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Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£360
Avg. price in US: ~$450
Lens mount: Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds
Maximum focal length: 85 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.5
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 28.4 °

Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.4

Very good

7.6

Very good

6.6

Good

7.3
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.9
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
7.2
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.9
Lens length
25.0%
7.2
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

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Verdict

The Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1.5 MK2 is a dedicated full-frame cine prime featuring a fast T1.5 maximum aperture and an updated 9-blade iris designed for smooth, circular bokeh and 18-ray starburst effects. Its optical construction includes 9 elements in 7 groups with one aspherical element to reduce aberrations, all housed in a compact, weather-sealed body with industry-standard 0.8 MOD geared focus and de-clicked aperture rings. Key pros include visible focal scales on both sides for focus pullers, a long 130° focus throw for precision, and consistent color rendering across the VDSLR MK2 lineup. However, notable cons include a relatively long minimum focusing distance of 1.1m, some softness and chromatic aberration when shot wide open at T1.5, and a lack of autofocus or image stabilisation.

Technical Specifications of Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2

Overall score

7.4

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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

telephoto 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

Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds

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

28.4 °

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

28.4 °

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Focus & Controls

6.1

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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

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

9.3

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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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 vs the average camera lens

Why is Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 better than the average camera lens?

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1.3 lower f-number at telephoto end
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.5 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.5 vs 2.8
Has aperture ring
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
De-clicked 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
17.3 mm shorter lens
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is shorter than the average camera lens (74.7 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is shorter than the average camera lens (74.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.74.7 mm vs 92 mm
Newer release date
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.
August 2020
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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.2020 vs 2016
5.7% better value for money
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.77 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.77 vs 7.346).7.77 vs 7.35
1.3 lower f-number at telephoto end
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
Has aperture ring
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
17.3 mm shorter lens
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is shorter than the average camera lens (74.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
Newer release date
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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.
0.11 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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.
7 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
No full-time manual focus
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
7 mm wider lens barrel
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is wider than the average camera lens (84 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is wider than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.84 mm vs 77 mm
0.11 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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.0.086 x vs 0.192 x
1 fewer aspherical elements
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2
22.8% lower user score
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.59 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 VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.59 vs 8.091).6.59 vs 8.09
2.86x less popular
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is less popular than the average camera lens (2.23 vs 6.383).
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.
Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 is less popular than the average camera lens (2.23 vs 6.383).2.23 vs 6.38

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2?

Affordable cine-style lens offering great value for independent filmmakers
High sharpness when stopped down, especially from T2.0 onwards
Smooth, de-clicked aperture and geared rings for easy follow-focus use
Compact and lightweight design suitable for gimbal and handheld shooting
Weather-sealed mount provides basic protection against light moisture
Produces pleasing bokeh with 9 rounded aperture blades
Visible focal length markings on both sides of the lens barrel

What customers dislike about Samyang VDSLR 85mm T1 5 MK2?

Noticeable softness and chromatic aberration when wide open at T1.5
Relatively long minimum focus distance of 1.1 meters (approx. 3.6 ft)
Lack of autofocus and optical image stabilization
Fully manual operation may be difficult for traditional photography use
Some vignetting (noticeable dimming) at the edges when shooting at T1.5

Expert reviews

lksamyang.com

01/02/2013

Summary of the review

VDSLR 85mm T1.5 MK2 - LK SAMYANG Note on Versions: Most older reviews (pre-2020) cover the "VDSLR II" or "Cine DS" versions, which lack the weather se...

Summary of the Samyang VDSLR MK2 Cine Lens Lineup The Samyang VDSLR MK2 lens series is an updated, budget-friendly cine lens lineup designed for independent filmmakers and low-budget project directors. Comprising six core focal lengths—14mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm—this series covers full-frame sensors and is highly adaptable, supporting seven distinct camera mounts including Canon EF, Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon F, Canon M, Fuji X, and MFT. The lenses inherit the outstanding image quality of their predecessors, utilising specialised glass elements like aspherical (ASP) and extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to reduce optical and spherical aberrations for clear, vibrant footage. Their lightweight and compact build makes them ideal for handheld and gimbal work, while the fast T1.5 aperture found across most of the models excels in low-light environments and delivers a shallow depth of field. A major pro of this revised MK2 line is the addition of weather sealing on the lens mounts to block out dust, light rain, and snow, paired with an upgraded 9-blade aperture system that produces smooth, circular bokeh and striking 18-ray starbursts. The updated...

mpb.com

10/05/2026

Summary of the review

Samyang 85mm T1.5 Cine VDSLR MK2 for Canon RF MPB

The Samyang 85mm T1.5 Cine VDSLR MK2 for Canon RF is an accessible, manual prime lens offering high value for filmmakers, featuring a bright T1.5 aperture for low-light shooting and 0.8 MOD geared rings for focus systems. The updated, weather-sealed MK2 version produces smooth, pleasing bokeh via a 9-blade diaphragm, ideal for cinematic, shallow depth-of-field shots. However, as a fully manual lens, it lacks autofocus and stabilization, and it has a 1.1-meter minimum focus distance. While capable of excellent sharpness, wide-open shooting at T1.5 can result in a soft image, requiring users to stop down for maximum clarity.

marcobisogni.it

20/10/2021

Summary of the review

Samyang 85mm T1.5 (Cine Version) | Review

The Samyang 85mm T1.5 VDSLR AS IF UMC II is a highly affordable, fully manual cinema lens designed primarily for entry-level videographers and filmmakers on a budget. Built with a metal mount and robust plastic body, it features standard geared, de-clicked focus and aperture rings that allow for fluid, noise-free transitions and seamless pairing with follow-focus systems. Its internal focusing mechanism prevents the lens from changing size, making it highly practical for camera rigs and gimbals. Optically, the lens offers minimal distortion, excellent subject separation, and creative flare handling that produces a desirable vintage, filmic look with round bokeh circles at the center. However, the reviewer highlights several drawbacks, notably that image sharpness is noticeably soft when shooting wide open between T1.5 and T2.8, requiring the lens to be stopped down for crisp results. Chromatic aberration is also present at maximum aperture, and the outer edges of the frame suffer from "cat's eye" bokeh distortion. Additionally, the lens exhibits noticeable focus breathing and completely lacks electronic contacts, meaning no EXIF data is communicated to the camera. Despite these flaws, the...

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