Rokinon lens; Are they worth playing with?

[CanineCandidsByL]

I just noticed bestbuy is carrying this brand of lenses, and they have some interesting sizes at cheap prices. I understand we can't be talking an extremely high quality lens, but for the small dollars, are they worth playing with if you want to try some extremes out..

Of particular curiosity are the 800mm f8 mirror for $200 (I always wanted one when they were more popular and never did get it) and the 8mm f3.5 Aspherical Fisheye for $300.

They also have an 85mm f1.4, but I think I really rather buy a Canon L version of that lens.

Can't decide if its a wast of dollars that could go towards a real lens, or a good way to try out certain focal lenths without a heavy investment.

Thanks!

 

[Axilrod]

I know their 35mm is a very good lens for the price, as I recall it didn't look that much different from the 35L. I hear their new 24 1.4 is pretty decent as well. But I believe they are MF only.

 

[peederj]

I was just doing some testing on the 14mm with the 5d3 and really, this is nearly a zeiss for a fraction of the price. OK it fisheyes and vignettes but remarkable really for the dough. The 85mm is very good too, and the 8 is endless fun. I don't have the 35mm and the 24mm tested poorly on lenstip is all I know.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I've only had one, me and many others have had lots of problems with it, its the 14mm lens, and mine was unusable, the entire left side was distorted, and no good for any price.

Any one who claims it is close to the Zeiss 15mm in performance should at least show comparison images.

My Canon 15mm FE blew it away, and I bought it used for $300.

Here the images taken from the same spot, and focused on the same spot.

Rokinon (Samyang) 14mm Lens





Canon 15mm FE.

 

[peederj]

Why haven't you dialed in the hyperfocal distance?

http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/532-samyang14f28eosff

"Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Aspherical UMC may be the surprise product of the season. It's very affordable yet performing up there with the very best big boys."

 

[CanineCandidsByL]

Here the images taken from the same spot, and focused on the same spot.

Ha Ha...see your shadow...

but seriously thanks for the comparison shot. Looks like the Rokinon isn't as wide as it claims. I'd expect the look to be closer to what the Canon lens is doing. As wide as the Rokinon isn't, I'd probably stick with the 24mm of my 24-70 and wait to afford one of the canon wide angle zooms instead of getting the 14mm. I did find some images from the 8mm. The quality was OK, but I don't think I'd pay $300 for it. I guess I'll keep saving, but I still may get 800mm f8 mirror. Those photos didn't impress either, but the little kid in me calls out for it.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Here the images taken from the same spot, and focused on the same spot.

Ha Ha...see your shadow...

but seriously thanks for the comparison shot. Looks like the Rokinon isn't as wide as it claims. I'd expect the look to be closer to what the Canon lens is doing. As wide as the Rokinon isn't, I'd probably stick with the 24mm of my 24-70 and wait to afford one of the canon wide angle zooms instead of getting the 14mm. I did find some images from the 8mm. The quality was OK, but I don't think I'd pay $300 for it. I guess I'll keep saving, but I still may get 800mm f8 mirror. Those photos didn't impress either, but the little kid in me calls out for it.

The lenses were set for Hyperfocal distance, however, the lens markings on the Samyang 14mm do not reflect reality, or even close.

A fisheye actually appears to be wider, this is not the fault of the Samyang, its the case with all fisheye versus rectilinear lenses.