Samyang 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC A-mount lens review by pmrphoto

pmrphoto#11700 date: Feb-17-2014
sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 overall: 3.9	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	Nikon 14-24, Canon 14mm f/2.8L II,
price paid:	$325
positive:	The Samyang glass is all very good and the 14mm is no exception. The color rendering is closer to Canon (warmer) than Nikon (cooler). I love the 14mm because you just cannot beat the price. It is such a good value overall for the money... You can find lenses that are better but they are usually over 5x the cost. Wide open, it's decent and always predictable. I especially like shooting this one close to people. As long as you keep with level and the person out of the extreme edges, it's a gray lens. When you want to do an interior, just use stix and close down to f/5.6 or 8 and you will be more than pleased. With software like LR and Aperture available, you can fix just about anything that is not perfect on this lens.
negative:	Build quality is right there in the 1970's with great focus feel perfect for video. NO AF, obviously.
comment:	I've shot this same optic on the D800E and it really is a performer. If you want a super wide but don't want to part with $2K, it's tough to find a better option. The Samyang glass would be a great deal at twice or even three times the price.