Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS

Sony E

Review

The Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is a solid choice for Sony E mount users who are seeking a fast prime lens that offers great optical performance without breaking the bank. This lens is designed specifically for APS-C sensors, making it an ideal companion for Sony's mirrorless camera lineup, such as the A6000 series and beyond.

Build Quality and Design

In terms of construction, the Samyang 85mm F1.8 feels sturdy and well-built. The metal housing gives it a premium feel, and the rubberized focus ring is both smooth and tactile, making manual focusing a delight. The compact design is a major advantage as it keeps the overall rig lightweight and portable. However, it is prominently larger than other similar prime lenses, which might be a consideration for users who prioritize a smaller form factor.

Optical Performance

Optically, the lens impresses with its sharpness across most of the frame, particularly when stopped down to around f/2.8, which is where it reaches its peak performance. The f/1.8 maximum aperture is certainly useful for low-light situations and for achieving beautiful background separation thanks to the shallow depth of field. Chromatic aberrations and distortions are well-controlled, making this lens a reliable choice for portrait photography. However, you may notice a slight drop in sharpness at the very edges when shooting wide open.

Autofocus and Usability

One area where the Samyang lens shines is its autofocus performance. Although it is primarily a manual focus lens, it features a fast and accurate autofocus system that works surprisingly well on Sony's mirrorless bodies. The lens is also equipped with an internal focusing mechanism, which means the front element does not rotate during focusing—a considerable advantage for those using polarizers or ND filters.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical performance, especially around f/2.8
• Fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field
• Sturdy and well-built design
• Smooth manual focus experience
• Fast and accurate autofocus on Sony E mount cameras

Cons

• Larger and heavier than some competing prime lenses
• Slight softening at the edges when shot wide open
• Manual focus can be a sudden transition for users coming from autofocus lenses

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is an outstanding lens for anyone looking to add a prime lens to their arsenal. It provides excellent value with its sharpness, low-light capabilities, and solid build quality. While it does have some quirks, particularly around size and edge sharpness, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives. If you're a portrait photographer or someone who enjoys shooting with a fast prime, this lens deserves a spot in your kit.