Samyang's popular ultra-wide manual focus prime — one of the best budget options for astrophotography.
The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is one of the most popular manual focus ultra-wide primes available. Released around 2010 and sold under multiple brand names including Rokinon and Bower, it covers a dramatic 114-degree field of view on full frame at a fraction of the cost of comparable autofocus alternatives. It has become a staple for astrophotography and landscape work.
Optical performance is very good for the price. Sharpness is impressive in the centre from f/2.8 and good across most of the frame by f/4. Coma control is surprisingly effective for astrophotography — point stars remain reasonably tight towards the corners. Mustache distortion is the main optical flaw, complex to correct but manageable with lens profiles in editing software.
Available in Nikon F and virtually every other mount including Canon EF, Sony E, Sony A, Pentax K, and Micro Four Thirds. The bulbous front element means no front filter thread. Weight is approximately 560 grams. Build quality is solid with a metal barrel. Manual focus only — no autofocus in any version. No electronics in most versions.
Very common and affordable on the used market. Check the front element carefully for scratches — the bulbous design is vulnerable. An outstanding value for astrophotography — the combination of 14mm, f/2.8, and good coma control at this price is hard to beat. The AF version and updated Samyang 14mm f/2.8 RF offer autofocus for those who need it.