SAMYANG XP 14mm f/2.4

A premium manual-focus lens from Samyang’s ‘XP’ line of high-performance primes

Samyang is known for its well priced manual prime lenses, like the 10mm for crop-sensor cameras that we’re also covering this month. The XP range is something more exotic, consisting of five top-performance manualfocus lenses that have built-in electronics, similar to the Irix 15mm. The focal length of these two is also similar, the Samyang giving a wider 114-degree viewing angle on full-frame cameras, compared with the Irix’s 110 degrees.

The Samyang is smaller than the Irix, but heavier at 791g. Both lenses are heavier than Canon’s 16-35mm zoom on test. Part of the weight gain is due to the Samyang having three extra optical elements than the Irix, while matching it for aperture rating.

Build quality feels particularly solid, although the Samyang isn’t weathersealed. Handling is top, with a fluid feel to the action of the rubberised focus ring, which has a long travel that enables ace precision. The electronics enable aperture control from the camera, and illumination of the focus confirmation lamp in the viewfinder.

Performance

Centre-sharpness isn’t as good as from the Irix when shooting at the widest aperture, but sharpness across the entire frame and right into the corners is consistent. Stop down a little to f/4 or narrower apertures and sharpness becomes very good. Colour fringing is negligible, but barrel distortion can be a touch more noticeable than from the competing Irix.