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

joeyc#9197 date: Jul-1-2011
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.2	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:	missing
price paid:	345 USD New
positive:	Great Build Smooth Focus Action Sharp Decent Micro Contrast
negative:	Distortion Bulging Front Element No Electronics
comment:	This lens has been a nice surprise. I needed a decent wide angle to use on both my A850 and A55. I have been waiting for the new Sigma 12-24, but became impatient. I grabbed the Rokinon version of this lens and have recently put it through its paces. In my opinion, there are only two negatives with this lens. 1.Distortion requires processing to fix (PT Lens) and 2.no electronics. I ordered a chip for this lens, so perhaps that will address #2. I find the sharpness to be above average across 90% of the frame on my A850. Extreme corners have some smearing of details, but compared to my Tokina 19-35, this is minimal. I find it an useful 21mm on the A55 and the zoom during focus to check for optimal accuracy is great. Started using this for interior shots. In camera HDR and a quick pass through with PT Lens = good to go. I need to spend more time with this lens on my A850, but initial impressions are high for this lens. Excellent value all around.