Samyang MF 14mm F 2 8 Z Review | 54 Data compared

The Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 RF / Z is a fully manual, ultra-wide-angle prime lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless Canon RF and Nikon Z mount systems, also sold in North America under the Rokinon brand name. Despite its highly affordable price point, the lens boasts high-quality construction featuring a robust, weather-sealed design and an intricate optical path of 14 elements in 10 groups, which delivers impressive sharpness right to the corners of the frame even when shooting wide-open at f/2.8. Key advantages include refined handling with a smooth, long-travel focus ring, depth of field markers that facilitate "zone focusing," and a refreshingly budget-friendly cost.

The Rokinon Z 14mm f/2.8 lens is a manual ultra-wide-angle lens designed for Nikon mirrorless cameras, favored for its affordability and sharpness in astrolandscape photography. The reviewer found the lens to be weather-sealed and capable of producing tack-sharp images from edge to edge when a high-quality copy is obtained. Its manual nature is viewed as a benefit for long-term reliability, as it avoids potential firmware issues common with third-party autofocus lenses. Additionally, it features a built-in lens hood and a rear gel filter slot for creative flexibility in the field. However, the lens suffers from significant quality control issues, with the reviewer needing multiple returns to find a sharp unit. Technical drawbacks include noticeable chromatic aberration and inconsistent sharpness, particularly on the left side of the frame where stars appeared elongated rather than pinpoint. A major functional downside for the Z-mount version is the lack of an AE chip, meaning aperture data is not recorded in image metadata, forcing users to count manual "clicks" or take voice notes to track settings in the dark. It is also substantially heavier and...

The Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 MK2 is an affordable, manual-focus, ultra-wide lens providing outstanding optical performance, featuring excellent sharpness, low distortion, and robust weather sealing. Key upgrades include a de-clickable aperture ring for videographers, improved handling with a focus lock, and a useful depth-of-field scale. The main drawbacks are the lack of electronic contacts for EXIF data and the inability to use standard screw-on filters due to the bulbous front element and fixed hood. Despite these manual handling limitations, it is highly recommended for landscape and astro photography.

However, the lens does have notable optical drawbacks, specifically pronounced "moustache" or radial distortion that causes straight lines across the frame to wave, requiring post-processing profile corrections. When shooting wide open at F2.8, users will notice vignetting, minor lens flares when pointing directly at the sun, and slight coma and astigmatism in the corners of the frame. Additionally, its bulbous front element lacks a standard filter thread, meaning photographers must invest in bulkier, specialized, and relatively expensive 150mm filter systems to use filters. Despite lacking autofocus or electronic camera communication, its outstanding value for money makes it a highly capable third-party alternative to premium brand lenses.