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09-27-2013, 11:24 PM - 2 Likes   #1
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Bower 14mm f/2.8

I just finished a write up of the Bower 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC manual focus lens, (also sold as Rokinon & Samyang). In the lens testing board it is listed under the Samyang brand.
I am really impressed with the quality of the photos it produces at 14mm. This is the second copy I got from B&H. The first one had a de-centered lens and I returned it for an exchange. This second one is really good.
It is sharp from 2.8 up. For me it did have a learning curve. The lens is a 14mm, but on a Pentax you have to input the focal length manually, and the closest number is 15mm. So in the exif data it will indicate 15mm instead of 14mm.

The lens does have distance scale marks on it, but the marks were not even close. I read where some have loosen the screws that hold the scale and move it for a more correct location. I handled it differently. I first put a piece of masking tape over the distance scale. Then I set up a focusing chart and used a tripod with strong light I tethered the camera to my laptop for quicker review at full screen. Starting at the closest focusing of 11.02 inches (28cm) I started focusing and making marks on the tape. I did this again at 8 feet, 35 feet, and infinity. I intend to use the hyperfocal distance.with the lens. With the distance marks I applied I can set the lens up even in poor light and know it will focus accurately.

The following photos are taken with the Bower 14mm lens with a Pentax K-5 II mounted on a tripod. The photos were taken in raw and processed in Lightroom 4.
The actual album is located at http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/p288618110.








Last edited by Wingincamera; 09-27-2013 at 11:28 PM. Reason: add url
09-27-2013, 11:42 PM   #2
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The train at sunset is absolutely stunning.
09-28-2013, 02:55 AM   #3
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Third shot is fantastic, thumbs up!
09-28-2013, 08:09 AM   #4
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Beautiful shots. I new that was Washington State before I saw that you are from Spanaway. I live in Lynnwood!

09-28-2013, 12:09 PM   #5
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Thank you all for the comments, and SashasMom I lived in Lynnwood for about 20 years, worked there for 28 years before retiring. Small world huh?
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