Yongnuo YN 14mm f/2.8N Super Wide-Angle Fixed Focus Lens Autofocus for Nikon F-mount Digital SLR Cameras
SKU: GW21.0005
Exactly what I was looking for, a light, bright UWW to be able to photograph stars. Otherwise, the wide-angle range is covered several times for me (Nikon 16-35, Nikon 20mm/1.8, Sigma 12-24mm second version). So I ordered it and tried it out, I got hold of one from a Dutch retailer via Amazon in September, even with a 5-year guarantee after registration. My test setup in the basement, a wall unit with a test panel in the middle and one in each corner. I had already tested other lenses with it and discovered weaknesses (slightly muddy corners due to decentering) that I had not noticed in everyday life. In any case, the surprise, the K&F Concept already shows almost the same sharpness in all corners as in the middle at an aperture of 2.8! The further stopping down mainly brings an improvement in vignetting, from f4 this is almost non-existent (there is currently no lens profile for the Nikon version). For this test, the camera (D800) was of course placed on a tripod and aligned with the virtual horizon. The parallelism to the wall was checked with a meter stick and an auxiliary ruler. The so-called glacier fracture test no longer works with the extreme focal length, since the corners warp due to the tilt of the camera when panning (physically caused). Enough theory, the moment of truth came in the Dolomites during one of my first attempts at milky way photography. The conditions were ideal, the result fantastic (first picture, not the final edit yet). The last image shows a 100% crop of the same but unedited RAW image from the top right corner(!), only the exposure was increased by one stop. I would be happy if there would soon be a lens profile from K&F Concept for the Nikon version, unfortunately nobody answered my email. Otherwise I am very pleased with the results. I sent the Irix 15mm back straight away, it was neither visually nor haptically appealing, only the filter suitability would have spoken for it.
13/03/2023
bought the lens to use it mainly indoors in churches. The large angle of view also allows for unusual perspectives. For the price, the lens is excellently corrected, straight lines stay straight. Well aligned, converging lines are kept within limits. I see the bulky appearance as a disadvantage. Takes up a lot of space in the camera bag. The front lens is curved, which does not allow filters. The autofocus is quiet and fast. The feel is definitely top and is in no way inferior to higher-priced optics.
12/03/2023
Tested the 14mm K&F Concept on a Nikon D750. The workmanship looks solid and also feels good. The positive: The size is very comfortable and the weight is more than acceptable. The image quality is absolutely convincing for this price. But I only tested aperture f8.0 and 9.5. Anything below f8.0 is absolutely not important to me. Since I only want to work hyperfocally at this focal length. Anything above f9.5 is outside the beneficial aperture for a 24MPix sensor, so nothing gets better when stopping down. My lens was surprisingly well adjusted in terms of sharpness. It was still well sharp in the corners and gave a good drawing. I tested it against my Tamron 15-30, 2.8. And the K&F Concept did relatively well. The autofocus is quite fast, but that doesn't really interest me with a UWW. The vision is impressive.....compared to my 15mm Tamron, the 14mm of the K&F Concept is amazing. The negative: This lens offers nothing more for good, old photo art. The AF is controlled by a motor, looks and feels great, but makes absolutely no sense to someone adjusting manually. Since there is no longer a distance scale here, I cannot use the lens hyperfocally. In very dark rooms, caves etc. you need a scale, otherwise it won't work..... In terms of sharpness, I can't recommend the lens for sensors beyond 25MPix. Compared to the Tamron 15-30mm, it already shows clear weaknesses in resolution....and that doesn't get any better with larger sensors, on the contrary. The big ones then rigorously point out the weaknesses. Conclusion: Great little lens, with enough sharpness right into the corners (if you can get a good one). Small and handy at a very reasonable price for this focal length. A top choice for landscape photography with sufficient light. For dark locations, you first have to turn on the light to see how the sharpness fades.
10/03/2023
Probably not a lens for full professionals. But for hobby photographers and also for ambitious hobby photographers, the lens is also a good choice in terms of price. It definitely gives the creativity more distinct possibilities.
07/03/2023
have had this extremely good lens in my hands for 24 hours and have looked at the first results under LR. I'm really positively surprised. I wasn't expecting this really good BQ, but I was hoping for it. How did I test? With a D850, ISO automatic from ISO64, longest shutter speed 1/30, aperture preselection usually F5.6, everything from the hand and as horizontally and vertically as possible, without using the built-in 3D scales. Time: between 12:30 and 14:00, partly cloudy with sunny intervals. Results: really sharp image, very good drawing and detail resolution, even with backlight and side light (sun) I could not see any "lens spots". As expected, vignetting is strong at 2.8 and stopping down at least one stop has a visibly mitigating effect. Lens correction is available under LR. Here the vignetting and the distortion/compression (which doesn't bother me) in the edge area of the image are corrected. The distortion correction may be a matter of taste. Some image information is lost in the peripheral area, not dramatically. The angle of view is impressive. Real fun. In my opinion, the lens is suitable for open glare. Although the vignetting is visible at 2.8, it can be easily corrected. The more important resolution is central and good to very good at the edges. For close-up shots at F2.8, the lens delivers a nice/pleasant bokeh. The accuracy or accuracy of the AF usually does not play such a decisive role at 14 mm when shooting with F5.6. The AF on my copy works very well/accurately and I couldn't tell any "real" difference between LiveView AF and standard AF, at F2.8 and even at close range. The AF is quiet and fast. I am very happy with the AF. The lens is lightweight, compact and solidly built. An IRIX 15mm, on the other hand, is a heavy chunk. K&F Concept has made a really good product here. A few months ago I bought an IRIX 15mm 2.5, which already showed centering problems during the first tests. My copy of the K&F Concept 14mm is much better centered here than the IRIX mentioned above. If you look closely, I think I see a very slight misalignment. I'm not sure yet. It's only noticeable at 100%, if at all. In my opinion, the K&F Concept is better than the IRIX 15mm and for around 200 euros more you get a well-working AF. I could now sell the IRIX. Or? Well, really, actually, not really. Why? Now, let's get to the things I don't like, are missing, or bother with. However, it should be said in advance that I can live with the following "defects": - no distance display, no aperture range for depth of field. Zero. never. Nothing. (see IRIX 15mm) - no filter thread or slot for gelatine filter (see IRIX 15mm) - 5 year guarantee only for Portugal, Andorra and Spain. Why? Compared to the very good Sigma 24mm 1.4 ART, I would like to boldly claim that the K&F Concept comes very close in terms of resolution/sharpness. In terms of size, the K&F Concept is even more compact than the Sigma 24mm Art. Conclusion: after today's photo tour and the photos I have just viewed, even below 100%, I will no longer give up the K&F Concept. It's now one of my favorite lenses. The IRIX 15mm will probably have to be in the showcase very often now and only taken out when I have to or want to work with filters. I bought the lens myself, it was not provided to me free of charge, I do not work for or at K&F Concept and there are no conflicts of interest. I have only given my first subjective impressions here without laboratory measurements.
06/03/2023
As a long-time amateur photographer, I love this super wide angle, which allows for amazing shots with almost no distortion and with a sharpness that would envy more well-known and, above all, much more expensive brands. The autofocus is a bit indecisive at times, but that's somewhat normal in areas without relief and with such a short focal length. Careful workmanship, light weight, in my full size, it makes me very satisfied when I see how the material holds up over time. Attention, it is not possible to screw in a filter in front.
06/03/2023
Nice surprise that this goal! Used with a Nikon D750 Perfect compatibility, the autofocus works perfectly, Nice brightness, perfect for architecture or for original panoramic views. And all this at a very gentle price compared to the untouchable Nikon, as well as the Sigma. Having had the different models, the shots obtained are all quite honorable... and are perfectly suited to my photographic work
03/03/2023
Excellent performance in terms of deformation, stitching and color. The ultra-wide angle and very large depth of field enable breathtaking landscape images with a perfectly sharp foreground. Its absence of deformation is also a very good point in architectural photography. Autofocus works well, but we'd like a graduated ring for manual focus as the large depth of field doesn't really allow for precise focusing through the optical viewfinder. Autofocus is essential in a SLR camera.
02/03/2023
positive: hardly any flares (see photo), razor-sharp photos, perfect autofocus, also very good at close range. Aperture stars from f. 14 possible without any problems. Negative: clear vignetting with a blue sky at f/2.8, which is hardly visible from f/4. Definitely a clear buy recommendation. 1 star less because of the vignetting, which is somewhat correctable. Lightroom CC corrects without any problems.
01/03/2023