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Samyang 14mm performance

LennyBloke
Posted 21/08/2020 - 11:36 Link
I've bought a Samyang 14mm f2.8 lens to assess how it compares to the Pentax 15-30 (at the wide end of course) as I'm increasingly finding I leave the Pentax at home due to its bulk. It's certainly smaller and lighter, but it does of course have that huge, bulbous front element - so a downside would be working out a filter set-up for it. A quick wander around yesterday shows (to me) that it's no slouch in IQ and the flare resistance is pretty impressive too....

Garden Greenery
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Flower and Flare
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Greenhouse through the Apple Tree
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Malvern Priory
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Clouds and Car Park
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Not sure whether to hang onto it or not (I wouldn't sell the Pentax 15-30 because of its flexibility)

LennyBloke
Nigelk
Posted 21/08/2020 - 12:00 Link
If you are more likely to pick it up and take it with you then I'd think it's a keeper
ilovesaabs
Posted 23/08/2020 - 15:11 Link
I have it in the Nikkor fit, already having the 15-30 in K-mount but only 16-35 in F-mount so I thought the Nikon version would get more use...

Verdict is out, I guess that is down to operator rather than aparatus.
AKA Welshwizard/PWynneJ
Assorted Pentax/Nikon/Mamiya stuff
Chrism8
Posted 23/08/2020 - 17:23 Link
I've one in the pk mount, use it occasionally and the IQ is pretty good,perhaps should use it more
Chris

www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk

" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".

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K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8

Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2

K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
stub
Posted 23/08/2020 - 18:09 Link
Really nice images. The Sunflower being my favourite. I considered the Samyang when I first got my K1. But with my dodgy eyesight, and it's manual focus. Thought I'd better purchase the 15-30. So I cant compare them never having owned the Samyang. But Looking again at your pics I dont think I can't remember taking anything better, with my 15-30..! So when you consider the cost difference and weight difference it makes you wonder. Like your comment says with the bulbous lens the filter situation is really frustrating. When the expensive range I already own cant be attached. I have been known to resort to Sigma 10 - 20 in crop mode just to get the real wide angles. Using a filter. Ok I'll stand in the corner...
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
LennyBloke
Posted 23/08/2020 - 20:00 Link
Thanks for all the comments - I think the biggest part of the problem is that I didn't expect the Samyang to be quite so good, as Stub suggests I don't think the Pentax 15-30 would stand head and shoulders above it

For flexibility the Pentax wins, for a significant reduction in size and weight the Samyang wins.
I have a Filter set-up for the Pentax, to get one for the Samyang would cost me.
I could of course keep both - but I have been reasonably successful in reducing the duplication of focal lengths recently, so one will go
LennyBloke
stub
Posted 24/08/2020 - 06:28 Link
Could I just enquire what filter system are you using for the 15-30...? Are you using 150mm filters....?
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
LennyBloke
Posted 24/08/2020 - 10:48 Link
stub wrote:
Could I just enquire what filter system are you using for the 15-30...? Are you using 150mm filters....?

Yes - I'm using 150mm filters (mainly Lee) - currently on my second Haida filter holder for the Tamron/Pentax 15-30 (I stepped on the first one ) - but I might move over to Lee SW150 at some point as I've just got a Lee adapter that allows me to use my 100mm system filter rings on the SW150 holder (I think it does at least!) .
LennyBloke
Gwyn
Posted 24/08/2020 - 14:36 Link
I have one, but don't use it enough clearly. I got it mainly for astro, but need to get out with it in the day too!
The sunflower shot is my favourite but they are all making me want to use mine now .

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