Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF lens is a compelling option for Nikon F (DX) users who are looking for a fast prime lens at a budget-friendly price. Known for its impressive optical performance and sturdy build, this lens stands out in the crowded field of 85mm options, primarily aimed at portrait photographers and enthusiasts.

Build Quality and Design

Constructed with a robust metal body, the Samyang 85mm F1.4 offers a premium feel that belies its affordable price point. The lens features a smooth focus ring that provides excellent tactile feedback, which makes manual focusing straightforward—even for those who are accustomed to autofocus systems. One notable aspect is its compact size and relatively lightweight design, which enhances portability without compromising on feature accessibility.

Optical Performance

Optically, this lens is a gem. The F1.4 aperture allows for stunning shallow depth of field, making it perfect for isolating subjects with a beautiful bokeh that enhances portrait photography. The aspherical elements within the lens help to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring that images are sharp, crisp, and full of detail across the frame, even at wider apertures. Furthermore, the multi-layer coating minimizes flare and ghosting, ensuring optimal performance in varied lighting conditions.

Autofocus and Manual Focus

Although the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 is primarily a manual focus lens, it is worth noting that it can be challenging to achieve precise focus through the viewfinder, especially for inexperienced users. However, this lens rewards those who take their time, as the images produced are undeniably impressive. The lack of autofocus might deter some potential buyers, but purists often appreciate the enhanced control that manual focusing provides, particularly in creative portrait settings.

Compatibility and Versatility

Designed for Nikon F (DX) mount cameras, this lens brings an additional advantage in terms of compatibility. While it's optimized for DX format sensors, it remains usable on full-frame cameras in crop mode, although the effective focal length will be 127.5mm due to the crop factor. This versatility allows photographers to consider this lens across various shooting styles, including street photography and events, as long as they are comfortable with manual exposure settings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a sturdy metal construction.
• Fast F1.4 aperture delivers great bokeh and shallow depth of field.
• Sharp optical performance with minimal aberrations.
• Affordable price point for an 85mm lens.

Cons

• Manual focus only might not appeal to everyone, requiring practice for accurate focus.
• Slightly heavier than some other 85mm lenses in its category.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF lens is a fantastic choice for Nikon F (DX) camera users who prioritize image quality and build over the convenience of autofocus. While it may require some adjustment for those laterally transitioning from automatic systems, the rewards of stunning portraits and artistic shots are well worth the investment of time and effort.