Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 RF/Z : Specifications and Opinions

Reviews

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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Studio_dilillo

sent on 04 Febbraio 2024

Pros: Optically it is the same lens produced also for Fmount of which it takes all the advantages in terms of optics and performance (there are dozens of reviews to get an idea)

Cons: Excessive weight, lack of electronics, rough bayonet manufacturing.

Opinion: A shame really. I think Samyang's desire was to make a pro lens, but probably in Korea they did things a bit hastily. The lens is very heavy, it weighs even more than the Fmount + Ftz version. In addition, the lack of electronics is felt. it becomes a problem to shoot in S (time priority) and even worse you can't get the exif data of the photo with the exact focal length (in the menu for lenses without CPU there is no possibility to set the focal length of 14 mm). Last but not least, I assume due to Samyang's inexperience in producing bayonets for the z-system, the lens had a decent clearance on the bayonet. I don't know if it was a problem with just my specimen. In the end I decided to return, I bought again for 160 € the F mount version that I had resold a few days before,

Francesco Tonellotto

sent on 22 Marzo 2023

Pros: PRICE, SHARPNESS

Cons: WEIGHT

Opinion: I bought for 250 euros this lens used to match it with the Z5 and photograph exclusively the Northern Lights on my trip to Finnish Lapland. Luck assisted me and for two evenings I succeeded. The optics have never disappointed me, indeed. Set to infinity and at f/2.8 (sometimes f/4) returned me beautiful images (I stored f/2.8 at 800 iso for 3 seconds in the presence of moon; 3200 iso for 10 seconds and 1000 iso for 18 seconds with aurora KP 2.7 - 3.5). The results were very satisfactory and, for the price paid, it was worth experimenting. The optics worked at temperatures between -20 and -32. On Friday evening, after 60 photos, I decide to return to the hotel for a hot tea. Coming out shortly after I see auroras everywhere around me. The lens showed obvious condensation but, putting the Z5 back on the tripod, it gave me only the first three photographs with halo and then resumed working wonderfully. Fortune? Case? I don't know. But I keep it for other experiences, maybe on tulip meadows in Holland on the next spring trip. Good light to all

Roberto92

sent on 09 Dicembre 2020

Pros: Sharpness, construction, price

Cons: Weight, lack of electronics, distortion

Opinion: I have always used the old Samyang 14 2.8 with satisfaction, but unfortunately on FTZ it gave problems (exposure meter and diaphragms in tilt). There was the solution of covering the first pin or taking an electronics-free F-Z adapter, but I preferred the new native Z-mount version for convenience issues. This is optically the famous Samyang 14 UMS Apsherical, but in a metal body decidedly more "premium" (and also heavier) and - as described on the official website - tropicalized. Fluid MAF ring, the rubber has a good feeling but strangely it looks slightly wider (slightly) than it should be, the diaphragm ring has the "decided" shot as on the Zeiss. The metric scale on the barrel seems precise to me, unlike the reflex model that often, in addition to the incongruity of the scale, also needs the calibration of the barrel. It does not allow circular front filters (but there are around the famous slab filters), at the back it has the attachment for the appropriate filters, but I do not know if they are of a standard size or if they make cut out or taken ad hoc. Excellent central sharpness already at TA, good one at the edges closing a little. The distortion is very marked and rather "strange", so it must be used with the perspective precautions necessary to reduce its effects as much as possible. The correction algorithms built into popular software still work very well. The flare resistance is very good (except for direct and very intense lights that produce an annoying circular effect), much better than the Tokina 16-28 or the disastrous Sigma 12-24 (the old FORMER DG, not Art!). The color rendering is faithful and has the saturation that I like, maybe I'd like a little bit more microcontrasto. It is completely manual, no EXIF data is communicated (the camera will report only the maximum aperture set for lenses without CPU) and you work in stop-down, the exposure meter of the Z6 still works well even if the "recalculation" is not immediate (the machine is not helped by any electronic information, so it is there). Lens that I recommend for landscapes, astrophotography, interior photos (positioning itself so as to limit distortion to the maximum), creative photos. Not recommended for architecture and all areas where a marked distortion is a serious limit. It's definitely not the gorgeous 15mm Zeiss, but given the price, performance and the fact that it's a full-frame 14mm, I'd say it deserves an 8.5.

Zanzibar79

sent on 31 Luglio 2020

Pros: It's the metal Sammy 14

Cons: Weight

Opinion: Identical optics in all respects to the F. Su Nikon Z6 attack retains all the merits and defects of the old bayonet. The weight due to the metal used is negative. The maf's dial is very fluid. to the touch it looks 1 definitely pro goal. Taken mainly x astrophotography. Always unbeatable q/p ratio. In the transition to Z lost the confirmation of the maf but to focus with the peaking highlights is really 1 must have

PuP

sent on 05 Settembre 2019

Pros: Born with Z graft

Cons: Unjustified weight, distortion, no chip, price.

Opinion: Personal opinion. In practice it is the classic Samyang 14/2.8 with all its known merits (sharpness and resistance to the flare) and defects (hallucinatory distortion), but without CPU, more cumbersome and much heavier: the weight is higher than the weight of the old FTZ. As you can see by looking closely at the presentation photos has no electrical contact. You work in stop-down, at the actual opening of the diaphragm that must be adjusted with its dial, without any information in the crosshairs on the value of diaphragm set. Nothing in the Exif. If the viewfinder were not electronic and did not compensate, closing the diaphragm would be increasingly dark and anyway in the evening it is very difficult to frame, you have to do it at 2.8 and then close to shoot (obviously looking at the numbers on the dial with a stack). It's not even cheap... Better to buy the old used at 200 euros, has the same optical scheme, weighs little and at least has the chip! This Samyang is not the best fallback solution to have a 14 mm on Nikon Z. And not even so cheap for what it (doesn't) give. Update: I sent it to a Finn and took that little gem of the 14-30 S in small installments. A whole other life! With a machine body of 3000 euros you can not skip on the optics... Now I can use both focus-stacking and 82mm filters and it's compact and light as a feather...

Mahatma63

sent on 15 Luglio 2019

Pros: Good definition, great construction, solid

Cons: Distortion, you cannot use screw filters. Lack of AF

Opinion: Satisfied. Unbeatable value for money. It should be used carefully to limit situations where distortion can be emphasized. Excellent definition especially in the center and, closing a little the diaphragm, even at the edges, even without excelling. The construction is excellent, gives idea of robustness and solidity. Personally I love the diaphragm diaphragm diaphragm diaphragm diaphragm diaphragm (now disappeared on all modern optics).