Weitwinkelexot with brilliant value for money

Hardly a lens provoked such different Test results on the Internet as the Walimex Pro 14mm 1: 2.8: The assessment ranges from downright scathing descriptions (Ken Rockwell: "the softest non-toy lens I've ever tested") to veritable hymns of praise (Photo Zone: "Extremely high resolution across the image frame"). Since not both can be true at the same time and is therefore assumed a high reproducibility, I made a long time a wide berth to this objective. After a Sigma 12-24 mm II DG HSM Lens F4,5-5,6 could not satisfy me (82 mm filter thread) for Canon lens mount when searching for an ultra wide-angle lens due to heavy edge blur, I have now but to buy get carried away. The following pros and cons I noticed when using:

Positives:

+ Sharpness. The lens produces at maximum aperture sharpness legs that I have held so far for completely excluded in this price region. As compared to me is partly a Canon EF 16-35mm 1: before 2.8L II USM Lens (82mm filter thread) that is completely outclassed at the image edges. Of course the comparison is push vs. Fixed focal length is not entirely fair, but this result I did not expect. Since the focus is often criticized but as already mentioned, it seems, however, repeatedly blurred variants to give the market. Therefore an extensive single test is recommended in any case.

Neutral:

o operation. The lens is completely manually. Aperture and focus are set exclusively by hand. The present version for my Canon to transmit any data to the camera. When Fade In addition, the viewfinder image is dark. All this was known to me before buying and who ever worked with manual lenses, will find their way easily.

o build quality. For the asking price is certainly excellent, but far from the aesthetic quality of a lens from the houses Zeiss or Leica. The lens cap scrubs during placement and removal of the permanently installed hood. Since both parts are made of plastic, I reckon here with the long term abrasion. Also the aperture ring is made of plastic and does not feel particularly wertig to. Otherwise, however, a lot of metal is used. On balance, the result is okay.

Negatives:

- Distortion. The mustache distortion looks at some photos from downright bizarre. In particular architectural photographer will probably turn away in horror. I correct the problem in Lightroom using a profile created by other users (downloadable via Adobe Lens Profile Downloader). This leads to quite professional results.

Conclusion:

In particular for landscape photography The walimex is ideally suited. Who time and leisure for the manual settings has (works very well with tripod and LiveView), impressive results from this lens will be able to tease out. Who cares more for a reportage-grade ultra-wide, should instead reach for a lens with auto focus.

Should you have any questions about this review, I am delighted with your comments!