Sony shooters are spoiled for choice when it comes to ultra-wide lenses right now. This video from Chris Brockhurst takes an in-depth look at the 14mm f/2.8 FE, an autofocus prime lens from Rokinon/Samyang which stands out for its price and focal length.
Rokinon/Samyang has a reputation for producing lightweight, affordable autofocus glass for Sony full frame cameras without massively compromising quality. The AF 14mm f/2.8 FE is definitely in the same category, and while it’s not one of Samyang’s lightest lenses, it’s still not that hefty at only 1.11 lb (505 g).
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Samyang’s new 75mm f/1.8, an everyday compact portrait lens that has proven to be incredibly convenient and a lot of fun — not to mention a bargain at just $399. Brockhurst mentions that the 14mm lens isn’t quite as sharp as other heavier, more expensive lenses, and the same is true of the 75mm. That’s not to say that it’s soft, per se; it’s just not as crisp as some pixel-peepers will demand. However, as an affordable, fast, ultra-wide prime, it seems to be a solid option, especially given how impressed Brockhurst is with the autofocus performance.
Are you a real-estate videographer pondering a new ultra-wide prime? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
I'm surprised there's no mention of its astrophotography capabilities. The non-AF version is just about every astrophotographer's first astro-dedicated lens.
He mentions it briefly at 13mins, acknowledging that he's not much of an astrophotographer. To which I can relate. 😂
Ha! My bad. I guess I wasn't listening well enough.
Obviously, the autofocus feature is redundant for astro but I have read elsewhere that the results are even better than the manual version. It's a completely redesigned lens rather than the manual version with autofocus bolted on. From what I've seen it shows less distortion and vignette. I got mine a month ago but still haven't tested it out properly yet!
Is that right? I've not used one before but would be tempted to try one out if so.
The APSC E-mount needs more options like this.
We have a non-AF 12mm from Rokinon/Samyang, but then the only other wide prime in affordable price range is the Sigma 16mm, which borders on too heavy and not quite wide enough.
The lens in this review would equate to 21mm if I put it on my a6400, which isn't bad, but that 505g is a bit too heavy to secure my $ :-(