Samyang 14mm F2.8 Full Frame Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Canon-EF Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Samyang 14mm F2.8 Full Frame Ultra Wide Angle Lens is designed to deliver exceptional optical performance for photographers seeking ultra-wide perspectives. This manual provides essential information for the proper use and maintenance of your lens. It is compatible with Canon DSLR cameras and is ideal for landscapes, architecture, astrophotography, and creative wide-angle compositions.

Key Features:

• Precision Optics: Constructed with hybrid aspherical and ultra multi-coated glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion.
• Versatile Wide Angle View: Approximately 115° angle of view, suitable for full-frame or APS-C cameras.
• Built-in AE Chip: Automatically communicates with Canon DSLR cameras for precise exposure metering.
• Manual Focus: Allows precise control over focus with a minimum focusing distance of 10.8 inches (28 cm).
• Durable Construction: Includes a petal-type lens hood and robust build for professional use.

2. What's in the Box

Please ensure all items are present upon unboxing:

• Samyang 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens
• Lens Hood (petal-type, integrated)
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Soft Lens Pouch
• Instruction Manual
• Warranty Card

3. Parts of the Lens

Familiarize yourself with the various components of your Samyang 14mm F2.8 lens.

Figure 1: Samyang 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens with its integrated petal-type lens hood.

Figure 2: Front view of the lens, highlighting the bulbous front element and integrated petal hood.

Figure 3: Rear view of the lens, showing the Canon EF mount and electronic contacts.

• Focus Ring: Located towards the front of the lens, used for manual focusing.
• Aperture Ring: Located closer to the camera body, used to manually set the aperture (f-stop).
• Lens Hood: Integrated petal-type hood to reduce flare and protect the front element.
• Front Element: The large, bulbous front glass element.
• Rear Mount: Canon EF mount with electronic contacts for communication with the camera body.

4. Setup

Attaching the Lens to Your Camera:

1. Ensure your camera is turned off.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the Samyang 14mm F2.8 lens and the body cap from your Canon DSLR camera.
3. Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the red dot on your camera's lens mount.
4. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.
5. Remove the front lens cap. Your lens is now ready for use.

Detaching the Lens:

1. Ensure your camera is turned off.
2. Press and hold the lens release button on your camera body.
3. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it detaches from the camera body.
4. Immediately attach the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens elements.

5. Operating the Lens

This is a manual focus lens with a manual aperture ring. Understanding its operation is key to achieving optimal results.

Manual Focus:

• Rotate the focus ring to adjust the focus. The focus distance scale (in feet and meters) is marked on the lens barrel.
• For precise focusing, especially with wide-angle lenses, it is recommended to use your camera's Live View mode with magnification. This allows for critical focus assessment.
• The minimum focusing distance is 10.8 inches (28 cm).

Manual Aperture Control:

• Rotate the aperture ring to select your desired f-stop. The aperture values (F2.8 to F22) are clearly marked.
• The aperture ring features distinct clicks for each f-stop, ensuring precise and consistent settings.

AE Chip Functionality:

• The built-in AE chip allows the lens to communicate with your Canon DSLR camera.
• This enables automatic exposure metering, ensuring your camera can correctly calculate exposure settings even with a manual lens.
• While the AE chip provides metering, focus and aperture must still be set manually on the lens.

6. Maintenance

Proper care will extend the life and performance of your lens.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a specialized lens cleaning solution to clean the glass elements. Avoid touching the glass directly with your fingers. Use a blower brush to remove dust before wiping.
• Storage: When not in use, always attach both front and rear lens caps. Store the lens in a cool, dry place, preferably in the provided soft pouch or a dedicated lens case, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts. Do not attempt to disassemble the lens, as this will void the warranty and may cause damage.

7. Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:

• Soft Images/Out of Focus: As a manual focus lens, precise focusing is crucial. Utilize your camera's Live View mode with magnification to achieve critical focus. Ensure the aperture is set appropriately for your desired depth of field.
• Image Distortion: Ultra-wide-angle lenses inherently exhibit some level of distortion. This can often be corrected in post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop using lens profiles.
• Lens Flare: While the integrated petal hood helps, strong light sources can still cause lens flare. Adjust your shooting angle or use your hand to shade the lens from direct light if necessary.
• Exposure Issues: Ensure your camera's metering mode is set correctly. The AE chip provides metering information, but manual adjustments to ISO, shutter speed, and aperture may still be required for optimal exposure.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

This product includes a warranty card. Please refer to the warranty card for detailed information regarding coverage, terms, and conditions. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact Samyang customer service through their official website or authorized distributors.