Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 RF / Z review

Take the wide view with the Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 RF / Z and switch to manual on your mirrorless Canon or Nikon

Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 review
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Although this low-tech lens might seem at odds with a high-tech camera, they play very nicely together and make an excellent combination for ultra-wide angle shooting. You could argue that the fully manual Samyang brings retro charm and a classic ‘hands-on’ style of shooting to the latest mirrorless cameras. And you’d be right. It’s also outstanding value at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Refined handling

  • +

    DOF markers for zone focusing

  • +

    Refreshingly affordable

Cons

  • -

    No aperture control from camera body

  • -

    Z 6 and Z 7 in-body stabilization tricky to set up

  • -

    Barrel distortion can be rather noticeable

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Why would you opt for the manual focus Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8? If you’ve got a mirrorless Canon or Nikon full-frame camera body, the chances are that you’ve got a standard zoom lens go with it. When you need a wider viewing angle, the most obvious choices are the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM or the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S, depending on which side of the divide you stand. 

You might want to think again though, because the Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 is specifically designed for Canon RF and Nikon Z  mount mirrorless bodies and costs a fraction of the price. The Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 RF is the one for the Canon EOS and EOS RP, whilst the Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 Z is designed for the Nikon Z6 or Z7. Both are also sold under the Rokinon brand name in North America (as the Rokinon 14mm F2.8 RF and Rokinon 14mm F2.8 Z respectively).

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.