UV filters test - supplement
8. Samyang HMC UV 72 mm
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The Korean Samyang company has been known so far mainly for its cheap manual telephoto lenses, both mirror and all- glass (catadioptric and refracting). Recently, though, the manufacturer has enlarged its offer, adding two lenses: a Samyang 85 mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF and a Samyang 8 mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fish-eye and an UV filter, tested here, in diameter size ranged from 52 to 77 mm.
Test result
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Mean transmission of ultraviolet light 18.1% - Score: 3/10
Mean transmission of visible spectrum light 99.0% - Score: 10/10 Score:
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With filter
Corner - Score: 4/5
Frame centre - Score: 5/5 Frame edge - Score: 5/5 Score:
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 Edge darkening 0.2% Score: |
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Without reservations
Score:
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Summary:
The filter’s score is 37/45 points (82.2%).Taking into account the previous ranking and omitting the homogeneity score, which wasn’t tested before, the Samyang would be 5th in the overall ranking, together with a B+W 72 mm 010M UV-Haze MRC Slim and a Marumi 72 mm MC UV, which are several times more expensive.
The first thing that draws your attention when you hold this filter in your hand are anti-reflex coatings –they are probably the same as in a 85/1.4 lens of the same producer. The filter’s surface was rather difficult to clean and its ring is a bit too loose (the glass moves slightly inside it) so it indicates that Samyang still has to improve its quality control.
The visible spectrum transmission is excellent, almost close to ideal; unfortunately, the UV transmission is not as good – the 18% result is nothing to be proud of. Samyang’s score is very good but it lost points in the most important category for an UV filter. Taking into account its advantageous price and lack of picture degradation it is a perfect choice as a lens protector. Those, however, who are looking for a real UV filter (which would cut off the UV radiation) should consider buying something else.
The filter was lent courtesy of the Foto-Tip company.
