So I've had my Rokinon 8mm for about a week and its just simply awesome. For a manual shooter like myself it is truly a dream lens at a more than affordable price. A MUST have for any serious photographer.
CallmeMat Rokinon is an excellent brand. IMHO they produce great images and boast a better quality build than Canon lenses with the exception of the L series lenses.
Excellent review, Darren. I was looking for answers regarding focus. I initially thought focus was broken due to the fact that I could not see any differences in the viewfinder as I experimented with focus. Your tip to use the live view and zoom is great. I was also confused by the fact that the manual refers to the aperture adjustment as a 'brightness control'. I had this label so stuck in my head that I didn't realize it was just an aperture control. Your review is spot on, professional and a joy to watch. Thanks
Rokinon! I started out, 37 years ago with a Rokinon 80-200 and 28mm prime. Thanks for the review. I just started investigation today into a less than 10mm lens for D750.
You don't need auto focus on a fisheye and you can always stop down to the mid point and use auto ISO to give you a few stops of exposure range for video. If the footage gets grainy, just de-noise it using Neat Image (it works really well)
Thank you for mentioning the fact that the lack of auto focus takes us back to the days where we actually had to think of the shot. Digital although convenient takes away from the skill and understanding and knowing your tools. Skill is something that digital sacrifices for modern photographers that never shot film. BTW to ensure accurate focus your should focus with and AF lens and adjust the diopter. If you know your Rx in your dominant eye then adjusting the diopter should be even easier. Great review!
No need to use manual exposure unless you want to. For auto-exposure I just set my camera to aperture priority and the lens f-stop to whatever is appropriate. But my Canon 80D does tend to overexpose about 1 stop, which I can fix either by setting the camera to underexpose, or correcting in post-processing. I also find that the images "de-fish" nicely in post processing.
- Another solid review. Until today, I'd never heard of Rokinon and only recently got my own DSLR instead of borrowing or using a compact. Although I've been interested in photography & film making for a number of years, the cost of equipment has made it one of those "i'll buy one eventually and then life happens" scenarios. Now with product lines like this and the cost of decent DSLR's becoming more affordable, I can finally indulge and invest in some brilliant lenses for a fraction of the cost. - Your video reviews are making choosing which brand pretty straight forward! THANKS!
HI Darren, received my rokinon yesterday and I'm positive surprised - I expected more 'trade Offs' at this low Price but the results are good and the handling quite easy - so I'M looking Forward taking some Pictures in Grey autumn Germany this weekend ;)
Thank you so much for the review. It seems like an excellent deal to capture those moments when you wished you had a wide lens. I always control my DSLR in manual mode, so this lens would be no issue at all for landscapes.
You can't go wrong with Rokinon/Samyang/Bower/ . . . I've got 5 of them spread out between E-mount and F-Mount and I have yet to get a bad one. I embraced the LCD eyepiece solution and live view a while back for my 24mm TS lens and it works very well (bring extra batteries). Fortunately, my Sony EA50 has focus peaking which my Nikon lacks. I think I'll get the 8mm. The price is sure right.
Great video Darren....I've already got two Samyang / Rokinon lenses and they're certainly great value for money and top quality. FYI for Nikon users.......the Nikon version of this lens comes with full AE control, although the focus is still manual.
Hi Darren - I own a small photography studio from my home here in Oxnard, CA. Thought your review was excellent! You covered everything I wanted to hear. I just ordered the Bower version from B&H. I had mixed feelings, I'm using it more for fun and some creativity. Thanks, once again, GREAT job!! Keith
First of all, thank you for bringing up such a great review Darren. But what more I'd like to know is that can I use this lens for my 360 degree panorama to stitch them as a spherical panorama?
I use this Rokinon on a Nikon D90. Mine is the CS-II with the detachable lens hood. I get an FEE error on my cam if the lens aperture ring isn't set at 22. But the reason I am posting is that the lens focus doesn't do anything. Is there some AF conflict on my camera? I get a lot of great pics, but also a lot of blurry ones like you mentioned.
Darren Miles Thanks for the great video. I am thinking of buying a Canon EOS M with this lens for making long timelapse videos (2 weeks). Does the aperture priority work with this camera? Do you think it is good enough for making timelapse?
Once this lens is stopped down to f8-f22, everything within about 10” to infinity will be in focus. At f5.6, it sharpens up a good deal, but there’s still a depth of field concern, but it is nowhere near what happens at f8 and beyond. One basically never has to touch a thing to focus. It’s kind of useless at 3.5, but you can get some cool shots. The sweet spots are f8-f16, and with all that glass, you’ll be in that range most of the time anyway.
Great video! What are your thoughts on the Altura 8mm f/3 vs Rokinon 8mm f/3.5? Very similar price point and a touch faster Altura but wanted your opinion about quality, construct, clarity, etc. Thanks in advance if you can help me! (My goal is fun photography but also attempting Milky Way astrophotography on a tight budget. )
Hello! Very good video I have an 8mm rokinon. Supposedly it has an autofocus chip ... do you have to configure something in the camera? I have a nikon D7100 with focus motor, but I can not make it work. Thanks for any comment from now.
hi darren. great review and that was some awesome footage with this lens. a lot of it looked rectilinear. did you straighten it out in post processing?
Great video, very comprehensive and well shot. What lens did you use to film, by the way? Also, I'm on the verge of getting this lens. Since there is no electronic communication between the camera and the lens, that means no EXIF data as well? What about that thing in the viewfinder that measures the exposure of your shot?
Thank you for your comment! No EXIF data whatsoever, however, the camera will still make an accurate guess about exposure based on how much light is hitting the sensor. E.g. if you put it in aperture mode, it'll still meter and expose properly based on the amount of light that makes it to the sensor. A little trial and error will get you the results you need/want.
Darren Miles Hi! So remember me? I JUST got the 8mm and I am shocked! Absolutely shocked about how wide this lens really is. It's insane! So far I love everything about this lens. Your video ultimately led me to buying this lens and I thank you for it ;) By the way, turns out I'm able to take shots with EXIF data, such as focal length, aperture, ISO and etc. Great lens.
You truly have the best reviews. I was wondering what you thought would be a better deal between this lens or the more recently released Canon 10-18mm? Thanks
Thank you! Between the two of them, I'd probably go with the 10-18. More versatile, cost about the same, not as wide, but not nearly as distorted either.
HI Darren.......great review and I was wondering if you would give me some advice for settings. I'm still learning photography and I own a Canon 60D. I plan on shooting 360 panorama's with this, mostly indoor for real-estate listings making a virtual tour. I've seen a few things where they say to simply put set it at f8 and infinity, but what settings on my camera should I do to match it up properly and get sharp photos for my intended use?
Chip, depends on the lighting in the room - f/8 & infinity would probably be fine in most cases - therefore either set your camera to manual and check your light meter to see how long you need to keep the shutter open for a proper exposure or aperture priority and let the camera figure it out... You should get great results.
Hi Darren. I want this lens for 360 Panorama photography. I use a Nikon D7100 body. I shoot everything on manual with all my lenses. I usually mount my camera on a tripod and set my camera on f11, ISO 100, Manual WB and adjust the exposure with the shutter speed. Will I be able to get an exposure reading in the camera without a handheld light meter with this lens?
I just recently bought Rokinon 14 mm T3.1 lens. Is vignetting a normal thing in that lens or I have got a broken lens? It looks really unprofessional with vignetting. I am using this lens with Sony A7s. Please help me.
It's a manfrotto - my advice is get the most stable tripod you can afford, you won't realize how important stability is until you use a tripod that isn't....
I've used the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 and the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 for astrophotography, and am pleased with the results...... I did ruin one dropping it, and had to purchase a new one. :/
hey great video! i'm looking for the best lens for my nikon D3100... i will love to record high quality video like yours in this review... Which lens did you use to record this video? and what do you recommend that is not too expensive. somebody recommended a 55mm lens but i'm not sure exactly which one is that.
Hey Darren, great video! i want to do some vlog's on a vacation and i dont really know if i should buy this one or the 10-18mm STM by canon.. i use the 700d so actually the stm technology is good for it but with the rokinon i have a much wider view. i'm really confused haha, what's your opinion? and is there any affordable lens that isn't full manual? Greetings from Germany :D
They cost about the same, and for versatility sake, I'd probably get the 10-18, works great with the 70D and the STM focus is really quiet. As cool as the Fisheye is - and it is - I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for a vacation. So my rec would be the 10-18. Danke Shun!
I bought this lens for my Nikon D3200. Has anyone ever had an error message saying "lock lens aperture ring at minimum aperture"? I keep getting this in every mode M, S, A, P and Auto. I can take picture at the aperture setting of f22 but non higher than that. I understand this is a manual lens so why isn't the camera letting me adjust the aperture manually thru the body? Is my lens broken?
Thanks for video Darren. I've a question for you :) : What is the difference between FE8M-C and HD8M-C models ? I guess HD8M-C is a new model, but what are the cons/pros? I know the aperture ring is not clicking on HD model...
Truthfully, I didn't know there were multiple versions of this lens. My review was the hd version, I did some research and I came up with this - The hd version is newer, has "better" glass and a removable lens hood. The colors are different too - red markings versus gold. I have to say, even though there are no electronics, the glass contained within is really, really good!!!
Darren Miles The gold one's code is FE8M-c (old), and red one is HD8M-c, I tried the gold one (which was Samyang but they were produced by same factory/brand and they are same lenses) and according to price/performance I love the lens. Users of the new ones, generally says "it is better than old one".
Hi Darren,,,,Have you had a chance to try the Rokinon 12mm full frame fisheye...I was wondering how it stacks up to this version. Thanks....Philip (from NJ)....
Darren Miles I heard it's a great full frame fisheye and a lot less cost then a Canon..I'll check back and send Rokinon the postage to mail it to you....Hope they respond soon...Philip
The lens is completely analog, or pass any digital information to the camera, like save on photo EXIF information about 'lens model' or 'aperture value' ?
+Darren Miles Thanks for your answer .Now I know what you say about the edges , after check some reviews . Just want to know about quality and sharpnes of this optic using the same in Fx camera format. Best regards.
Btw: firstly there's a few tutorials in the web how to cut off the lens hood, so that it gives a bigger, circular angle on FX, and secondly there's a newer version of this lens out, called CS II DH (for detachable hood) where you can take the lens hood off as on most other lenses. Even the price is the same as the earlier version Darren reviewed here.
Super nice review! I've been wanting a fisheye for a while already but man are they pricey. This Rokinon fisheye has really caught my eye & it will go easy on my wallet. I've done a lot of research on it & I'm convinced on it especially after your review. However, I've only been shooting film & I cannot find any reviews for this lens on a Canon SLR camera. Any idea how images with this lens come out on film? Also, what camera is that Canon that's featured in your video, looks like a point & shoot. Thanks again for your video, super helpful & you have gained a subscriber!
Thank you very much! It's a great little lens and a great deal, that said, I have not used this with a film camera. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't all of Canon's film SLR camera's 35mm? If that's the case, keep in mind this lens is for cropped sensor cameras, meaning the image circle is smaller than 35mm, and you may get huge swaths of blackness around the edges of the frame...
Hello, i am looking for a fisheye for my canon 70d, i keep coming back to the Rokinon, im mostly using it for skateboard video, so i would need as wide of a field of view as possible, 180 instead of the 167. Also auto focus would help since i wont be able to control that while the camera is low to the ground, and the skater is at varying distances.
Hey Darren great review. I just recently bought this lens and use it for my Canon 5D Mark II. When I take photos with it, it has a black circle around the image without the hood attached, and a black square around the image when the hood is attached. I understand that this is because of the full frame sensor, so is there any way to take a photo with my 5D without having these around the images? If not, any tips on how to crop the images in post editing such as photo shop WITHOUT sacrificing too much of the image data? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks buddy
The only advice I can offer is to buy a crop sensor canon camera like a rebel, 70D or 7D, as this lens was designed to fit on a much smaller sensor found in those cameras.
this is also my question! I bought a Canon 6D camera and had to dispense with all my lenses, and I can't find 6D compatible lenses, I already regret buying this camera!
Hey! I was wondering if I buy a used one with a nikon mount, and buy an adapter for my canon 550d, would all the functions work just as well as they would with a nikon?
I am a 14 year old amateur skate photographer. I have a canon eos rebel xs. I want a fisheye lens to get better shots. Is this one good. Any other recommendations?
+Braden Faulkenberry For those purposes, I think you'll be fine... I would suggest using it in good light, set the aperture to f/5.6 and the focus close to infinity for best results...
Hey Darren or anyone listening.. I'm using a nikon d5100 looking for a new lens anyone have advice on what lens i should look for? i have the base lens it comes with and the 55-200m
Great Review !! I have no doubt in my mind now that I am going with Rokinon 8mm for my Canon 70D. However, the only query I had is : I saw 2 newer Rokinon lenses in the 8mm category. (both with the red ring instead of the yellow which you reviewed). Both these newer lens say 'de-clicked' aperture in their description & one says 'Cine' lens. I wanted to know the difference Thanks!
Thanks Pankaj! If you check out my Rokinon 85mm t/1.5 Cine lens review, it explains the difference between a "normal lens" and a "Cine" lens. In general the optics are the same, but the "Cine" lenses have external gears that allow film makers to attach "follow focus" devices to them. Making them more useful for people who want to make films...
Mister Darren, would you recommend me to buy this lens for nightclub photography? I'm scared about not being able to focus properly on f3.5 (consider I have poor eyesight) :(
Examples of the lens in action starts at 5:06 You're welcome
thank you very much!!!!
looks like gopro pics lmao
So I've had my Rokinon 8mm for about a week and its just simply awesome. For a manual shooter like myself it is truly a dream lens at a more than affordable price. A MUST have for any serious photographer.
Is Rokinon a good brand? Compared to Canon, Nikon and other more famous brands?
CallmeMat Rokinon is an excellent brand. IMHO they produce great images and boast a better quality build than Canon lenses with the exception of the L series lenses.
Do u use it on aspc or full frame?
@@martinene3141 I use it on APS-C which is the correct term and not aspc
@@kreygscott thx u
Excellent review, Darren.
I was looking for answers regarding focus. I initially thought focus was broken due to the fact that I could not see any differences in the viewfinder as I experimented with focus. Your tip to use the live view and zoom is great.
I was also confused by the fact that the manual refers to the aperture adjustment as a 'brightness control'. I had this label so stuck in my head that I didn't realize it was just an aperture control.
Your review is spot on, professional and a joy to watch.
Thanks
Rokinon! I started out, 37 years ago with a Rokinon 80-200 and 28mm prime. Thanks for the review. I just started investigation today into a less than 10mm lens for D750.
I just picked one of these up for $180, mint used. I completely agree with you, f/8 is sharp and the value and build quality are phenomenal.
You don't need auto focus on a fisheye and you can always stop down to the mid point and use auto ISO to give you a few stops of exposure range for video. If the footage gets grainy, just de-noise it using Neat Image (it works really well)
Thank you for mentioning the fact that the lack of auto focus takes us back to the days where we actually had to think of the shot. Digital although convenient takes away from the skill and understanding and knowing your tools. Skill is something that digital sacrifices for modern photographers that never shot film. BTW to ensure accurate focus your should focus with and AF lens and adjust the diopter. If you know your Rx in your dominant eye then adjusting the diopter should be even easier. Great review!
No need to use manual exposure unless you want to. For auto-exposure I just set my camera to aperture priority and the lens f-stop to whatever is appropriate. But my Canon 80D does tend to overexpose about 1 stop, which I can fix either by setting the camera to underexpose, or correcting in post-processing. I also find that the images "de-fish" nicely in post processing.
the Rokinon 8mm for Nikon include chip for auto exposure as well so only focus is manual
It's the most used lens in skate parks. You can skate along holding a Canon tXi camera with this lens and never miss your friend's trick.
I have learned to love Manual focus
- Another solid review.
Until today, I'd never heard of Rokinon and only recently got my own DSLR instead of borrowing or using a compact. Although I've been interested in photography & film making for a number of years, the cost of equipment has made it one of those "i'll buy one eventually and then life happens" scenarios. Now with product lines like this and the cost of decent DSLR's becoming more affordable, I can finally indulge and invest in some brilliant lenses for a fraction of the cost. - Your video reviews are making choosing which brand pretty straight forward! THANKS!
Thank you again! Please be sure to use the links in the description when you buy your gear, it helps support this youtube channel! Thank you!!
You should do a review on the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8, I have one and I love it but I'd like to hear your thoughts on it
I have been thinking of purchasing this lens. I have decided to buy this lens after this great review of it.
HI Darren, received my rokinon yesterday and I'm positive surprised - I expected more 'trade Offs' at this low Price but the results are good and the handling quite easy - so I'M looking Forward taking some Pictures in Grey autumn Germany this weekend ;)
Thank you so much for the review. It seems like an excellent deal to capture those moments when you wished you had a wide lens. I always control my DSLR in manual mode, so this lens would be no issue at all for landscapes.
You can't go wrong with Rokinon/Samyang/Bower/ . . . I've got 5 of them spread out between E-mount and F-Mount and I have yet to get a bad one. I embraced the LCD eyepiece solution and live view a while back for my 24mm TS lens and it works very well (bring extra batteries). Fortunately, my Sony EA50 has focus peaking which my Nikon lacks. I think I'll get the 8mm. The price is sure right.
Great video Darren....I've already got two Samyang / Rokinon lenses and they're certainly great value for money and top quality. FYI for Nikon users.......the Nikon version of this lens comes with full AE control, although the focus is still manual.
Perfect review! Provided me with most of the information I needed to make my purchase. Thank you.
What a kind thing to say! Thank you very much!
Hi Darren -
I own a small photography studio from my home here in Oxnard, CA. Thought your review was excellent! You covered everything I wanted to hear. I just ordered the Bower version from B&H. I had mixed feelings, I'm using it more for fun and some creativity. Thanks, once again, GREAT job!! Keith
Thanks Keith, appreciate the kind words about the review! It's a GREAT deal for the money, enjoy!
First of all, thank you for bringing up such a great review Darren. But what more I'd like to know is that can I use this lens for my 360 degree panorama to stitch them as a spherical panorama?
That's quite a review Darren. Tremendous guidance. Thanks much...!!!
I use this Rokinon on a Nikon D90. Mine is the CS-II with the detachable lens hood. I get an FEE error on my cam if the lens aperture ring isn't set at 22. But the reason I am posting is that the lens focus doesn't do anything. Is there some AF conflict on my camera? I get a lot of great pics, but also a lot of blurry ones like you mentioned.
Darren Miles Thanks for the great video. I am thinking of buying a Canon EOS M with this lens for making long timelapse videos (2 weeks). Does the aperture priority work with this camera? Do you think it is good enough for making timelapse?
Once this lens is stopped down to f8-f22, everything within about 10” to infinity will be in focus. At f5.6, it sharpens up a good deal, but there’s still a depth of field concern, but it is nowhere near what happens at f8 and beyond. One basically never has to touch a thing to focus. It’s kind of useless at 3.5, but you can get some cool shots. The sweet spots are f8-f16, and with all that glass, you’ll be in that range most of the time anyway.
Is there any difference with the Rokinon 8mm Cine? besides the aperture control
Great review by the way! Thanks!
Great video! What are your thoughts on the Altura 8mm f/3 vs Rokinon 8mm f/3.5? Very similar price point and a touch faster Altura but wanted your opinion about quality, construct, clarity, etc. Thanks in advance if you can help me! (My goal is fun photography but also attempting Milky Way astrophotography on a tight budget. )
Hello! Very good video I have an 8mm rokinon. Supposedly it has an autofocus chip ... do you have to configure something in the camera? I have a nikon D7100 with focus motor, but I can not make it work. Thanks for any comment from now.
One of the better reviews! thank you.
Thanks! ...this is useful; but would you recommend this for a full frame body? What would be the best budget Fisheye lens for a Canon full frame body?
great review! This review helped me make up my mind. I'm buying tomorrow.
hi darren. great review and that was some awesome footage with this lens. a lot of it looked rectilinear. did you straighten it out in post processing?
Didn't touch it in post - virtually straight out of camera - some color correction, but that's it....
watched many vids on this lens and after this one iv decided, im buying one!
Arthur Leung Good deal! It's a great value!
thank you for the review! i like it! and since I learn to meter and do the fstops+shuter speed, an all manual lense is ok by me!
Another excellent video Darren. Thanks
Thanks David!
Very useful review. Lots of good information.
Thank you Juan!!
Great video, very comprehensive and well shot. What lens did you use to film, by the way?
Also, I'm on the verge of getting this lens. Since there is no electronic communication between the camera and the lens, that means no EXIF data as well? What about that thing in the viewfinder that measures the exposure of your shot?
Thank you for your comment! No EXIF data whatsoever, however, the camera will still make an accurate guess about exposure based on how much light is hitting the sensor. E.g. if you put it in aperture mode, it'll still meter and expose properly based on the amount of light that makes it to the sensor. A little trial and error will get you the results you need/want.
Darren Miles Hi! So remember me? I JUST got the 8mm and I am shocked! Absolutely shocked about how wide this lens really is. It's insane! So far I love everything about this lens. Your video ultimately led me to buying this lens and I thank you for it ;)
By the way, turns out I'm able to take shots with EXIF data, such as focal length, aperture, ISO and etc. Great lens.
Great!! Congrats!! I'm glad I could help in your decision making process!
You truly have the best reviews. I was wondering what you thought would be a better deal between this lens or the more recently released Canon 10-18mm? Thanks
Thank you! Between the two of them, I'd probably go with the 10-18. More versatile, cost about the same, not as wide, but not nearly as distorted either.
I was quite scared about my Lens not having af or not working with the body af motor...but ill keep it and work on it. Thank you
HI Darren.......great review and I was wondering if you would give me some advice for settings. I'm still learning photography and I own a Canon 60D. I plan on shooting 360 panorama's with this, mostly indoor for real-estate listings making a virtual tour. I've seen a few things where they say to simply put set it at f8 and infinity, but what settings on my camera should I do to match it up properly and get sharp photos for my intended use?
Chip, depends on the lighting in the room - f/8 & infinity would probably be fine in most cases - therefore either set your camera to manual and check your light meter to see how long you need to keep the shutter open for a proper exposure or aperture priority and let the camera figure it out... You should get great results.
Hi Darren. I want this lens for 360 Panorama photography. I use a Nikon D7100 body. I shoot everything on manual with all my lenses. I usually mount my camera on a tripod and set my camera on f11, ISO 100, Manual WB and adjust the exposure with the shutter speed. Will I be able to get an exposure reading in the camera without a handheld light meter with this lens?
Good review. i like it and i am going to buy this lens.
Great informative review, with just the right amount of silliness ("fishtortion" heheh!).
Love your reviews, man!
Thanks Carlito! Much appreciated!
I just recently bought Rokinon 14 mm T3.1 lens. Is vignetting a normal thing in that lens or I have got a broken lens? It looks really unprofessional with vignetting. I am using this lens with Sony A7s. Please help me.
Very excellent review. Thank you for providing. Very helpful.
Thank you!
Hi Darren!! Nice video!! I have an unrelated question. What type of tripod are using or what do you recommend?
It's a manfrotto - my advice is get the most stable tripod you can afford, you won't realize how important stability is until you use a tripod that isn't....
Can you confirm this lens will give a full spherical image on a full frame sensor or is it a little cropped?
Hi Darren! will this lens will work good on a Nikon D750...?.Thanks.
Is Rokinon a good brand? Compared to Canon, Nikon and other more famous brands?
I've used the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 and the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 for astrophotography, and am pleased with the results......
I did ruin one dropping it, and had to purchase a new one. :/
with f/8 you can reach focus from 1 meter to infinity. ( hyper focal distance).
Is it still usable at 3.5 for video and can it make at decently clear at that aperature? Great video by the way! :-)
RVKFilms If you use it at f/3.5, make sure you have a camera with focus peaking, the Canon bodies typically don't unless you use magic lantern...
what is the field of view of this lens on crop sensor? based on the specifications it should be 167 degree, but on your pictures its just like 100
Have you ever got a lense that the view angle itself is 100 degrees?
Fishstortion. I friggn lost it. Best review I've seen- will definitely be saving up for this.
Cacie - Thank you! It's a GREAT deal for the money.
amazing review
nice review I really want this lens for filming!
Thank you!
Excellent work. Good review.
hey great video! i'm looking for the best lens for my nikon D3100... i will love to record high quality video like yours in this review... Which lens did you use to record this video? and what do you recommend that is not too expensive. somebody recommended a 55mm lens but i'm not sure exactly which one is that.
If only there was some way online to instantly look up all the information one could need...
Hey Darren, great video! i want to do some vlog's on a vacation and i dont really know if i should buy this one or the 10-18mm STM by canon.. i use the 700d so actually the stm technology is good for it but with the rokinon i have a much wider view. i'm really confused haha, what's your opinion? and is there any affordable lens that isn't full manual?
Greetings from Germany :D
They cost about the same, and for versatility sake, I'd probably get the 10-18, works great with the 70D and the STM focus is really quiet. As cool as the Fisheye is - and it is - I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for a vacation. So my rec would be the 10-18. Danke Shun!
ok thanks! and is there a big difference of how much you can capture?
EPICTURES Yes! The fisheye is definitely wider, but the 10-18 is still more useful as the distortion from the fish eye can be unwieldy...
Hi Darren, is this the same lens as the Samyang 8mm HD?
Thanks!
What do you use to get those nice slow-moving panning video shots?
I bought this lens for my Nikon D3200. Has anyone ever had an error message saying "lock lens aperture ring at minimum aperture"? I keep getting this in every mode M, S, A, P and Auto. I can take picture at the aperture setting of f22 but non higher than that. I understand this is a manual lens so why isn't the camera letting me adjust the aperture manually thru the body? Is my lens broken?
GREAT review !!! Well done !!!
Astounding Review!!!! Well done!
Wow, thank you very much!
is it good for making HDRIs?
Is this lens compatible with Canon 6D full frame? how is the image? does the image have a vignette?
great review, thanks
Thanks for video Darren. I've a question for you :) : What is the difference between FE8M-C and HD8M-C models ? I guess HD8M-C is a new model, but what are the cons/pros? I know the aperture ring is not clicking on HD model...
Truthfully, I didn't know there were multiple versions of this lens. My review was the hd version, I did some research and I came up with this - The hd version is newer, has "better" glass and a removable lens hood. The colors are different too - red markings versus gold. I have to say, even though there are no electronics, the glass contained within is really, really good!!!
Darren Miles The gold one's code is FE8M-c (old), and red one is HD8M-c, I tried the gold one (which was Samyang but they were produced by same factory/brand and they are same lenses) and according to price/performance I love the lens. Users of the new ones, generally says "it is better than old one".
Great video and awesome review!
The Bass Legend Thank you!!
What about the 10mm from Rokinon? How does it stack up against 10-18 STM?
What camera did you use for the video shots? I have the Canon 7D.
super awesome review!
Thank you for sharing this was really helpful
Great review. Thanks.
Thank you!!
"nothing short of buttery" lol! awesome review bro
Thank you sir!
thank you Darren!!!
Hi Darren,,,,Have you had a chance to try the Rokinon 12mm full frame fisheye...I was wondering how it stacks up to this version. Thanks....Philip (from NJ)....
Uptown Photography Not yet! I reached out to Rokinon but they're not responding... Hmmmmm....
Darren Miles
I heard it's a great full frame fisheye and a lot less cost then a Canon..I'll check back and send Rokinon the postage to mail it to you....Hope they respond soon...Philip
The lens is completely analog, or pass any digital information to the camera, like save on photo EXIF information about 'lens model' or 'aperture value' ?
THanks for this video Mr. Darren . Have a question for you . Just want to know your apinion about use this lens on FX cameras . Regards
+Jose Paredes The lens is too small to cover the image circle around a full frame camera, so the edges of the frame would be pitch black...
+Darren Miles Thanks for your answer .Now I know what you say about the edges , after check some reviews . Just want to know about quality and sharpnes of this optic using the same in Fx camera format.
Best regards.
Btw: firstly there's a few tutorials in the web how to cut off the lens hood, so that it gives a bigger, circular angle on FX, and secondly there's a newer version of this lens out, called CS II DH (for detachable hood) where you can take the lens hood off as on most other lenses. Even the price is the same as the earlier version Darren reviewed here.
Super nice review! I've been wanting a fisheye for a while already but man are they pricey. This Rokinon fisheye has really caught my eye & it will go easy on my wallet. I've done a lot of research on it & I'm convinced on it especially after your review. However, I've only been shooting film & I cannot find any reviews for this lens on a Canon SLR camera. Any idea how images with this lens come out on film? Also, what camera is that Canon that's featured in your video, looks like a point & shoot. Thanks again for your video, super helpful & you have gained a subscriber!
Thank you very much! It's a great little lens and a great deal, that said, I have not used this with a film camera. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't all of Canon's film SLR camera's 35mm? If that's the case, keep in mind this lens is for cropped sensor cameras, meaning the image circle is smaller than 35mm, and you may get huge swaths of blackness around the edges of the frame...
Hello, i am looking for a fisheye for my canon 70d, i keep coming back to the Rokinon, im mostly using it for skateboard video, so i would need as wide of a field of view as possible, 180 instead of the 167. Also auto focus would help since i wont be able to control that while the camera is low to the ground, and the skater is at varying distances.
+Filmer Cruz Set it to f/5.6 and infinity and you'll be good enough for most situations.
Hey Darren great review. I just recently bought this lens and use it for my Canon 5D Mark II. When I take photos with it, it has a black circle around the image without the hood attached, and a black square around the image when the hood is attached. I understand that this is because of the full frame sensor, so is there any way to take a photo with my 5D without having these around the images? If not, any tips on how to crop the images in post editing such as photo shop WITHOUT sacrificing too much of the image data? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks buddy
The only advice I can offer is to buy a crop sensor canon camera like a rebel, 70D or 7D, as this lens was designed to fit on a much smaller sensor found in those cameras.
this is also my question! I bought a Canon 6D camera and had to dispense with all my lenses, and I can't find 6D compatible lenses, I already regret buying this camera!
Is this compatible with the canon EOS rebel t7i (800D)?
Good video...
Thanks for the review.cheers!
Thank you!
great review my friend
Great info! Thanks!
Would it fit on a Sony A7 iii?
Optecka or rokinon?
Hey! I was wondering if I buy a used one with a nikon mount, and buy an adapter for my canon 550d, would all the functions work just as well as they would with a nikon?
Ben, it's a dead lens, so it would work the same way, you'd figure out the focus and the aperture you need, and the camera will figure out the rest.
I am a 14 year old amateur skate photographer. I have a canon eos rebel xs. I want a fisheye lens to get better shots. Is this one good. Any other recommendations?
+Braden Faulkenberry For those purposes, I think you'll be fine... I would suggest using it in good light, set the aperture to f/5.6 and the focus close to infinity for best results...
+Darren Miles thanks! I'll probably pick this one up.
Hey Darren or anyone listening.. I'm using a nikon d5100 looking for a new lens anyone have advice on what lens i should look for? i have the base lens it comes with and the 55-200m
Can I use this one for 360 virtual tour? Thanks
Not sure, I haven't, I use the Ricoh Z1 for that.
auto focus and the lens talking to the camera is nice but the less electronics in the lens the less shit there is to break.
Indeed. I think Rokinon just announced that AF will be coming to their lenses soon...
What is the music playing during the video and stills testing?
Hey I was wondering if this would fit my Nikon d3100 or would I have to buy anextra adapter
Should work fine, just make sure you buy the Nikon version :-)
Great Review !! I have no doubt in my mind now that I am going with Rokinon 8mm for my Canon 70D.
However, the only query I had is : I saw 2 newer Rokinon lenses in the 8mm category. (both with the red ring instead of the yellow which you reviewed). Both these newer lens say 'de-clicked' aperture in their description & one says 'Cine' lens. I wanted to know the difference Thanks!
Thanks Pankaj!
If you check out my Rokinon 85mm t/1.5 Cine lens review, it explains the difference between a "normal lens" and a "Cine" lens. In general the optics are the same, but the "Cine" lenses have external gears that allow film makers to attach "follow focus" devices to them. Making them more useful for people who want to make films...
Darren Miles Thanks Darren ! I saw your review of cine lens. Its great too !!
is good as the altura photo 8mm?
Mister Darren, would you recommend me to buy this lens for nightclub photography? I'm scared about not being able to focus properly on f3.5 (consider I have poor eyesight) :(
+Florencia Carvajal Without AF.... hmmmmmm, that's a tuffy... Not sure that I would, do you really need a lens that wide?
I was wondering if you need to calibrate this lens? If so how. Thanks
No, it's manual focus - should be ready to go!
Recognize Brickell anywhere