astigmatism, moderate coma, controlled vignetting on cropped sensors, and a pleasing bokeh that renders blurry out-of-focus areas beautifully. However, the reviewer points out several notable drawbacks, particularly regarding its competitive standing and handling. A major disadvantage is its weak full-frame edge performance, where it lags behind its direct stabilized competitors. The lens also completely lacks autofocus and optical image stabilization, making it harder to handle without a tripod. Mechanically, the manual focus ring has a narrow working range that makes precise adjustments from 1 metre to infinity highly difficult, and it lacks a distinct reserve after the infinity mark. Furthermore, the integrated depth...

The Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC Macro is an affordable,,, sharp lens offering true 1:1 magnification, featuring an internal focus design with a long throw for precise manual adjustments. It delivers excellent image quality, particularly when stopped down slightly, and is compatible with various camera mounts. Conversely, the lens lacks autofocus and electronic communication, features noticeable edge softness at wide apertures, and lacks image stabilization, necessitating careful technique or tripod use.

The Samyang 100mm F2.8 ED UMC Macro is a manual-focus telephoto lens that offers full 1:1 magnification at an attractive price point of approximately £484. Designed for both SLR and mirrorless systems, it features an internal focus design with a long 180-degree focus throw, which is ideal for the precision required in macro photography. While the lens body is primarily high-quality plastic, it includes a 9-blade aperture for circular bokeh and a 67mm front filter thread. The Nikon mount version is uniquely equipped with a coupled aperture for electronic control through the camera body, whereas other mounts require manual adjustment via the aperture ring. In terms of performance, the lens is exceptionally sharp when stopped down, reaching its peak clarity at f/11. However, testers noted significant edge softness at wide apertures like f/2.8 and the onset of diffraction beyond f/16, which reduces overall image quality. Major drawbacks include the lack of optical stabilization, making a tripod almost mandatory, and a manual-focus-only design that may not suit all users. Despite these omissions, its ability to produce crisp, distortion-free images makes it...

The Samyang 100mm f/2.8 Macro is an affordable full-frame lens priced at $549, making macro photography accessible for creators on a budget. It is available for major camera brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, and Olympus across both DSLR and mirrorless platforms. A key advantage of this lens is its true 1:1 magnification, which accurately reproduces real-life sizes on the camera sensor. Additionally, it features a sturdy, high-quality build with a substantial weight comparable to more expensive alternatives, like the Nikon 105mm. The lens offers an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/32, producing excellent image quality for both close-up work and general prime lens photography. However, the lens comes with notable limitations, most significantly the complete lack of autofocus and image stabilization. While manual focus is a standard practice in macro photography, it requires a learning curve, and the missing stabilization means users must rely on a tripod or monopod to prevent camera shake. Furthermore, electronic integration varies heavily by brand; Nikon users can control the aperture from the camera body, but Canon users must manually adjust it using the...

The B&H eXplora review highlights the Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro as a sharp, short-telephoto lens offering 1:1 magnification and exceptional image quality through its 9-bladed diaphragm, high-refractive glass, and multi-coating. The lens features smooth, precise manual focus and aperture rings, making it a robust, high-performance tool for close-up photography. Conversely, the lens is fully manual, lacking autofocus, and has no image stabilization, which requires a steady hand or tripod to avoid motion blur. It is described as a high-performance, yet demanding lens that requires a slower, deliberate shooting process.

Paul Williams, a professional wildlife and landscape photographer, reviewed the Samyang 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens during a month-long trial on his Sony A7Riv and A9ii bodies. He found the lens to have a robust, premium build quality that balances exceptionally well on mirrorless bodies, featuring easily visible distance and ratio markers. Its standout features include a solid f/2.8 to f/32 aperture ring with a reassuring click mechanism to prevent accidental shifts, excellent centre sharpness when stopped down, and the versatility to double as an effective prime lens. Additionally, Williams highlighted that practicing macro photography with this lens provided immense therapeutic value and respite from his PTSD symptoms. However, the lens has a few notable drawbacks, including being manual focus only, which requires careful technique. Williams observed that the reach of the focus ring can feel overly long at times, requiring some initial adaptation. Furthermore, because it lacks electronic contacts, the chosen aperture value is not displayed inside the camera's electronic viewfinder. He also noted typical macro optical behaviour, experiencing a slight softening of details at the edges of the frame...