Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS

Fujifilm X

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is an appealing option for Fujifilm X mount users looking for a prime lens that excels in portraiture and low-light photography. With its wide maximum aperture of F1.8, this lens is designed to create beautifully diffused backgrounds while rendering sharp subjects.

Build Quality and Design

The lens features a solid build with a mostly metal construction that provides a premium feel in hand. It has a compact form factor and is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended shooting sessions. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focusing, which can be beneficial for portrait photographers who often require fine control over their depth of field.

Optical Performance

Optically, the 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS delivers excellent sharpness, particularly when stopped down to F2.8 or F4. Image clarity is impressive across the frame, with the central area showcasing exceptional detail. The lens also performs admirably in terms of color rendition and contrast, producing vibrant and true-to-life images.

However, at its maximum aperture of F1.8, there can be some softness, especially towards the edges of the frame. This is common in many fast aperture lenses, but it’s something potential buyers should be aware of. Chromatic aberration and pincushion distortion are present, but they are manageable and can be corrected in post-processing.

Autofocus Performance

One significant drawback of the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 is the lack of autofocus for the Fujifilm X mount version. This means photographers will need to rely solely on manual focus, which could deter some users looking for convenience during fast-paced shooting situations. While manual focusing can be enjoyable and rewarding, it may not suit every style or scenario, particularly for those who prefer the speed and efficiency of autofocus.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a solid, metal construction.
• Wide maximum aperture of F1.8 ideal for low-light and depth-of-field effects.
• Sharpness is impressive in the center and retains decent quality when stopped down.
• Beautiful bokeh that enhances portrait aesthetics.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which can be a limitation for some users.
• Softness at the edges when used wide open.
• Presence of chromatic aberration and distortion, albeit correctable.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS for the Fujifilm X mount is a fantastic lens for photographers who appreciate manual focusing and are looking for a reliable f/1.8 prime for portrait, event, and low-light photography. While it has its quirks—such as the slight edge softness at wide apertures and the absence of autofocus—the overall image quality, build, and beautiful bokeh make it a worthwhile consideration. It’s particularly suited for those who can harness the potential of manual focusing to create stunning images.