Samyang XP 14mm f/2.4 Review

We have been hearing the name of the Samyang’s wide and fast lens – 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC lens. And recently, Samyang has released this XP 14mm F2.4 and it’s always a good thing to know what makes it so special and does it worth the extra money?

By going through the specs, there are more elements and groups in this XP 14mm F2.4 lens while comparing with the 14mm F2.8 one (14 elements and 10groups), thus making the images sharper and less distorted. In terms of size (the diameter of the lens) and weight, this XP 14mm F2.4 lens is approximately 10% larger (95mm vs 87mm) and 40% heavier (791g and 550g) than the F2.8 one. However, the angle of view of the new XP 14mm F2.4 lens surprised me as it is narrower than the F2.8 one by 1.56∘. This decrement in angle of view might not be significant in numbers, however the differences will become obvious as if images are taken at the same spot. This XP lens still give you an ultra-wide image regardless. Just like the 14mm F2.8 lens, filters cannot be attached directly to the front of the lens.

By comparing the MTF graphs of these two lenses, it is obvious that the XP one has a higher value at both Sagittial and Meridonial end then the f/2.8 one, meaning both the centre and the corners of an image taken by XP 14mm f/2.4 are much sharper than the f2/.8 one.

No more technical and numbers and now we move on to actual field test. I visited USA in mid August and took some photos using this XP 14mm f/2.4 lens. Photos were taken in different scenarios, i.e. during daytime, macro and night time. Let the photos speak for themselves.

Macro: The focus is at the flowers

The center of the photo from above.

Maximise the utility of this ultra-wide angle lens

Bottom right corner from the photo above. This simply shows the sharpness of the lens at the corners.

Lowering the camera can feature a great amount of foreground and also the sky at the same time.

Tranquility - the advantage of this XP lens - f/2.4

The center of the photo from above. Both foreground and background are sharp at f/2.4.

The lens has a coverage of 114.12 degree, thus it's good for astrophotography with its large aperture.

Amazing composition is no longer a dream.

Stars are pinpoint sharp.

Top left corner of the photo above. Stars are pinpoint sharp.

To sum up, this Samyang XP 14mm f/2.4 is really a lens that you should chase after. The design of the lens itself is minimalist and elegant, the quality it gives is truly worth the money, especially you are interested in astrophotography. Also, no hassle and difficulties while focusing the stars at night, why? Simply turns the focus ring to the infinity end and there you go - focusing at “infinity” and pinpoint sharp stars.

For more information and specification, please refer to Samyang’s official website.

https://www.samyanglensglobal.com/product/detail.do?SQ=52