Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 Wide Angle Review

[cayenne]

Using Adobe Lens Profile Downloader, I found a profile made for D700 Nikon (labelled Samyang 14mm f11) which seems to work just as good on Canon. I can then select this profile manually in Camera Raw, don't know Lightroom but should be possible to do the same there.

Again, the Adobe Lens Profile Downloader seems to be a Windows only product.



I have found some sites that seem to show a manual way to get it to work in LR5 on mac.

 

[tomscott]

Looks really impressive and thinking of pulling the trigger. But with so many different names its hard to figure out which is which. Here in the UK its branded under Rokinon but in other samyang etc. Read a few other reviews which claim the lens isn't really much of a performer.

http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2012/07/18/rokinon-14mm-f2-8-review/

But on thedigitalpicture the lens comparison to the 16-35mm is that it is a tad softer.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=769&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=4&LensComp=412&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=4

I know were talking huge price difference but you also get autofocus and the the fact the canon is also a zoom. For the amount I would use a wide angle I think I would rather spend the extra and get the canon branded zoom… Any thoughts?

I was out the other night and only having 24mm is very limiting and vertical panoramas the only answer.

Not bad for the 24-105mm tho.


Hallin Fell, Ullswater Cumbria, starscape by TomScottPhoto, on Flickr

Been itching for a FF wide angle for ages after selling my 10-22mm but just can't decide. Always wanted the 16-35mm but have been put off by internet claims. A cheap lens with good IQ is a no brainer but I think I would use an AF lens more and the zoom is more versatile.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Looks really impressive and thinking of pulling the trigger. But with so many different names its hard to figure out which is which. Here in the UK its branded under Rokinon but in other samyang etc. Read a few other reviews which claim the lens isn't really much of a performer.

http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2012/07/18/rokinon-14mm-f2-8-review/

But on thedigitalpicture the lens comparison to the 16-35mm is that it is a tad softer.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=769&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=4&LensComp=412&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=4

I know were talking huge price difference but you also get autofocus and the the fact the canon is also a zoom. For the amount I would use a wide angle I think I would rather spend the extra and get the canon branded zoom… Any thoughts?

I was out the other night and only having 24mm is very limiting and vertical panoramas the only answer.

Not bad for the 24-105mm tho.


Hallin Fell, Ullswater Cumbria, starscape by TomScottPhoto, on Flickr

Been itching for a FF wide angle for ages after selling my 10-22mm but just can't decide. Always wanted the 16-35mm but have been put off by internet claims. A cheap lens with good IQ is a no brainer but I think I would use an AF lens more and the zoom is more versatile.

That is a beautiful photo. As far as sharpness goes (not to mention color rendition, coma, etc...), the Rokinon BLOWS AWAY the copy of the 17-40L I owned, not to mention the Tokina 12-24 f/4 and the Canon 10-22mm I've owned. I don't understand the reviews that say that sharpness isn't great, unless there is a tremendous amount of sample variation.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Another nightscape. The sharpness and low coma of the lens allows for really sharp sky/star definition.


A Million Points of Light by Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott, on Flickr

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Another nightscape. The sharpness and low coma of the lens allows for really sharp sky/star definition.

Another nice shot Dustin! I'm looking forward to taking some night shots.

I received my lens on Monday, but haven't had any time to get out and shoot with it until lunch hour today. Here are a couple of pedestrian shots in mid-day light. I'm impressed with the sharpness and color rendition. Manual focusing was easy after a little experimentation.

I'm going to really enjoy this lens. Hopefully, I can get out this weekend to capture some of the fall color before its gone in better light.

Both shots taken at f/11, ISO 160.

Glad you are enjoying it. I'm actually surprised that the depth of field isn't deeper with these shooting at f/11.

 

[bholliman]

Actually, I did find that...but it appears to be a windows only application....

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5492

I downloaded the lens profiler (1.0.1), but can't find any profiles for the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm 2.8. Its listed, but no profile. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Has anybody else download this and found anything?

 

[ifp]

This might be helpful for Lightroom users.

http://www.svenstork.com/2013/10/02/rokinon-14mm-lightroom-lens-profile/

 

[scottkinfw]

I have the Samyang version. I decided on this vs. a Canon uwa because I don't think I will be using it all that often, but then again, I want excellent iq. My version doesn't disappoint. However, one needs to practice on the focus, as things are really small at this focal length (dof preview helps, along with live view). If on the other hand, I needed the lens as a workhorse and planned to use it all the time, I would consider a Canon branded lens with AF and ability to communicate with the camera.

sek

Looks really impressive and thinking of pulling the trigger. But with so many different names its hard to figure out which is which. Here in the UK its branded under Rokinon but in other samyang etc. Read a few other reviews which claim the lens isn't really much of a performer.

http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2012/07/18/rokinon-14mm-f2-8-review/

But on thedigitalpicture the lens comparison to the 16-35mm is that it is a tad softer.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=769&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=4&LensComp=412&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=4

I know were talking huge price difference but you also get autofocus and the the fact the canon is also a zoom. For the amount I would use a wide angle I think I would rather spend the extra and get the canon branded zoom… Any thoughts?

I was out the other night and only having 24mm is very limiting and vertical panoramas the only answer.

Not bad for the 24-105mm tho.


Hallin Fell, Ullswater Cumbria, starscape by TomScottPhoto, on Flickr

Been itching for a FF wide angle for ages after selling my 10-22mm but just can't decide. Always wanted the 16-35mm but have been put off by internet claims. A cheap lens with good IQ is a no brainer but I think I would use an AF lens more and the zoom is more versatile.

 

[TLau74]

Hi All,
I'm a Canadian (from Edmonton) living in Korea. I am currently working in Korea as an Expat. I am looking into purchasing a relatively cheap UWA lens for some star photography (if I can only get some clear skies in Korea ).

In some of the online stores in Korea, you can easliy find the Samyang 14mm. But my concern is that the model number is slightly different than the one sold in B&H.
- Korea Online: Samyang 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC
http://www.11st.co.kr/product/SellerProductDetail.tmall?method=getSellerProductDetail&xfrom=search^prd&prdNo=842843136&trTypeCd=21&trCtgrNo=585021

and

http://www.11st.co.kr/product/SellerProductDetail.tmall?method=getSellerProductDetail&xfrom=search^prd&prdNo=842843136&trTypeCd=21&trCtgrNo=585021
(Except for the price, I can't even see any differences between the two above.)

- B&H: 14mm Ultra Wide-Angle f/2.8 IF ED UMC
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859167-REG/Samyang_SY14M_C_14mm_f_2_8_Super_Wide.html

The B&H version is missing the "AS". Do you know if they are all the same lens? Is the "AS" a newer version?

Ironically, Samyang which is made in Korea is more expensive in Korea compared to the US. There is at least $80 difference between the two. Ouch!

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[lvanzijl]

Hi All,
I'm a Canadian (from Edmonton) living in Korea. I am currently working in Korea as an Expat. I am looking into purchasing a relatively cheap UWA lens for some star photography (if I can only get some clear skies in Korea ).

In some of the online stores in Korea, you can easliy find the Samyang 14mm. But my concern is that the model number is slightly different than the one sold in B&H.
- Korea Online: Samyang 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC
http://www.11st.co.kr/product/SellerProductDetail.tmall?method=getSellerProductDetail&xfrom=search^prd&prdNo=842843136&trTypeCd=21&trCtgrNo=585021

and

http://www.11st.co.kr/product/SellerProductDetail.tmall?method=getSellerProductDetail&xfrom=search^prd&prdNo=842843136&trTypeCd=21&trCtgrNo=585021
(Except for the price, I can't even see any differences between the two above.)

- B&H: 14mm Ultra Wide-Angle f/2.8 IF ED UMC
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859167-REG/Samyang_SY14M_C_14mm_f_2_8_Super_Wide.html

The B&H version is missing the "AS". Do you know if they are all the same lens? Is the "AS" a newer version?

Ironically, Samyang which is made in Korea is more expensive in Korea compared to the US. There is at least $80 difference between the two. Ouch!

Thanks,
Thomas

There are two things to look for (afaik),

1) UMC, the previous version of the 14mm samyang is without UMC
2) T-stops/F-stops (both of your options have F-stops so that's no problem).

 

[cayenne]

Ok...I found how to set up Lightroom 5 (LR5) on the mac for use with the Adobe Lens Profile Downloader.

First go to this link:

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5491

On that same page, you will see a link to something called Adobe AIR:

http://get.adobe.com/air/

You have to install AIR first, this allows you to install the Adobe Profile Downloader which was written originally for windows....to the mac.

See the instructions:

"To install this application, please make sure that you have a version of Adobe AIR present on your system. Once you have Adobe AIR installed, download the Lens Profile Downloader and install it by double-clicking on the *.air file."

I did this and was presented with the profile downloader.

I have the canon 5D3...but it doesn't have the lenses listed I wanted, like the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8

I had it look through all cameras, or maybe just the 5D2, can't remember for sure...but I found about 3x entries for the Samyang 14mm lens. I believe I took the 2nd one, which had two options for jpg and raw...that is the one I imported.

Then, once in LR5 (you may need to restart if it is running while you install the new profiles)...you click on your image you shot with the lens, and click the 2nd tab over in the lens profile part (not basic), and click the checkmark there...select type of canon, then look at the botton of the next lens type..and the samyang should appear there.

I'm doing this from memory as that I'm not home right now to see the exact tab names...I'll try to edit this later but this got me the correct lens profile for the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 lens, and it sure looks sweet when it is applied.

Hope that helps others!!

cayenne

 

[scottkinfw]

Thank you!

Ok...I found how to set up Lightroom 5 (LR5) on the mac for use with the Adobe Lens Profile Downloader.

First go to this link:

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5491

On that same page, you will see a link to something called Adobe AIR:

http://get.adobe.com/air/

You have to install AIR first, this allows you to install the Adobe Profile Downloader which was written originally for windows....to the mac.

See the instructions:

"To install this application, please make sure that you have a version of Adobe AIR present on your system. Once you have Adobe AIR installed, download the Lens Profile Downloader and install it by double-clicking on the *.air file."

I did this and was presented with the profile downloader.

I have the canon 5D3...but it doesn't have the lenses listed I wanted, like the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8

I had it look through all cameras, or maybe just the 5D2, can't remember for sure...but I found about 3x entries for the Samyang 14mm lens. I believe I took the 2nd one, which had two options for jpg and raw...that is the one I imported.

Then, once in LR5 (you may need to restart if it is running while you install the new profiles)...you click on your image you shot with the lens, and click the 2nd tab over in the lens profile part (not basic), and click the checkmark there...select type of canon, then look at the botton of the next lens type..and the samyang should appear there.

I'm doing this from memory as that I'm not home right now to see the exact tab names...I'll try to edit this later but this got me the correct lens profile for the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 lens, and it sure looks sweet when it is applied.

Hope that helps others!!

cayenne

 

[TLau74]

OK. I took the plunge and bought the Samyang version through a reputable dealer in Korea (online). When I opened the package, I was surprised to see a 'red' ring just above the aperture collar unlike the typical gold ring above the focus collar. Everything on the box and on the lens says it is the 14mm f2.8 ED AS IS USM. It's just that the red ring makes it looks like their new T-Cine lenses. Is this their new 2013/14 design? Anyone else seen this before? Have a look at the pics and judge for yourselves.

 

[lvanzijl]

I just bought it last week but can't remember if the ring is red or gold, will take a look tonight.

 

[verysimplejason]

Here's one from shashinki.com from Malaysia.

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-aspherical-canon-mount-pi-5874.html?image=2

The cine dslr version,

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-cine-vdslr-lens-canon-p-11323.html

 

[TLau74]

Here's one from shashinki.com from Malaysia.

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-aspherical-canon-mount-pi-5874.html?image=2

The cine dslr version,

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-cine-vdslr-lens-canon-p-11323.html

@verysimplejason
My intention was to purchase the non-cine version. But what makes my version interesting is:
1) red ring instead of the gold ring
2) Focusing ring (rubber grip) is the same as the non-cine version
3) There is no 'T' on my version to indicate the cine version
4) The numbers on the aperture is upright and not side ways like the cine version

Everything about this lens points to the normal Ultra Wide Angle lens for DSLR except for the red ring.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Here's one from shashinki.com from Malaysia.

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-aspherical-canon-mount-pi-5874.html?image=2

The cine dslr version,

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-cine-vdslr-lens-canon-p-11323.html

@verysimplejason
My intention was to purchase the non-cine version. But what makes my version interesting is:
1) red ring instead of the gold ring
2) Focusing ring (rubber grip) is the same as the non-cine version
3) There is no 'T' on my version to indicate the cine version
4) The numbers on the aperture is upright and not side ways like the cine version

Everything about this lens points to the normal Ultra Wide Angle lens for DSLR except for the red ring.

To my understanding, the biggest difference with the cine version is that it is declicked (aperture). If yours has clearly defined aperture clicks, it is not the cine version. More importantly - how are the photos?

 

[TLau74]

Here's one from shashinki.com from Malaysia.

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-aspherical-canon-mount-pi-5874.html?image=2

The cine dslr version,

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-cine-vdslr-lens-canon-p-11323.html

@verysimplejason
My intention was to purchase the non-cine version. But what makes my version interesting is:
1) red ring instead of the gold ring
2) Focusing ring (rubber grip) is the same as the non-cine version
3) There is no 'T' on my version to indicate the cine version
4) The numbers on the aperture is upright and not side ways like the cine version

Everything about this lens points to the normal Ultra Wide Angle lens for DSLR except for the red ring.

To my understanding, the biggest difference with the cine version is that it is declicked (aperture). If yours has clearly defined aperture clicks, it is not the cine version. More importantly - how are the photos?

The aperture is the clicking kind so that's a good sign. It's night time in Korea so I will have to test it out on the weekend. Plus, I will need to figure out how to use it properly. Any advice on getting sharp images out of this lens? Just wondering would you recommended to use this lens for the indoors?

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Here's one from shashinki.com from Malaysia.

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-aspherical-canon-mount-pi-5874.html?image=2

The cine dslr version,

http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-14mm-cine-vdslr-lens-canon-p-11323.html

@verysimplejason
My intention was to purchase the non-cine version. But what makes my version interesting is:
1) red ring instead of the gold ring
2) Focusing ring (rubber grip) is the same as the non-cine version
3) There is no 'T' on my version to indicate the cine version
4) The numbers on the aperture is upright and not side ways like the cine version

Everything about this lens points to the normal Ultra Wide Angle lens for DSLR except for the red ring.

To my understanding, the biggest difference with the cine version is that it is declicked (aperture). If yours has clearly defined aperture clicks, it is not the cine version. More importantly - how are the photos?

The aperture is the clicking kind so that's a good sign. It's night time in Korea so I will have to test it out on the weekend. Plus, I will need to figure out how to use it properly. Any advice on getting sharp images out of this lens? Just wondering would you recommended to use this lens for the indoors?

Using it indoors is fine - just know that focusing at wider apertures will take some practice. For shooting deep DOF outdoors, just set it to about f/5.6 and focus at about the 2 meter mark on the distance scale. Everything from a few feet in front of the lens to infinity will be sharp.

 

[TLau74]

@Dustin
Thanks for the advice. I did some test shots on the roof of our apartment. I've tested at aperture f2.8 and f5.6 while varying the focusing distance between beyond infinity up to 1 meter. The photos are uploaded to Flickr. There are no extra sharpening or adjustment; only what ever was done during exporting from LR4 to Flickr. All photos are handheld.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31505768@N08/sets/72157638425870414/

Couple things I've noticed when looking at the apartment windows at the center of the picture:
- at f2.8, none of the pictures are sharp.
- at f5.6, the sharpest is at 3m focusing distance
- at f4.0, the sharpest seems to be right at infinity mark but still not where as sharp as f5.6
- If I want to take stars at night, f2.8 could be a problem. Should I continue to Now updated test at f4.0?
- How to I get sharper images at f2.8? Is this possible?
- Am I doing something wrong?

I found a website that describes a solution to the focusing issue.

(emadeloc.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/brico-como-calibrar-el-enfoque-de-un.html)

I would assume most of the 14mm users in this forum have seen or even used this fix. Has anyone try to fix the lens themselves? I would like to hear your feedback.

What are your thoughts if I try this fix myself. Does it look like I need it? It seems easy enough even for an amateur like myself.

----------------------------------------------------------
BTW, a colleague of my contacted Samyang Optics directly regarding the changes from the gold to red ring. Here is there reply:
문의하신 14mm F2.8 렌즈는 Gold ring에서 Red ring으로 바뀌었으며 렌즈 성능에서는 동일합니다.
(단지 외관에서 Gold ring ==> Red ring으로 변경되었습니다.)

...Google translates
Gold ring 14mm F2.8 lenses, contact your Red ring of the lens performance, the revised and the same.
(Just look at Gold ring ==> Red ring has been changed.)

Basically, the new Samyang 14mm changed from gold ring to red ring and the function is same.
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