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Archive 2017 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8

  
 
razuto22
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


I just recently upgraded to a Canon 5D MIII and need a wide angle lens for astrophotography. My budget is about $300 and it looks like these are my only choices:

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8

and

Samyang 14mm f/2.8

Any personal experience with either of these? Which is the best one?



Feb 15, 2017 at 02:32 PM
Tmuussoni
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


It's exactly the same lens. In Europe/Rest of the world it's marketed as Samyang, in North America it's marketed under Rokinon brand. Since you are into astrophotography, you are making a great choice. Samyang/Rokinon 14/2.8 has very low coma and it's sharp. But watch out for not getting a dud as quality control for these lenses can leave lot to be desired.

Take your pick

Edited on Feb 15, 2017 at 02:37 PM · View previous versions



Feb 15, 2017 at 02:35 PM
RCicala
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


They are absolutely identical, made in the same factory for different brands. BUT in the U.S. Rokinon offers and exchange/repair service and Samyang does not (as far as I know).


Feb 15, 2017 at 02:35 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


RCicala wrote:
...in the U.S. Rokinon offers and exchange/repair service and Samyang does not (as far as I know).


I'm thinking of getting a Rokinon/Samyang EF-M 12/2. That makes my decision easier.

I've been using a Samyang 14/2.8 USM since they were first introduced. An excellent lens. Even excellenter when you factor in its very reasonable price.



Feb 15, 2017 at 03:47 PM
artificialyello
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


RCicala wrote:
...in the U.S. Rokinon offers and exchange/repair service and Samyang does not (as far as I know).

jcolwell wrote:
I'm thinking of getting a Rokinon/Samyang EF-M 12/2. That makes my decision easier.

I've been using a Samyang 14/2.8 USM since they were first introduced. An excellent lens. Even excellenter when you factor in its very reasonable price.


Haha! All Rokinon/Bower/Samyang are unique. They are like snowflakes! They just look the same...

That said I've had had both the Samy 14/2.8 and 12/2.0 and while the first one ended up in the trash eventually the latter is a lense that I'm rather pleased with. Kinda matches the 22/2.0 and FD 50/1.8. Best at f/4. But as always with Samy, YMMV.



Feb 15, 2017 at 05:07 PM
artificialyello
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


razuto22 wrote:
I just recently upgraded to a Canon 5D MIII and need a wide angle lens for astrophotography. My budget is about $300 and it looks like these are my only choices:

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8

and

Samyang 14mm f/2.8

Any personal experience with either of these? Which is the best one?


Yes, besides that I wrote in the other post you should now that those lenses has a "moustache" distortion that's grouse!

From Photozone.de:

http://www.photozone.de/images/8Reviews/lenses/samyang_14_28_5d/14mm_distortion.png



Feb 15, 2017 at 05:18 PM
dgdg
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


When I contacted Rokinon, they do not calibrate decentered lenses. The lens works well out of the box or it doesn't.


Feb 15, 2017 at 06:11 PM
razuto22
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


Thanks everyone! I went with the Rokinon. When I get the lens, is there a test that I should do to see if the lens came out of the factory in okay condition?


Feb 15, 2017 at 10:34 PM
artificialyello
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


razuto22 wrote:
Thanks everyone! I went with the Rokinon. When I get the lens, is there a test that I should do to see if the lens came out of the factory in okay condition?


Good luck! :-))

Just in case:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1464179



Feb 16, 2017 at 02:26 AM
dgdg
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


razuto22 wrote:
Thanks everyone! I went with the Rokinon. When I get the lens, is there a test that I should do to see if the lens came out of the factory in okay condition?


One simple method i use is to manually focus on the night sky in magnified live view. at f/2.8. Focus on the center and take a shot, then do the same (re-focus and shoot) for all four frame edges. Stars should be evenly sharp across all five images. If the stars seem a little bloated somewhere, you got a dud.


Edited on Feb 16, 2017 at 08:55 AM · View previous versions



Feb 16, 2017 at 07:06 AM
arbitrage
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


I have the Bower version that not many have so I'm special....but not that special as the lens still has the horrible copy to copy variation and mine is a little off at f/2.8. Still I use it stopped down a bit for northern lights so I'm not concerned....at f/8 it is really nice....but that isn't good for astro I would assume.

To the OP, you will want to test it wide open and see if one side of the frame is soft compared to the other side. Also to check the sharpness at 2.8 which I hear can be really sharp if you have a good copy....mine isn't such a copy I don't think.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/698932-REG/Bower_SLY14MMF2_8P_14mm_f_2_8_Ultra_Wide.html/?gclid=CM2PnuXclNICFQIOaQodEWcF4w. NO LONGER AVAILABLE







Feb 16, 2017 at 08:28 AM
dgdg
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


Wow, you have a Bower?
I clarified my post that the astro test shot focused on center and then focused at all four edges was wide open f/2.8. I shouldn't assume.
My third Samyang/Rokinon was a charm. Super sharp. But then the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 came along.



Feb 16, 2017 at 08:56 AM
rstoddard11
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


I would read up on line about how to calibrate the focus ring.

I did it to mine. Its optional, but lets you set exact infinity focus.

I set mine on the L mark left of infinity.

Other than that, everyone knows a super wide lens will be distorted. I really like mine.



Feb 16, 2017 at 09:12 AM
Gunzorro
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


One of the best "bang for the buck" lenses. I have one for Canon, which was a replacement for the first (bought from B&H, new at just over $300, about 4 years ago). I liked it so much that I bought a second one (used) at just over $200 for my Nikon mount as well. Both are very good to excellent performers. Moustache distortion is the only downside, but that is present even in some expensive lenses, such as Zeiss ZE/ZF 21/2.8. I don't use them a lot, but I'm always glad to have them when needed.


Feb 16, 2017 at 09:36 AM
dgdg
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


rstoddard11 wrote:
I would read up on line about how to calibrate the focus ring.
I did it to mine. Its optional, but lets you set exact infinity focus.


Infinity focus can change with temperature, although I have only noticed a significant impact on a 600mm lens.
I think for landscape, stopped down, having a good infinity focus mark is fine.
For astro when you want the sharpest possible stars, it only takes an extra minute to confirm focus onsite.

David




Feb 16, 2017 at 09:58 AM
rstoddard11
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


Agreed. However, my infinity was showing at under 7 feet so I wanted it to be at least within a few millimeters. It was off by several inches.


Feb 17, 2017 at 07:12 AM
moondigger
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


I have a Rokinon 14/2.8. One of the sharpest lenses I own, and one of the best for infrared work too.

The distortion can be minimized in post, though not eliminated. So about the only thing I don't use it for is formal architecture.



Feb 17, 2017 at 08:03 AM
razuto22
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8


Awesome! It looks like my infinity is pretty accurate. I took a picture last night of a tall building and the corner of it was pretty clear.

Thanks for your help everybody!



Feb 17, 2017 at 02:06 PM
dgdg
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 vs. Samyang 14mm f/2.8




rstoddard11 wrote:
Agreed. However, my infinity was showing at under 7 feet so I wanted it to be at least within a few millimeters. It was off by several inches.


Nuts



Feb 17, 2017 at 03:59 PM





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