Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF

Canon EF

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF lens for Canon EF mount is a solid choice for photographers seeking a quality portrait lens that doesn’t break the bank. With its classic 85mm focal length and wide f/1.4 aperture, it offers great possibilities for both indoor and outdoor shooting, providing beautifully blurred backgrounds that bring attention to your subject.

One of the standout features of this lens is its build quality. The lens feels robust in your hand, with a solid metal construction that inspires confidence. In terms of optical performance, the Samyang 85mm F1.4 is impressive. It offers sharp images, particularly when stopped down a bit. The color rendition is generally pleasing, with rich and vibrant tones that work well for portraits and other types of photography.

However, it’s important to note that this lens is manual focus only. While this provides an opportunity to fine-tune your focus for creative effects, it may not suit everyone, especially those who are used to the convenience of autofocus. The focus ring is smooth, but the lack of autofocus may deter some potential users. Additionally, while the lens performs well overall, there can be some minor chromatic aberration and vignetting at wider apertures, which can be corrected in post-processing.

Another consideration is that the lens does not have image stabilization. For portrait work, this might not be a decisive factor, but for users looking to shoot in lower light conditions or at slower shutter speeds, the lack of stabilization could pose challenges.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a sturdy metal construction
• Wide f/1.4 aperture for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field
• Impressive sharpness, especially when stopped down
• Great color rendition for vibrancy and image quality

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit all photographers
• Minor chromatic aberration and vignetting at wider apertures
• No image stabilization, which could be a drawback in certain low-light scenarios

Verdict

The Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF for Canon EF mount is a fantastic lens for anyone looking to capture stunning portraits without spending a fortune. While the manual focus and lack of image stabilization might be a drawback for some, its optical performance and build quality make it a worthy addition to any photographer's kit. With the right technique and care, this lens can deliver brilliant results and become a cherished tool for creative expression.