Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE Review | 54 Data compared

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE is a highly competitive portrait lens for Sony mirrorless cameras that delivers near-perfect image quality for portraiture at a fraction of the cost of the Sony G Master version. Its robust build features an aluminum alloy shell, an improved manual focus ring with better damping, and comprehensive weather sealing via three distinct internal seals and a rear gasket. Optically, the lens strikes an excellent balance by offering very sharp center performance even wide open at F1.4, which scales up to wicked sharpness across the entire frame by F2.8. Its 9-blade aperture iris generates beautiful, circular bokeh without aggressive "cat-eyed" edge distortion, and it effectively suppresses longitudinal chromatic aberrations to provide high-contrast images with a beautiful, non-clinical rendering character. However, the lens does suffer from a few notable drawbacks, primarily regarding its autofocus performance. While the dual linear sonic motors keep the lens smooth and exceptionally quiet, large focus adjustments in continuous tracking mode (AF-C) can be slow and exhibit a jittery behavior characterized by constant micropulses. Additionally, the autofocus algorithms sometimes struggle with foreground...

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE as a high-performing, weather-sealed short telephoto lens designed for Sony E-mount, featuring 11 elements in 8 groups for superior optical performance. It boasts fast, quiet autofocus with a 9-blade diaphragm, offering excellent sharpness from f/1.4 to f/11 with very low distortion and minimal chromatic aberration. Identified pros include excellent, even sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and an attractive price point, earning it an Editor's Choice award. The few cons are minor, limited to modest vignetting at f/1.4 and a slight loss of contrast from diffraction at f/16.

The Rokinon/Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE lens is a highly competitive, budget-friendly portrait prime that punches well above its weight class compared to pricier alternatives. Tested against the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 at Duke Gardens, the lens stands out for its ability to shoot wide open at f/1.4, which delivers a thinner depth of field, lower ISO settings, and excellent flare control without relying on a lens hood. Visually, it produces warmer color tones that the reviewer prefers and matches the sharpness of the Sony lens even when shooting at its maximum f/1.4 aperture. Additionally, its clean, switchless, and buttonless physical exterior appeals to minimalists, and the lens serves as a screaming bargain for photographers looking for f/1.4 glass without the massive footprint or price tag of a Sony G Master. However, the lens does have a few drawbacks when stacked up against native Sony options. The reviewer notes that its autofocus is slightly slower than the blazing fast Sony 85mm f/1.8, particularly during low-light video and stills tracking. Physical compactness is another trade-off, as the Rokinon/Samyang is noticeably larger...

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE as an "Editor's Choice" lens, offering outstanding, even sharpness from f/1.4 to f/11, fast Dual Linear Sonic Motor (DLSM) autofocus, and robust, weather-sealed construction. It provides excellent value, producing beautiful bokeh with a 9-blade diaphragm, minimal barrel distortion, and very well-controlled central chromatic aberration. Conversely, the lens has minor drawbacks, including some edge chromatic aberration and limited 0.9m minimum focusing distance. While vignetting is present wide-open, it is considered modest, and the lens lacks built-in image stabilisation, requiring reliance on in-camera systems.

The LensTip review highlights the Samyang AF 85 mm f/1.4 FE/RF as a highly competitive portrait lens that delivers exceptional optical performance at a fraction of the cost of native brand-name rivals. Its standout pros include sensational image quality and sharpness in the frame centre, clean edge performance on APS-C sensors, and practically zero distortion. LensTip also praises its excellent control over optical aberrations, noting very low astigmatism, negligible lateral chromatic aberration, moderate longitudinal chromatic aberration, and a very sensible correction of coma. Additionally, the lens features a silent, decently accurate autofocus system and offers a highly compelling price-to-performance ratio for enthusiast photographers. LensTip.com

The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE is a highly competitive, bright short telephoto lens for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, offering an exceptional price-to-quality ratio. It stands out against premium rivals like the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art by delivering similar specifications at a fraction of the cost and weight, coming in at a highly portable 570 grams. Despite its budget-friendly price, the lens boasts high-end build characteristics including a solid aluminum alloy outer shell and weather sealing via three protective gaskets. Performance-wise, its autofocus is reasonably fast, quiet, and pairs seamlessly with Sony’s Eye-AF for sharp portrait tracking. However, it skips features like a clickless aperture ring, an AF/MF physical switch, and built-in image stabilization, relying entirely on camera body stabilization. The reviewer highlights several distinct advantages and drawbacks regarding image quality. The primary pros include good overall sharpness even at full aperture, a relatively lightweight design, robust weatherproofing, and a gorgeous background bokeh. Optimum sharpness across the frame is achieved by stopping down to f/5.6. Conversely, the major con is noticeable longitudinal chromatic aberration...

This Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 prime lens review highlights a highly capable portrait lens that offers a lightweight, compact, and affordable alternative to its heavier competitors. Built with a weather-sealed metal mount and solid plastic barrel, it features a fast, near-silent Dual Linear Supersonic Motor for autofocusing. While center-sharpness and contrast are impressive when shooting wide-open at f/1.4, edge- and corner-sharpness drop off noticeably. The lens produces a beautifully soft, creamy bokeh with smooth transitions between focused and defocused areas, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for occasional portrait photographers. The review outlines clear advantages and disadvantages for potential buyers. On the positive side, the key pros include its compact and lightweight design—weighing roughly half as much as competing Canon and Sigma lenses—as well as its relatively inexpensive price tag and overall good image quality. Conversely, the primary cons are the complete lack of an optical stabilizer and the absence of full-time manual focus, as the electronic focus ring only operates when the camera supplies power. Additionally, lab tests revealed poor edge sharpness, some pincushion distortion, and noticeable lateral chromatic...