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amazon Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 reviews
The Samyang FE 14mm F / 2.8 lens features five basic features: Full Frame sensor support, E-mount bracket, Super wide angle viewfinder, large aperture and autofocus. This is one of the rare ultra-wide angle lenses for E mount, which is used for landscapes, astronomical photography and some mixed shooting needs such as architecture, low light conditions in homes, etc. Overall the lens gives good color, good sharpness and slightly slower focus. In return we have compact, cheap lenses and impressive images thanks to ultra-wide angle effects.
Samyang has done a good job with a sturdy, beautiful exterior, and is compact. Thanks to the small, lightweight design, this lens does not create a sense of weight imbalance when mounted on the Sony A7 body, which makes it easier to operate with one hand. The lens has a built-in hood, so you will not be able to use the filter, but use filters on the outside of the filter holder. However, what makes me feel disappointed that this lens is not water resistant to use in harsh environments.
Main Specifications of 14mm F / 2.8 lens:
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Most compatible sensor: Full Frame
Focal Length: 14mm
Largest viewing angle: 113.9°
Aperture: F / 2.8 – F / 22
Number of leaves: 7
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.12X
Weight: 505gr
Dimensions: 97.5mm x 85.5mm
The lens case is neatly folded and the 6 faces are printed “AF” to focus on one thing only: This is a lens with AF.
The first impression when holding the lens is the hardened but cool of the metal shell
Although the cover is made of metal, but Samyang lenses are equipped with a loose plastic hood with low protection and locking mechanism to easily slip if unintentionally.
Overall compact and light weight. This is what makes me quite surprise, can be called a good point.
With a 14mm focal length on the Full Frame sensor, the lens delivers ultra-wide viewing angles of 113.9 °
The focus ring of the lens is smooth and smooth. Previously I have a 50mm F / 1.4 AF lens, but the rotation is not as smooth as this.
On the outer lens, Samyang features Ultra Multi Coating to reduce flare, ghosting and unwanted optical effects.
Behind the Emount is made of stainless steel with electronic contact pins. The lens is made in Korea.
where can you get a Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 online
Samyang SY14MAE-N 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Nikon AE: Buy it now
Samyang SY14M-C 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Fixed Angle Lens for Canon: Buy it now
Samyang SY14M-S 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Sony Alpha: Buy it now
Samyang SY14M-P 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Pentax: Buy it now
Optical Performance
Image Quality
The Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 delivers impressive image quality, especially considering its price point. The lens produces sharp, detailed images across the frame, with good central sharpness even at wide apertures. The performance improves further when stopped down, with corner sharpness becoming more pronounced. This makes it suitable for capturing detailed landscapes and architectural shots where edge-to-edge clarity is crucial.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
The lens exhibits minimal chromatic aberration (CA), which is the color fringing that can occur around high-contrast edges. While some CA may be noticeable in high-contrast scenarios, it is generally well-controlled and can be easily corrected in post-processing. The distortion is also relatively low, but as with most ultra-wide lenses, there may be some barrel distortion, especially at the edges of the frame. This distortion is usually manageable and can be corrected using lens profiles in editing software.
Vignetting
Vignetting, or the gradual darkening of image corners, is present at the widest aperture of F2.8 but is relatively mild compared to other ultra-wide lenses. It becomes less noticeable when the lens is stopped down, improving further at smaller apertures. For most practical purposes, the vignetting is not significant enough to impact image quality or require extensive correction.
Flare and Ghosting
The lens performs well in terms of flare and ghosting resistance, thanks to its multi-layer coating that reduces reflections and improves contrast. When shooting directly into strong light sources, some flare may be visible, but it is generally well-controlled. The lens’s ability to handle backlighting is commendable, making it suitable for capturing scenes with challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus and Manual Focus
Autofocus Performance
The Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 is a manual focus lens, meaning it does not have an autofocus system. This design choice is typical for ultra-wide lenses at this price point, as manual focus allows for a more compact and lightweight construction. While the lack of autofocus may be a drawback for some users, it also allows for precise manual adjustments, which can be beneficial in scenarios where exact focus is crucial.
Manual Focus Operation
The manual focus ring on the Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise control. The lens features a long focus throw, which provides ample room for fine-tuning the focus. The focus ring is also equipped with distance and depth-of-field markings, which can assist in achieving accurate focus, especially for landscape and architectural photography.
Focus Peaking and Magnification
For users of Sony mirrorless cameras, focus peaking and magnification features are available to assist with manual focusing. Focus peaking highlights the areas of the image that are in focus, making it easier to achieve sharpness. The magnification function allows users to zoom in on the live view screen to ensure precise focus, which is particularly useful for achieving critical sharpness in ultra-wide shots.
Usability and Versatility
Wide-Angle Perspective
The 14mm focal length of the Samyang lens provides an ultra-wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, large architectural structures, and tight interiors. The wide angle allows for creative compositions and dramatic perspectives, adding depth and scale to images.
Astrophotography
The lens is well-suited for astrophotography due to its wide aperture and focal length. The F2.8 aperture allows for substantial light-gathering capabilities, enabling the capture of star fields and celestial objects with minimal exposure time. The lens’s sharpness and low chromatic aberration further contribute to its suitability for night sky photography.
Travel and Outdoor Photography
The compact and lightweight design of the Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 makes it a practical choice for travel and outdoor photography. Its weather-sealed construction adds to its durability, allowing it to withstand various environmental conditions. The lens’s wide angle and sharp performance make it a versatile tool for capturing scenic vistas and architectural details on the go.
Landscape and Architectural Photography
The lens excels in landscape and architectural photography, where wide angles and high resolution are essential. Its sharpness, low distortion, and minimal chromatic aberration contribute to capturing detailed and accurate representations of structures and natural scenes.
Value for Money
Affordability
The Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 is known for its affordability, providing excellent performance at a relatively low price point. This makes it an attractive option for photographers on a budget who require a wide-angle lens with good image quality and solid construction. The lens offers a compelling balance of performance and cost, making it accessible to both amateur and professional photographers.
Performance vs. Price
In terms of performance, the Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 offers a high level of optical quality and usability for its price. It delivers sharp images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, making it a strong performer in its class. The lack of autofocus is a trade-off for the lower price, but the manual focus operation is well-suited for many applications, particularly in landscape and astrophotography.
Long-Term Value
Given its durability and performance, the Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 provides long-term value for those who need a reliable ultra-wide lens. Its weather-sealed construction and solid build quality ensure that it can withstand regular use in various conditions. The lens’s performance and affordability make it a worthwhile investment for photographers seeking a high-quality wide-angle lens without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 is an impressive ultra-wide-angle prime lens that offers a compelling mix of performance, build quality, and affordability. Its sharpness, low chromatic aberration, and relatively compact design make it a valuable tool for a range of photographic genres, including landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography.
While the manual focus operation may not suit everyone, it provides precise control and contributes to the lens’s compact and lightweight design. The lens’s weather-sealed construction adds to its versatility, making it a reliable option for outdoor and travel photography.
Overall, the Samyang FE 14mm F2.8 represents excellent value for money in the ultra-wide lens category. It offers high-quality optical performance at a price point that makes it accessible to both amateur and professional photographers. Its combination of build quality, performance, and cost effectiveness makes it a strong contender for anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing ultra-wide-angle lens for Sony E-mount cameras.