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

Avg. price in UK: ~£560
Avg. price in US: ~$600
Lens mount: Sony E
Maximum focal length: 85 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.4
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 28.9 °

Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.7

Very good

7.8

Very good

7.3

Very good

7.3
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
10
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
7.0
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.5
Lens length
25.0%
7.2
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#273 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is a lightweight (509g) full-frame short telephoto lens for Sony E-mount featuring an 11-element optical design in 8 groups, including 4 High Refractive (HR) and 1 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements. It is characterized by a bright f/1.4 aperture with 9 rounded blades for creamy bokeh, a fast and quiet Linear STM autofocus motor, 7-point weather sealing, and professional controls like a custom switch and focus hold button. Key pros include exceptional center sharpness, significantly reduced weight compared to its predecessor, and a competitive price-to-performance ratio. Notable cons include a somewhat plasticky build feel, occasional edge softness or purple fringing when wide open, and a relatively long minimum focusing distance of 0.85m.

Technical Specifications of Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Sony E

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

72 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

8.2

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

85 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

85 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

28.9 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

28.9 °

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Focus & Controls

7.2

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM, linear motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?

Build & Handling

9.4

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II vs the average camera lens

Why is Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II better than the average camera lens?

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1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.4 vs 2.8
Has focus hold button
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Newer release date
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
July 2022
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II was released more recently than the average camera lens.2022 vs 2016
1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
Has focus hold button
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Newer release date
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II was released more recently than the average camera lens.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer aspherical elements
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
0.55 m longer minimum focus distance
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
6.4 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II is wider than the average camera lens (83.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
7.5 mm longer lens
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II is longer than the average camera lens (99.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
0.55 m longer minimum focus distance
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.85 m vs 0.3 m
2 fewer aspherical elements
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
6.4 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II is wider than the average camera lens (83.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II is wider than the average camera lens (83.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.83.4 mm vs 77 mm
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
7.5 mm longer lens
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II is longer than the average camera lens (99.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II is longer than the average camera lens (99.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.99.5 mm vs 92 mm
0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.12 x vs 0.192 x
10.3% lower user score
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.33 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.33 vs 8.091).7.33 vs 8.09

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II?

Excellent center and edge sharpness, even when shot wide open at f/1.4
Smooth, creamy bokeh with distinct character and minimal fringing
Significantly more affordable than Sony G Master or Sigma Art alternatives
Lightweight and compact design for an f/1.4 aperture lens
Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus with effective Eye AF support
Weather-sealed construction with protection at seven different points
Includes professional features like a focus hold button and a customizable control switch
Minimal chromatic aberration and well-controlled distortion

What customers dislike about Samyang AF 85mm F 1 4 FE II?

Autofocus can occasionally struggle or hunt with very fast-moving subjects
No built-in image stabilization (relies on camera's IBIS)
Some plastic-heavy build materials feel less premium than higher-end competitors
The 0.85m minimum focusing distance is not suitable for close-up photography
Firmware updates and certain button customizations require a separate lens dock purchase
Noticeable vignetting at f/1.4 (though easily corrected in post-processing)
Performance against bright lights can lead to flaring and ghosting

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

19/12/2022

Summary of the review

Samyang AF 85mm F/1.4 FE II Lens Review

The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II is a compact, 509g portrait lens for Sony FE cameras offering "excellent, even sharpness from center to edge" and fast, silent autofocus. Key performance highlights include minimal chromatic aberration, very low distortion, and exceptional flare resistance. Highlighted pros include superior, smooth bokeh, robust weather sealing, and a competitive price, while a noted con is visible vignetting at f/1.4, which can serve as an aesthetic,, artistic feature. The lens features a customizable focus hold button and a programmable switch.

dustinabbott.net

01/11/2022

Summary of the review

Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 Series IIGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 Series II (AF 85II) is a compact, lightweight prime lens for Sony FE mounts that significantly improves upon its predecessor's handling and autofocus system while maintaining the same excellent 11-element optical formula. Priced right under $800 USD, it undercuts the chief competing Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN ART by roughly $400, presenting an exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Key upgrades include a streamlined weather-sealed body with seven seal points, a custom programmable switch, a focus hold button, and an upgraded Linear STM focus motor. Optically, the lens delivers outstanding real-world sharpness across the frame, a slightly improved minimum focus distance (85 cm), minimal pincushion distortion, and beautifully soft, well-isolated bokeh highlights. The review highlights several prominent advantages alongside a few functional drawbacks. On the positive side, the lens boasts quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus tracking for stills and portraits, outperforming the first-generation version and matching the Sigma DN ART in speed and confidence. It is also smaller and lighter than competing first-party options, has low distortion, and demonstrates fairly strong flare resistance. However, it does suffer from noticeable...

lensvid.com

09/01/2023

Summary of the review

Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE IIGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is a lightweight, budget-friendly portrait lens designed for full-frame E-mount cameras. Weighing around 540 grams and measuring 11 cm in length, this second-generation version introduces key improvements over its predecessor, including seven-point weather sealing, a focus hold button, and a customizable control switch. Optically, the lens delivers strong center sharpness when shooting wide open at f/1.4, which scales up significantly by f/2.8, while surprisingly retaining sharp (though very dark) edges. It also effectively controls barrel distortion and chromatic aberrations, and its heavy wide-open vignette cleans up nicely when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4. Despite these benefits, the review highlights several performance weaknesses compared to its premium Sigma and Sony counterparts. Its autofocus mechanism is a major drawback, coming last in high-speed tracking success rates (7 out of 21 sharp shots) and displaying occasional focus hunting during video capture. Videographers will also find the non-linear focus throw and heavy focus breathing highly problematic. Furthermore, the Samyang suffers from pronounced lens flare, a slightly less smooth manual focus ring, and produces bokeh circles that...

lensvid.com

28/07/2022

Summary of the review

Hands On With The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is an updated fast portrait telephoto lens designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. It features an optical design containing 11 elements in 8 groups, including four High Refractive (HR) elements and one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element to optimize resolution. A major highlight is its upgraded Linear STM autofocus motor, which provides quieter, faster, and more accurate AF performance compared to the dual linear motor of the first generation. Built with professional control in mind, the lens includes a custom switch and a Focus Hold button, all packaged inside a dust- and water-resistant housing. It also has a minimum focusing distance of 85 cm and a 9-blade rounded aperture designed for creamy bokeh. The main advantages (pros) of this updated version center on its physical refinements and enhanced video capabilities. The lens is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, weighing 509 grams instead of 568 grams. Additionally, Samyang successfully reduced focus breathing, making it a much more reliable option for video shooting. On the downside (cons), the lens does not offer a shorter...

techtest.org

02/01/2023

Summary of the review

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II review: Great image quality, patchy autofocus

The Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE II is a lightweight, budget-friendly portrait lens for Sony E-mount cameras that excels in optical performance but struggles with fast-moving subjects. Weighing only 509 grams, it is significantly lighter than comparable options like the Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM (820g) and the Sigma Art 85mm 1.4 (625g), making it highly portable despite its plastic exterior. Optically, the lens delivers outstanding sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.4, rendering a warm, smooth, and slightly dreamy image style with excellent micro-contrast. Its 9-blade aperture creates a beautifully soft bokeh, though "bokeh balls" can become slightly oval or "cat-eyed" toward the edges of the frame at maximum aperture. Optical flaws like vignetting and chromatic aberrations are minimal and easily managed, although users may encounter distinct lens flares when shooting directly into harsh backlight. The primary compromise of this lens lies in its autofocus performance, which varies drastically depending on the scenario. For static subjects, slowly moving people, and studio portraits, the autofocus is incredibly fast, quiet, and reliable, locking onto eyes with near-perfect accuracy. However, the...

pictures-magazin.de

05/05/2023

Summary of the review

Field Test: Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is a highly compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly portrait prime lens designed for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras, retailing at an RRP of 799 Euros. Weighing just 509g and constructed from aluminum and high-quality plastics, it is weather-sealed with seven rubber seals to protect against dust and moisture. It features an inner focusing mechanism with a minimum focus distance of 85 cm, a 72mm filter thread, a customizable custom switch for aperture control, and a customizable focus hold button. Performance-wise, its Linear Stepper Motor (LSTM) delivers silent, fast, and highly accurate autofocus tracking, making it exceptionally reliable for capturing moving subjects or sports photography. Optically, the lens offers remarkable center sharpness right from its maximum wide-open aperture of f/1.4 through to f/8, alongside distortion-free imaging. However, the review highlights several distinct pros and cons: Pros: Unbeatable value: It delivers professional-tier performance at a fraction of the price of its competitors. Compact and lightweight build: At 509g, it is significantly lighter than the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM (820g) and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art (1245g). Excellent...

zielfoto.com

No date

Summary of the review

Samyang AF 85mm F/1.4 FE II (Sony E-Mount) - Target Photo

The Samyang AF 85mm F/1.4 FE II (Sony E-Mount) receives mixed but generally positive feedback, earning a 4.3 out of 5-star rating based on community reviews. Reviewers highly praise its beautiful, smooth bokeh, lightweight body (weighing around 385g to 509g depending on measurement), and excellent value for money. Users also note that the autofocus is exceptionally fast, precise, and nearly silent during still photography. Additionally, the inclusion of a programmable side switch, a useful FN button, and a smaller, more budget-friendly 72mm filter diameter are highlighted as strong ergonomic improvements over the first generation. On the downside, some photographers express disappointment that this second-generation lens does not visually or optically outperform its predecessor. Specific complaints include noticeable color fringing (chromatic aberrations) and edge softness at wide apertures between f/1.4 and f/2.0, requiring users to stop down to f/2.5 for maximum sharpness. The build material has also shifted from a solid metal housing to a plastic feel that feels less robust. Finally, critics point out a steep price increase, a sluggish autofocus performance in video mode, the lack of built-in image...

phototrend.fr

12/01/2023

Summary of the review

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II Review: A Subtle But Effective Update

The Samyang AF 85 mm f/1.4 FE II is a lightweight second-generation portrait lens designed for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras, priced competitively at €849. Tested on a high-resolution 61 Mpx Sony A7R V, it delivers highly pronounced, sharp center detail right from its wide-open f/1.4 aperture, producing the warm tones and strong contrasts characteristic of Samyang lenses. Structurally, it is the lightest lens in its class at just 509 grams, features weather sealing, internal focusing that balances weight well on gimbals, and convenient manual controls like a customizable ring and a focus hold button. Its upgraded linear STM autofocus motor provides quiet, generally effective tracking for both humans and animals. However, the review highlights several optical compromises, most notably a bokeh quality that is less pleasant and subtle than its predecessor. Background elements struggle to blend out smoothly, while the bokeh balls exhibit cat-eye deformation toward the edges and noticeable color fringing. Additional drawbacks include extreme corner softness and chromatic aberrations at the widest apertures (which resolve by f/2 to f/3.2), prominent wide-open vignetting, and the absence of a focus...

focus-review.com

01/07/2023

Summary of the review

Full Review: Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II

📸 Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II Overview The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is a refreshed, second-generation portrait lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, launching at a retail price of €799.99. While it retains the identical optical formula as its predecessor—featuring 11 elements in 8 groups, including four High Refractive and one Extra-low Dispersion element—the lens boasts significant physical and mechanical upgrades. Key enhancements include a lighter 509-gram body, seven weather-sealing points for robust dust and splash protection, a modernized diamond-pattern focus ring, and a hidden red ring accent. Mechanically, it replaces the old autofocus drive with a linear Stepping Motor (STM) that delivers faster, quieter, and smoother tracking ideal for both eye-detection action shots and professional video work. It also integrates a custom focus hold button and a programmable Custom Switch. ⚖️ Performance, Pros, and Cons In terms of performance, the review highlights several distinct advantages and drawbacks of the updated prime lens. On the positive side (pros), the lens is highly praised for being exceptionally lightweight, weather-resistant, sharply priced compared to competitors like Sigma and Sony,...

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