Samyang / Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4 F

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

When it comes to prime lenses for portrait photography, the Samyang (also branded as Rokinon) AF 85mm F1.4 F for Nikon F (DX) mount stands out as a compelling option. With its fast maximum aperture and focal length, it is designed to deliver stunning results for both professional and amateur photographers alike.

Build Quality and Design

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 has a solid build quality that feels durable and robust in hand. The lens features a sleek design, complemented by a smooth focusing ring that allows for fine adjustments. Weighing in at around 1.5 pounds, it strikes a nice balance between portability and sturdiness, making it a good choice for on-the-go photography.

This lens is relatively compact for an 85mm f/1.4, which is a significant advantage when considering its use at events, weddings, or outdoor portrait shoots where mobility is essential. The lens mount is metal, giving it a professional feel and ensuring durability over time.

Image Quality

One of the most important aspects of any lens is its image quality, and the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 doesn't disappoint. The lens produces exceptionally sharp images, even at its widest aperture. The bokeh, or the out-of-focus areas in an image, is beautifully creamy, making it extremely suitable for isolating subjects against a blurred background.

Color rendition is also excellent, with vibrant and true-to-life tones that make skin colors appear natural in portraits. Additionally, it exhibits minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, contributing to its overall performance.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system on the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 is quite impressive for a lens in this price range. It features a fast and accurate autofocus mechanism that allows for quick acquisitions of focus even in challenging lighting conditions. This is particularly beneficial during portrait shoots, where capturing fleeting expressions is crucial.

The lens also boasts a quiet autofocus, making it a viable option for videographers who require silent performance when recording.

Low Light Performance

Thanks to its f/1.4 aperture, this lens shines in low light situations. It allows for faster shutter speeds, which is essential in dimly lit environments. The shallow depth of field obtainable with this lens helps in creating beautiful backgrounds, making it a favorite for those who enjoy shooting in available light without the need for extra gear.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image sharpness and color rendition.
• Smooth and creamy bokeh, ideal for portraits.
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
• Compact and sturdy design, easy to carry.
• Great low-light performance due to the f/1.4 aperture.

Cons

• Limited focal length might not be versatile for all situations.
• The autofocus can occasionally miss focus in very low light.
• Lack of weather sealing.

Verdict

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 for Nikon F (DX) is a fantastic lens that excels in portrait photography. With its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and fast autofocus, it offers outstanding performance for its price point. Although it has some minor limitations, such as its narrow range of versatility and potential autofocus challenges in very low light, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. For anyone looking to elevate their portrait photography, this lens is certainly worth considering.