Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS § 03 Head to head
Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS vs Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF
Samyang 300mm f/6.3 is 0.3 stops brighter maximum aperture. Tokina 300mm f/7.1 is 25 g lighter.
The Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS is a 300mm f/6.3 prime, and the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF is a 300mm f/7.1 prime. On paper the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS better than the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF?
- 0.3 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/6.3 vs f/7.1)
- Focuses 2 cm closer (0.9 m vs 0.92 m)
Why is the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF better than the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS?
- 25 g lighter (235 g vs 260 g)
- 13 mm shorter (61 mm vs 74 mm long)
- Newer design (2022 vs 2014)
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Which should you buy?
- wildlife For wildlife photography, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS has the edge: its f/6.3 aperture gathers more light than f/7.1.
- sports For sports photography, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS has the edge: its f/6.3 aperture gathers more light than f/7.1.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS | Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 300mm | 300mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/6.3 ◆ | f/7.1 |
| Minimum aperture | f/6.3 (fixed) | f/7.1 |
| Lens type | Mirror telephoto lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 260 g (0.57 lbs) | 235 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 65 mm (diameter) x 74 mm (length) | 74.5 x 61 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.9 m (2.95 ft) ◆ | 0.92 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.45x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 9 groups | 8 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | Rear: 25.5 mm | 46 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds | Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M |
| Released | 2014 | 2022 |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Tokina
- 74 × 65 mm
- 61 × 74.5 mm
The Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS is 13 mm longer and 25 g heavier than the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF.
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Sample frames
Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which lens has the brighter aperture, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS or the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF?
- The Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS opens to f/6.3, against f/7.1 on the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF, 0.3 stops brighter.
- Which is lighter, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS or the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF?
- The Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF weighs 235 g, 25 g less than the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS (260 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS or the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF?
- The Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS focuses down to 0.9 m, against 0.92 m for the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF.
- Do the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS and the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS or the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF better for wildlife photography?
- For wildlife photography, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS has the edge: its f/6.3 aperture gathers more light than f/7.1.
- Is the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS or the Tokina SZ 300 mm f/7.1 PRO Reflex MF CF better for sports photography?
- For sports photography, the Samyang Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS has the edge: its f/6.3 aperture gathers more light than f/7.1.



