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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£860Lens mount:Canon EFMaximum focal length:85 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):1.2Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:28.5 °

Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 64% of camera-lenses
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

35%

9.2

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.2

Build & Handling

20%

2.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 64% of camera-lenses
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

5.2

Number of reviews

Based on 53 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 63% of camera-lenses
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components:

35%

9.2

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.2

Build & Handling

20%

2.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

5.2

Number of reviews

Based on 53 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
5.2/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Popularity:
Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 has a popularity score of 5.2 points, which is lower than 74.1% of camera lenses.
5.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

6.5

Overall score

40%

6.0

Price

6.4
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Canon EF
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
86 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
85 mm
Maximum focal length
85 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
28.5 °
Minimum angle of view
28.5 °
Show more
Focus motor
N/A
Minimum focus distance
0.8 m
Minimum focus distance
0.8 m
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.8 m, which is farther than 78.8% of camera lenses and equal to 2.2% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.13xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.13x
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.13x, which is lower than 75.8% of camera lenses and equal to 5.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
Internal focusing
no
Internal focusing
no
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
This camera lens does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Front group moves during focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
8 g
Weight
8 g
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 8 g, which is lighter than 99.7% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens length
98.4 mm
Lens length
98.4 mm
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 98.4 mm long, which is longer than 55.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
93 mm
Lens diameter
93 mm
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 93 mm, which is wider than 88.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.7% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 1.6 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.2
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.2 vs 2.8
  • 502 g lighter
    Weight
    8 g
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (8 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    8 g vs 510 g
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 1.6 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.2
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.2 vs 2.8
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 502 g lighter
    Weight
    8 g
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (8 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    8 g vs 510 g
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Front group moves during focusing.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 16 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    93 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (93 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    93 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.5 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.8 m
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.8 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.13 x
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.13 x vs 0.192 x
  • 39.9% less popular
    Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 is less popular than the average camera lens (5.21 vs 7.3).
    5.21 vs 7.29
  • 8.4% worse value for money
    Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.35 vs 6.9).
    6.35 vs 6.89
  • 62.3% more expensive
    Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 is more expensive than the average camera lens (£860 vs £530).
    £860 vs £530
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Front group moves during focusing.
  • 0.5 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.8 m
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.8 m vs 0.3 m
  • 0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.13 x
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.13 x vs 0.192 x
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 16 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    93 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (93 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    93 mm vs 77 mm
  • 6.15 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    98.4 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (98.4 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    98.4 mm vs 92.25 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

L
lenstip.com
11/04/2017
Summary of the review
Samyang XP 85 mm f/1.2 review - Image resolution
D
dustinabbott.net
27/02/2017
Summary of the review
Rokinon (Samyang) SP 85mm f/1.2 Review
S
sonyalpharumors.com
23/01/2017
Summary of the review
Reviews of Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 and comparison with Canon FD 85mm f/1.2Go to product viewer dialogue for this item.
L
lesnumeriques.com
05/01/2017
Summary of the review
Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 Review - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
28/02/2017
Summary of the review
Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 Lens Review
(Translated)Show original
P
phocusmagazine.it
20/07/2021
Summary of the review
Samyang Experience, interview with Roberto Savio – Still life photography
(Translated)Show original
D
digifotopro.nl
26/10/2017
Summary of the review
Samyang 85mm F1.2 XP Premium Canon AE Review: Zeiss Aspirations
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 53 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2

  • Exceptional center sharpness even wide open at f/1.2
  • Solid premium build quality with all-aluminum housing
  • Beautiful, smooth bokeh and shallow depth-of-field
  • Precisely damped manual focus ring with long throw
  • Low lateral chromatic aberration and negligible distortion
  • High performance in low light conditions
  • Significantly cheaper than competitors like Canon's 85mm f/1.2L

What we don't like about Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2

  • Manual focus only, which can be difficult at f/1.2
  • Large and heavy (over 1kg), making it bulky to handle
  • Lacks weather sealing (no rubber gasket at the mount)
  • Significant longitudinal chromatic aberration
  • Noticeable vignetting on full-frame sensors when wide open
  • Rubber focus ring tends to attract dust easily
  • Large 86mm filter thread makes filters expensive

Verdict

The Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 is a premium manual-focus telephoto prime lens designed for Canon EF-mount cameras, featuring a complex optical construction of 10 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical and two high-refractive index elements. It is distinguished by its ultra-bright f/1.2 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, which deliver exceptional low-light performance and smooth bokeh, while its heavy 1,050g aluminum-alloy body ensures high durability. Key advantages include its outstanding sharpness—even when wide open—negligible distortion, and a long-throw focus ring for precise adjustments; however, its significant weight, lack of weather sealing, and noticeable longitudinal chromatic aberration are commonly cited drawbacks.

Compare Samyang XP 85mm F 1 2 with other products in the Camera lenses category

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