Samyang 8 mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye review - Build quality

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Samyang 8 mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye

4 September 2012

Szymon Starczewski

3. Build quality

At first, let’s compare the parameters of the Samyang 8 mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye to those of its competitors, designed for sensors of the same size but used in reflex cameras. The following chart will make it easier. You can notice at once small parameters and low weight of the tested lens – the evident advantage of changing the system into a mirrorless one. Both Samyangs lag behind the rest when it comes to the minimum focus distance and the number of aperture blades for a change.

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.

Samyang 8 mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye - Build quality

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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.

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.