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SAMYANG MF 14mm F2.8 MK2

Nicolas Wauters

Photographer from Belgium

The Wide World in a Wide Angle:

A few weeks ago, I received the MF 14mm F2.8 MK2 from Samyang.
I’d like to share my experiences of this new version of the MF 14mm F2.8 over the last few weeks.

First and foremost, this is not my first Samyang lens.
I've been using Samyang MF 24mm F3.5 Tilt/Shift lens and I’m really fell in love with this amazing lens, now I became a big fan of Samyang.

zoom

Build Quality:

The build quality is amazing, made with metal, and very well finished. Some people believe third party lenses are not good, but Samyang’s MF 14mm F2.8 MK2 looks neat and pleasant to hold in hand. The focus ring is comfortable. You may need to try several times, in the beginning, to make focus from 0.28m to infinity, but things go much faster when you’re used to it. I also like this lens’s look and colors as a Nikon camera user, because it looks a little bit old-school with the black and gold. It would be the new trend these days. Good to know, the MF 14mm MK2 Nikon F mount lens features an electronic chip, allows you to control the aperture from the body and see the EXIF data on your Lightroom, however, keep in mind to close your aperture at F22. The whole lens feels very solid, and the build quality and details are great, especially when considering the price. It could be the good option on the market!

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Improvements:

There are two big novelties on this Mark2 lens. The first one is the “Focus Lock” in front of the lens, which can be very useful for night photography or astrophotography. The second one is the “De-click”, which allows infinitely fine adjustment between F-stops. By rotating the silver ring from 'Click' to 'Free', you can adjust the aperture smoothly and precisely, and the exactly right amount of light is captured. Videographers should be delighted for this option allowing a soft and unmarked light transition.

zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F11
SPEED 20 sec
ISO 64
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F2.8
SPEED 1/40 sec
ISO 1250
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Performance:

During my first try with this ultra-wide-angle in the heart of Tokyo city, I noticed that it is easy to handle. The precision of the focusing ring is well balanced and I directly thought that it’d be great for taking pictures requiring more precision.

Using a 14mm for landscapes or urban photography is a pleasant exercise, especially for capturing portions close to the ground in horizontal format, which enables fairly creative framing and compositions, quickly and simply. On a full frame camera it’s so wide that you might be surprised to see your shadow or even your feet in the frame.

zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F14
SPEED 30 sec
ISO 80
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Moreover, using a fixed focal lens
gives a real photography feeling.

It’s easy to zoom in or zoom out when using a zoom lens, but sometimes it can take away the pleasure of composing the image. But on a fixed focal lens, you have to move backwards and forwards to compose better images, and it enhances the pleasure of photographing! Also, the 2.8 aperture allows you to create better night street photography. The chromatic aberrations are slightly present at a wide aperture but will strongly disappear if close your diaphragm.

This is the perfect dream lens for Landscapes!

zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F9
SPEED 1/80 sec
ISO 64
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Image Quality:

At f / 2.8, images are relatively well-defined over the entire field photographed. The center of the image is a bit sharper, but the difference with the edges is rather minimal.

The vignetting is well marked, mainly on the left and right parts of the field. However, it can be easily corrected on post-processing software like Lightroom or Photoshop (and most other).

At f / 4, the change in image quality is subtle, but very real nonetheless. The vignetting is much less marked than at f / 2.8, but there is still dark, vertical areas on the left and right side of the field. Chromatic aberrations become very difficult to observe, or even negligible. From f/5.6 to f/11 the lens gives its best on image quality and you will be blown away by the image quality.

Also, keep in mind that this 14mm F2.8 remains an ultra-wide-angle, not a fisheye. The distortion often appears on these kinds of lenses, but it’s very easy to correct in post-production.

zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F10
SPEED 1/25 sec
ISO 64
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F7.1
SPEED 6 sec
ISO 80
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F7.1
SPEED 6 sec
ISO 80
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Butt you can also use this wide angle effect for making your subject look more grandeur. This, therefore, offers several possibilities! It just depends on your style and taste.

zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F9.0
SPEED 25 sec
ISO 80
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F8.0
SPEED 25 sec
ISO 100
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this lens definitely became one of the main lenses in my backpack, and I bring this on all my trips or workshops. The image quality is amazing and allows you to do many kinds of photography such as landscape, urbanscape, real estate, astrophotography and even more. It makes this lens very versatile. It can be used on the architecture shot or the city shot, and would be a dream lens for Astrophotography. Here are some sample pictures, hoping to show you the quality of this Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 MK2, and the beauty of Japan as well!

zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F8.0
SPEED 6 sec
ISO 64
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F8.0
SPEED 20 sec
ISO 64
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F7.1
SPEED 1/125 sec
ISO 64
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -
zoom
LENSES MF 14mm
F2.8 MK2
CAMERA Nikon D850
DIAPHRAGM F5.6
SPEED 1/50 sec
ISO 500
EXPOSURE Manual
PHOTOMETRY -
BRIGHTNESS -
PHOTOMETRY -

Nicolas Wauters

I’m a Belgian Landscapes and Urbanscapes photographer based in Tokyo.
I love photos of landscapes, urban landscapes, architecture, and night streets.
I’m passionate of sharing my love for photography
and the city I live in with images.

www.nicolaswauters.com

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Samyang’s Guide to Achieving the Optimal Angle of View

The perfect spacing and distance are always necessary when shooting all kinds of subjects, including people, to give them a proper relationship with the beautiful space around them. So, what’s the exact distance that helps you best appreciate a work of art, or a photo?

The correct answer is the diagonal length of the full frame of a subject.

표준화각 자료 이미지
표준화각 자료 이미지

The best standpoint from which to appreciate the full view of a subject is the distance of the diagonal length of the subject frame. This wider angle is superior to standing closer at a 50 degree angle to get a more detailed view. This notion of an ideal distance or view point is also applicable in the world of photography.

For still images, keeping a distance equal to the diagonal length of the full image surface is recommended. The full frame sensor of a digital camera is 36 x 24mm and the diagonal length is 43.26mm so any distance close to this number is nearer to the ideal than the currently accepted industry standard of 50mm.

Back when film cameras were common, 45mm was the industry standard and this continued as reflex cameras needed extra space to fit a mirror. However, as mirrorless cameras become more popular again, there has been a need to return to this industry standard…which is the impetus for the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE. With less distortion than a 35mm lens and wider angles than a 55mm lens, the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 FE is a perfect lens for portraits, landscapes, architecture photography, and pictures of pets.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Preset Aperture Control Function?

On the Preset Aperture Control function, the aperture blade operates smoothly like a "De-clicked lens", which is advantageous for video recording.
Fujifilm cameras are engineered to control the aperture according to the minimum exposure value(F-stop), so when the camera controls the aperture, it blinks momentarily to set the proper exposure.

AF 75mm F1.8 X intentionally disconnects the communication with the camera body and the lens itself on the Preset Aperture Control function, so it is possible to smoothly adjust the exposure without flickering. ISO and shutter speed are adjusted according to the changed exposure by controlling the aperture, so the exposure value can be changed even with the 1/2 F-stop.

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

What is Recommended Settings for Preset Aperture Control Function?

The Preset Aperture Control function operates only when shooting video(Movie mode) and the focusing mode of the camera is set to AF mode. Please set the aperture at f/1.8 before switching the "Custom Switch" to "Mode 2. It is recommended to set the "Exposure mode" as A mode (Aperture Priority AE) or M mode (Manual Exposure).

* How to use the “Preset Aperture Control” function?

1) Camera Body Setting
      AF Mode → Video Mode ('A' or 'M' mode) → Set the Aperture @F1.8
(2) Lens Setting
      Switch your "Custom Switch” to “Mode 2(M2)"
(3) Now, you're ready to use the Preset Aperture Control function with your focus ring

[What is Dolly Shot? How to shoot easily]

[What is Dolly shot?]

A dolly shot, also referred to as a tracking shot or trucking shot, is a camera movement technique used by cinematographers to track and follow a subject in motion. To achieve this, the camera is mounted on a device called a "dolly," which facilitates smooth tracking movement. The dolly can move in front of, behind, or alongside the subject, which can be a person, a location, a product, or any other object of focus in the frame. Through this, you can control the emotional distance between the subject and the viewer by highlighting the audiovisual and dramatic effects.

[How to take a Dolly Shot simply by handheld]

Tip. If the moving distance is long, the camera may shake, so please shoot at a focal length between 35 and 100mm.
1. Stand at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject.
2. Set the custom switch to MF and Mode 3 and adjust the focal length to about 100mm.
3. After focusing on the subject, set the aperture to F8~16.
4. Slowly turn the zoom ring to the left (towards the wide-angle end) while using your upper body and arms to move the camera toward your subject.
5. Dolly Shot complete!
※ When shooting from a farther distance from the subject, use a cart or gimbal for more stable shooting.

DSLR / Full Frame
1D X Mark Ⅱ
1D X
1Ds Mark Ⅲ
1Ds
5DsR
5Ds
5D Mark Ⅳ
5D Mark Ⅲ
6D Mark Ⅱ
6D
DSLR / APS-H
1D Mark Ⅲ
1D
Mirrorless / APS-C
M6
M5
M10
M3
M2
DSLR / APS-S
7D Mark Ⅱ
7D
80D
70D
60D
30D
D60
D30
77D (9000D)
760D (8000D / Rebel T6s)
1300D (Kiss X80 / Rebel T6)
1200D (Kiss X70 / Rebel T5)
200D (Kiss X9 / Rebel SL2)
800D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
700D (Kiss X9i / Rebel T7i)
100D (Kiss X7 / Rebel SL1)
650D (Kiss X6i / Rebel T4i)
600D (Kiss X5 / Rebel T3i)
550D (Kiss X4 / Rebel T2i)
500D (Kiss X3 / Rebel T1i)
1000D (Kiss F / Rebel XS)
450D (Kiss X2 / Rebel X냐)
DSLR / Full Frame
D850
D5
D810A
D4S
D810
D750
Df
D610
D4
D800
D800E
D600
D3s
D3x
D700
D3
DSLR / APS-C
D7500
D3400
D500
D5600
D7200
D5500
D3300
D7100
D5300
D5200
D7000
D300s
D300
DSLR / Full Frame
Z6
Z7
D810A
D4S
D750
D810A
DSLR / APS-C
D7200
D500
D3300
D5500
D5600
D3400
D7500

* Cameras released within 5 years from 2019 are tested.

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