[colonel00]

So I've been scouring the forums all day long. Currently there is a deal running on the Samyang 14mm f2.8 on Amazon and at B&H for $279. This seems to be a pretty good deal. I had been eyeing the 16mm f2.0 for reasons people often post (faster, can take filters, slightly sharper, etc.) but this deal really has me itching. I'm looking to use the lens for astrophotography and nightscapes along with some landscape stuff. I really liked this shot but I think a little wider and it would have captured even more of the colors along the road.



I don't know that the filter thing will really matter to me but it might be nice on rare occasions to be able to use a CP or ND for water(falls) or capturing underwater objects. Below is an example of that I mean. I used my 18-135 with a CP on this one. However, I just don't know if that should be the deal breaker on the 14mm as I rarely use the CP I have now for the 18-135. Plus, picking up another filter will only add to the extra cost of the 16mm versus this deal on the 14mm.



Anyway, am I overthinking this whole thing and should just pull the trigger on the 14mm? For the price, it seems like the smarter option to get into some stars, milky way and aurora. Sorry to beat this up again but I just can't make up my mind.

[Dlanor Sekao]

I say GET IT ! I have it and glad I do...... and though its a hard little beast with a steep learning curve......when You need it....well...You need it !
Common knowledge says check it for decentering and adjust the infinity hard stop to its correct position......all of them are anywhere from a bit off to wayyyy off.

[colonel00]

I say GET IT ! I have it and glad I do...... and though its a hard little beast with a steep learning curve......when You need it....well...You need it !
Common knowledge says check it for decentering and adjust the infinity hard stop to its correct position......all of them are anywhere from a bit off to wayyyy off.

Thanks for the reply. I've definitely read plenty about the infinity stop and decentering.

[6BQ5]

The 14mm is a FF lens whereas the 16mm is a APS lens. I don't know if that matters much to you.

The 14mm seems to get higher resolution scores but everyone says the distortion is pretty intense. Maybe it's not too noticeable depending on what you are photographing. You could probably correct for this in post processing at the expense of some field of view and you'll be right back to 16-18mm worth of wide angle joy. But, if you don't need the correction then you can enjoy whatever 14mm will offer you.

[excanonfd]

The Samyang 14/2.8 has resolutions' characteristics of a flat field lens like my Tamron 90/2.8 Macro, it's quite phenomenal how Samyang was able to get such great edge sharpness on an UWA lens. It leaves Pentax DA 14/2.8 in the dust. As for the prominent barrel distortion, you will never notice it with the landscape shots like that you've posted above. I don't think you will ever regret buying the Samyang 14/2.8.

[Imp]

how about compared to the Pentax 15mm ltd?

[clackers]

. I don't think you will ever regret buying the Samyang 14/2.8.

It's such good value:

[grispie]

I used my 18-135 with a CP on this one

If you have 18mm available for when you want to use a cpl or nd, just go for the wider 14mm..
I have a da 15 & i wouldn't mind it to go a bit wider.
my take

[Nitrogliserin]

Samyang 14mm is one of the best option for price/quality/performance on the market, especially for pentax since UWA options are very limited for us.

I use it mostly for landscape and northern lights. You can view some samples from my website.

Northern Lights - Yigit Yuksel | Photography

[clackers]

Samyang 14mm is one of the best option for price/quality/performance on the market, especially for pentax since UWA options are very limited for us.

With the Pentax 12-24, 10-17, Sigma 8-16, Sigma and Tamron 10-20, DA14, DA15, M20, DA21and the Samyangs there must be one that suits!

[Nitrogliserin]

With the Pentax 12-24, 10-17, Sigma 8-16, Sigma and Tamron 10-20, DA14, DA15, M20, DA21and the Samyangs there must be one that suits!

Not much if you look for a fast lens. Only DA14 is 2.8 above. For astrophotography you'll need a fast lens. f3.5 and 2.8 have huge difference when you are shooting Northern Lights.

[csa]

I'm also looking for a wider lens. I'm debating between the DA14 F2.8 or the DA* 16-50 F2.8. and the Samyang 14 or 16. I'm concerned with the reports of the Samyang's decentering & infinity problems, as I don't have the ability to address these issues. Is this concern valid for me?

[colonel00]

Thanks for all of the replies so far. I guess the one thing that still has me hesitating is the simple question of: Is f2.8 "fast enough"? From everything I'm seeing, people get great results at f2.8 so I think I'll be fine.

[Nitrogliserin]

I'm also looking for a wider lens. I'm debating between the DA14 F2.8 or the DA* 16-50 F2.8. and the Samyang 14 or 16. I'm concerned with the reports of the Samyang's decentering & infinity problems, as I don't have the ability to address these issues. Is this concern valid for me?

Infinity is not a problem. The problem is the focus ring alignment for infinity mark but you can easily adjust it with some touch.

Here is the test I did;

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/257504-s...mple-test.html

Here is the tutorial video where you can easily adjust the ring

You Tube

You Tube

@colonel00 f2.8 is fast enough. One of the best thing of samyang 14mm is there is no coma at all.

Usually sammy 14mm is a very sharp lens but some of the products are not sharp at all. If you encounter any of those lens be sure to ask for replacement. Perhaps they resolved this issue now. I bought mine 2 years ago.

[csa]

Thanks for a great "how to"; I'm sure others as well as I appreciate it!