Pentax 14mm F2.8 vs Rokinon 14mm F2.8

In the course of this review, we had no preconceived notions of which lens would be better. In fact, the Pentax DA 14mm was expected to make a better showing than the unknown. The results were therefore totally unexpected. The conclusion that we came to was that the Pentax DA 14mm did everything it was designed to do. The overall construction is up to the standards that are highly valued by Pentax users. Unfortunately, the optical design was flawed from the beginning, but the lens is still perfectly suitable for everyday shooting.

So, which is the better lens: the Pentax DA 14mm F2.8 or the Rokinon 14mm F2.8? If want the best overall fast 14mm and you don’t mind a manual lens, then we believe the Rokinon 14mm is the better choice- plus, it's much more affordable.  However, the Pentax lens is more versatile, as it supports filters and has autofocus, so ultimately it comes down to your own needs and preference.  In general, however, we can recommend the Pentax 15mm F4 limited over the Pentax 14mm F2.8, as the 15mm is not only smaller and sharper, but also approximately $200 cheaper.  Read our review of the Pentax 15mm F4 Limited here.

Pentax DA 14mm F2.8 Summary

The DA 14mm is a well-built lens that produces good images if stopped down. The lens handles well and has minimal distortion. If you’re not a pixel peeper, then the lens is adequately-sharp in most situations, but has trouble wide-open.  While sharpness is not its best aspect, the lens is still well-suited for landscapes and architecture photography.

Pros

• Well-built
• Removable lens hood
• Autofocus
• Quick-shift focus
• Minimal barrel distortion

Cons

• Noticeable vignetting
• Some chromatic aberration
• High cost
• Excess focus field curvature
• Not sharp wide-open

Rokinon 14mm F2.8 Summary

The Rokinon 14mm is a well-constructed lens that produces very good images. The lens is a manual focus lens with some distortion and is prone to lens flare. The lens is suitable for landscapes and architectural interior shots, if you correct the distortion.

Pros

• Well-built
• Sharp wide open
• Integrated lens hood
• Minimal vignetting and chromatic aberrations
• Full frame lens
• Good quality to value ratio

Cons

• Does not accept filters
• No autofocus
• Significant distortion
• Prone to flare

Rating

Do you own either lens?  Post your own review in our Pentax lens database or third-party lens database!