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Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£280
  • Avg. price in US: ~$230
  • Lens mount: Nikon Z
  • Maximum focal length: 85 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.4
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 28.3 °

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

7.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.1

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.3

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Very good
?

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.3
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    10

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.4

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.6

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £280

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 Z is a manual-focus short telephoto prime designed specifically for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras, featuring a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture ideal for low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field control. Its optical construction includes 9 elements in 7 groups—featuring one hybrid aspherical element to reduce aberrations—and an 8-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh, all protected by a weather-sealed metallic body. Main pros include its premium build quality, exceptional center sharpness even when wide open, and high value-for-money compared to native lenses. Notable cons are the total lack of electronic communication (no EXIF data or camera-controlled aperture), visible chromatic aberration/fringing at f/1.4, and the inherent difficulty of manual focusing for fast-moving subjects.

Technical Specifications of Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

?

Build & Handling

20.0%

?

Focus & Controls

10.0%

?

Lab Scores

8.0%

?

Stabilization

3.0%

?

Mount & Format

7.4
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a technical score of 7.38 points, which is higher than 58.6% of camera lenses.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 90% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.0

Price

7.9
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 85.3% of products in this category.
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

Nikon Z
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

no
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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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

28.3 °
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

28.3 °
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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

N/A
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

1.1 m
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z focuses as close as 1.1 m, which is farther than 88.6% of camera lenses and equal to 1.6% of camera lenses.
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

0.09x
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.09x, which is lower than 94.6% of camera lenses and equal to 2.1% of camera lenses.
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

no
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
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

yes
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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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

no
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
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

?
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

728 g
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z weighs 728 g, which is heavier than 68.2% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.2% of camera lenses.
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

102.7 mm
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is 102.7 mm long, which is longer than 62.4% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
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

78 mm
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a diameter of 78 mm, which is wider than 52.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.8% of camera lenses.
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

yes
Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
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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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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z vs the average camera lens

  • 1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z 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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z 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 aperture ring
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
    When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Newer release date
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    April 2019
    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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z was released more recently than the average camera lens.2019 vs 2016
  • 7.3% better value for money
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.88 vs 7.346).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.88 vs 7.346).7.88 vs 7.35
  • 1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z 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 aperture ring
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Newer release date
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z was released more recently than the average camera lens.

Total
Overall
Optics & Aperture
Focus & Controls
Build & Handling
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 0.1 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z 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.
  • 202.6 g heavier
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is heavier than the average camera lens (728 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 10.7 mm longer lens
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is longer than the average camera lens (102.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support 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

    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.8 vs 9
  • 0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.1.1 m vs 0.3 m
  • 202.6 g heavier
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is heavier than the average camera lens (728 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    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

    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is heavier than the average camera lens (728 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.728 g vs 525.4 g
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
  • 10.7 mm longer lens
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is longer than the average camera lens (102.7 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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z is longer than the average camera lens (102.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.102.7 mm vs 92 mm
  • 0.1 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z 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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z 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.0.09 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 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 MF 85mm F 1 4 Z has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2
Total
Overall
Optics & Aperture
Focus & Controls
Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z?

  • Excellent value for money and highly affordable compared to native Z-mount lenses
  • Great center sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.4
  • Beautiful, creamy bokeh and excellent background isolation for portraiture
  • Premium, sturdy build quality featuring a metal lens body
  • Smooth and well-damped manual focus ring execution
  • Includes physical weather-sealing gaskets for dust and moisture protection
  • Minimal distortion and well-controlled lens flare

What customers dislike about Samyang MF 85mm F 1 4 Z?

  • Completely manual focus with no autofocus capabilities
  • Lacks an electronic CPU chip, meaning no EXIF data or aperture control via the camera body
  • Noticeable chromatic aberration (purple and green fringing) at f/1.4
  • Heavy vignetting when shooting wide open
  • Relatively heavy and bulky physical design for its size
  • The manual aperture ring is somewhat small and narrow
  • Corner sharpness drops off at wide apertures and requires stopping down to improve

Expert reviews

D
digitalcameraworld.com
06/10/2022
Summary of the review
Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF / ZGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review
C
chip.de
12/12/2016
Summary of the review
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC Review
(Translated)Show original
D
dieter-neumann-fotografie.de
N/A
Summary of the review
Samyang test lenses from Foto Walser
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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