Rokinon FE14M-C 14mm F2.8
Score: 71/100
Nikon 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR provides a broad 5.5× zoom and solid VR II for DX-format cameras. Zoom creep and slower AF can hinder fast-action shooting, and edge softness remains at the long end. Best suited for entry-level DX users seeking affordable telephoto versatility.
The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 is an ultra-wide manual-focus prime for Canon EF offering a 115.7° field of view and a bright aperture in a lightweight package. Its lack of autofocus, filter thread, and weather sealing limit its use for fast or protected shooting. Best for landscape, architecture, and night-sky shooters on a budget.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
14 mmbest | — | |
2.8best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.28 mbest | 1.4 m |
| ↓ lower better | 552 gbest | 580 g |
— | 5.5best | |
6 | 9best | |
— | 0.3best | |
14 | 17best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F-Bayonet |
Mount Compatibility | Canon EF, Nikon AE, Pentax K, Sony α, Fuji X, Samsung NX, Sony E, Four Thirds, Micro 4/3, Canon AE | DX |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Autofocus Type | Manual | AF-S |
Focus Type | Manual | Auto |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 14 mm | 55-300 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 2.8 | 4.5-5.6 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.28 m | 1.4 m |
Number of Optical Elements | 14 | 17 |
Number of Optical Groups | 10 | 11 |
Diaphragm Blades | 6 | 9 |
Coating | Super multi-layer (UMC) | Super Integrated Coating |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 552 g | 580 g |
Length (mm) | 96.01 mm | 123 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 87.12 mm | 77 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional editors and reviewers consistently praise the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 for its sharp, low-distortion rendering and bright aperture, noting that it rivals much more expensive lenses in image quality. They also commend the integrated hood and UMC coating for flare control, but caution that the manual-focus only design and lack of weather sealing limit its suitability for fast-action or harsh-environment work.
Everyday photographers love the dramatic ultra-wide perspective, edge-to-edge sharpness and affordable price, especially for landscapes, interiors and night-sky photography. Common frustrations revolve around manual focusing challenges, the inability to use screw-in filters, occasional shutter-lock quirks, and a perception of a plasticky build.
“stunning wide views”
“great for Milky Way shots”
“can't use CPL for landscapes”
Professional reviewers commend the Nikon 55-300mm for its generous reach, quiet Silent Wave Motor, and effective VR II stabilization, noting that the ED and HRI elements keep chromatic aberration low. However, they criticize the soft corner performance at 300mm, slower autofocus compared to higher-end telephotos, and diffraction limits when stopping down beyond f/16.
Everyday users love the lens for its lightweight, travel-friendly design, solid VR performance, and ability to get close-up shots of insects, but they repeatedly mention zoom creep, slower AF for action, and noticeable softness in the telephoto corners as recurring pain points.
