Samyang 8 mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye
3. Build quality
Comparing the dimensions of the Samyang 2.8/8 to one of its full frame equivalents is also an interesting thing; it’s enough you glance at a photo below, where the tested lens is positioned next to the Zenitar 2.8/16.
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The lens starts with a metal mount without any contacts – it means a body won’t be given any information about the aperture and the focal length of the lens. The rear element, 8 millimeters in diameter, is immobile. It is a quite interesting fact, especially when compared to the Samyang 3.5/7.5, in which that element was mobile and by 2 mm larger. As the front element doesn’t move during focusing as well, the lens makes an impression of a completely sealed construction, well protected against dust and dirt.
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The first element of the casing itself is an aperture ring. It is ribbed and 8 mm wide. Its work is well-damped, allowing you to change the aperture every 0.5 EV step.
The next fragment of the casing consists of a narrow, metal ring painted red which divides the manual aperture ring and a manual focus ring. That later is 14 mm wide, also ribbed and made of metal. There is a distance scale on it, expressed in feet and meters, but you would look for a depth of field scale in vain – a pity as it would be a very useful addition. Running through the whole scale needs a turn of the ring through about 120 degrees. Its work is even, smooth and well-damped.
The lens ends with a built-in petal-type hood made of plastics. Inside it you can also find a black fragment of the casing on which there is an inscription with the name and the parameters of the lens. It surround a convex front element, 42 mm in diameter.
When it comes to the mechanics the Samyang 8 mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye makes a better impression than the Samyang 8 mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fisheye, designed for SLR cameras.

The inner construction consists of 10 elements positioned in 8 groups. The producer mentions one aspherical element and two made of low dispersion ED glass. Inside you can also find an aperture with six diaphragm blades which can be closed to f/22.
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Buyers get both caps and a soft pouch in the box.
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