Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 85mm F1.4 II

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 85mm F1.4 II is a manual focus lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Here are some key features and considerations to keep in mind when considering this lens:

Fast Maximum Aperture

With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and other types of low-light shooting.

High-Quality Optics

The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 85mm F1.4 II features 9 elements in 7 groups, including one hybrid aspherical element, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion while maintaining sharpness and contrast.

Solid Build Quality

This lens is constructed with a metal body, which adds durability and longevity to its overall design. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, making it easy to achieve precise focus.

Manual Focus Only

This lens does not have autofocus capabilities, which means you'll need to manually adjust the focus ring to achieve sharp focus. While this may take some getting used to, it allows for greater control over the final image.

No Image Stabilization

The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 85mm F1.4 II does not feature optical image stabilization, so you'll need to ensure that your shutter speed is high enough to avoid camera shake when shooting handheld.

Weight and Size

At 548 grams, this lens is relatively heavy, so you'll need to take this into consideration when deciding whether to bring it along on your shoots. Additionally, the lens measures 78 mm in diameter and 75 mm in length, which may be too bulky for some shooters.

Conclusion

The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 85mm F1.4 II is an excellent lens for photographers who value a fast maximum aperture, high-quality optics, and solid build quality. However, its manual focus design and lack of image stabilization may not be ideal for all shooters. As with any lens purchase, it's important to consider your shooting needs and preferences before making a final decision.