For those really new to Samyang Lenses, you may wish to google more information on the net. This is the 2nd Samyang Lens I got to review since the last article I wrote on the Samyang 8mm F2.8 CS Fish Eye.
This round, I received the Canon EOS Mount version and have it tested on a Full Frame Body, an APSH (1.3 Crop), an APSC (1.6 crop) and an InfraRed Converted body. Before we get there, let’s check out the unboxing.
The Lens came in the usual nice gold & black box and you get the lens pouch, instruction manual and the lens of course!
The Lens cap is the “Fish Eye” full cover type due to the construction of the front glass element.
Lens build is again excellent, nice to hold, quality is good. Though this is a manuel lens, the apeture and distance markings are clear and precise making this lens a breeze to use! Personally I like the apeture setting ring’s clicking sound, very purposelful and solid. This lens does looks like it will last a really long time. Let’s get to the test results!
OK, it’s time to test the Samyang 14mm F2.8. All Cameras was set to 1/80, F11, ISO 100 & AWB.
(Except 350-IR at 200 & CWB).
Presenting the candidates & their respective results!
1) Canon EOS 350D-InfraRed
This is an APSC (1.6 crop) body converted to full time InfraRed. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is about the equivalent of 22.4mm based on the 35mm format. And here’s the result below.
There is “ZERO Hotspotting” – a common phenomenon that occurs on cetain lenses when used on an InfraRed converted body. At 22.4mm (14mm), this is lens is super perfect for IR-Photography for landscape! And there are no soft corners or distortions! I personally will recommend this lens to all IR-Photographers!!!!
2) Canon EOS 500D
This is an APSC (1.6 crop) body. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is about the equivalent of 22.4mm based on the 35mm format. And it is still much wider than most kit lenses especially those made for APSC cameras like the 18-55mm. And 18-55mm (EF-S) is actually equivalent to 28.8mm-88mm on a full frame body. And here’s the result below.
On the 500D, colors are vibrant as you can see from the photo above. At 14mm (22.4mm), this ultra wide angle (UWA) lens is perfect for landscape & architecture. There are certainly no soft corners or distortions, great value lens for APSC users! (XXXXD, XXXD, XXD & 7D).
3) EOS 5D Mark II
This is Full Frame (35mm equivalent) body. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is the widest Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens in its class (and currently available from most proprietor brands). However the Samyang 14mm only cost a fraction of Canon’s proprietory EF 14mm UWA L-lens (RRP SGD $4199.00/ street price varies). And here’s the result below.
This lens is a “gem” when used on the EOS 5D Mark II. Colors are nicely reproduced and the image is contrasty as you can see from the photo above. At 14mm, this ultra wide angle (UWA) lens is the perfect UWA lens for landscape & architecture & for most applications. Corners are sharply captured with no distortions, a great value lens for users with Full Frame bodies.
4) EOS 1D Mark IV
This is Canon’s Flagship model – the 1-series. The EOS 1D Mark IV is a APSH body which is a 1.3 Crop. (For those not familiar with Canon’s flagship line, all 1Ds are Full Frame models while all the 1D without the “s” are APSH bodies).
Using the 14mm on this body means the actual angle is 18.2mm wide. This Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens are great for this body too as in today’s photography language, anything below 28mm is considered ultra wide. Even after the crop factor kicks in, the lens are still below 20mm in actual angle and this makes the 14mm a great lens for the 1D Mark IV too! And here’s the result below.
In conclusion, the Samyang 14mm F2.8 is a great performer in every department if you can live without an autofocus motor which the current generation is so pampered with! With a little practice and some reading up, a manuel lens can be really a joy to use. Wouldn’t you agree with me that the single most important aspect of photography is the final image? At least in my case, it doesn’t matter if a lens has the most advanced chips and wizardry, what matter most is the lens must be built to last and it helps the photographer produce breath-taking photos!
The Samyang 14mm F2.8 is one of the most competitive priced Ultra Wide Angle lens today. Get it now.
Some User Facts/ Information:
(If you are looking for the specs, please google yourself, it’s all over the internet.)
– Filter Size (N.A.)
– Lens Hood (Petal Type – Built in).
– Excellent lens for Infra-red Photography (IR), ZERO Hotspotting.
– Fully Manual Lens.
– Lens are multi-coated with aspherical and dispersion glass elements.
– Focal Range when used on EOS bodies with smaller APS-C sensors 22.2mm, APS-H sensors gives 18.2mm & full
14mm for Full frame bodies.
– Available in many other mounts too.
What I Like:
– Super ultra wide angle.
– Super Cheap & value for money.
– Solid quality build.
– Well Designed.
– Sharp Photos.
– Contrasty.
– Zero distortions on corners. (Commone problems with most ultra wide angle lenses)
What I Hate:
– Manual Lens. (Not really an issue to me actually)
– No Distance Scale Meter.
– No AF Confirmation.
