Samyang 16mm T2 6 ED AS UMC Review | 54 Data compared

The PCMag review highlights the Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II as a capable, budget-friendly, manual-focus cinema lens for APS-C sensors, featuring geared focus/aperture rings for follow-focus systems and bright T2.2 optics. It offers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and a close 7.9-inch minimum focus distance, making it suitable for low-light cinematography. However, the lens lacks autofocus, electronic integration, and image stabilization, along with noticeable vignetting that requires post-processing. Its bulky, all-manual design may be unbalanced on smaller bodies, and it does not cover full-frame sensors.

The Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II is a sharp, fast wide-angle manual focus lens designed specifically for APS-C SLRs and mirrorless cameras, offering a field of view equivalent to a 24mm prime on a full-frame sensor. In testing, the lens demonstrated excellent center-weighted sharpness, scoring 2,483 lines at its maximum t/2.2 aperture and peaking at 2,686 lines when stopped down to t/8. Key advantages of this lens include its robust composite plastic build, a geared focus and aperture ring tailored perfectly for cinema follow-focus systems, a close minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches, and a highly competitive price point of £259. Furthermore, its clickless aperture ring allows for seamless light adjustments during video recording. Despite its optical strengths, the lens has several notable drawbacks, including a complete lack of optical stabilization and a somewhat bulky, 1.3-pound footprint that feels heavy on compact mirrorless systems. It exhibits a modest 1.4 percent barrel distortion and significant light fall-off at the corners, dropping by about four stops at t/2.2. Additionally, because it is designed for cropped sensors, using it...

The Samyang 16mm T2.6 ED AS UMC Cine lens for Canon EF is a robust, manual, wide-angle prime optimized for cinematography, featuring high-grade optical construction (14 elements in 11 groups) to control distortion. Key advantages include its bright T2.6 aperture for low-light scenarios, dual-side focus/aperture markings, and a de-clicked, geared aperture ring suitable for follow-focus systems. Conversely, the lens operates fully manually with no AF motor or electronic camera communication, which may hinder fast-paced workflows. Minor limitations include soft, vignetted corners at maximum aperture and a lack of built-in optical image stabilization, requiring tripod or gimbal support for smooth video.