Samyang has just announced the new and improved version of its well-known 85mm f/1.4 AF lens. While the previous one exists in Nikon F, Canon EF and RF, and slightly modified in Sony FE, the new Mk II version of the lens is only available for Sony FE. It’s smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the AF has been improved, and there are some other tweaks that might make you love this lens more than its older brother.
Other than small dimensions and weight and the better AF, Samyang offers improved optical performance and enhanced user convenience. The lens was built with 9 elements in 7 groups, containing 4 HR and 1 ED glass elements to maximize the optical performance. As for the AF, the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AF Mk II uses a linear STM motor, which makes the AF faster, quieter, and more accurate than the one in the previous lens version.
As for the “user convenience” I mentioned earlier, Samyang has added the “Custom switch” and “Focus hold button” functions to the new lens. At the fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens is ideal for portraits, and this focal length is certainly a go-to among many portrait photographers. The bokeh is creamy and even slightly swirly, which I personally like. So if that’s your cup of tea, this lens might be a good choice for you.
Here are the specs and some more photos of the lens:
| Model Name | AF 85mm F1.4 FE II | ||
| Aperture Range | F1.4 ~ 16 | ||
| Lens Optical | Construction | 11 Elements in 8 Groups | |
| Special Lens | HR 4, ED 1 | ||
| Coating | UMC | ||
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.85m (2.79ft) | ||
| Magnification Ratio | x 0.12 | ||
| Filter Size (mm) | Φ 72.0 | ||
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | Φ 83.4 | ||
| Number of Blades | 9 | ||
| Mount | Sony FE | ||
| Angle of View | Full Frame | 28.9˚ | |
| APS-C | 19.1˚ | ||
| Length | 99.5mm / 3.9in | ||
| Weight | 509g / 18.0oz | ||
| Weather Sealing | O | ||
| AF/MF Mode Switch | O | ||
| AF Motor | Linear STM |
The new Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is available to buy at the price of $799. It’s worth noting that the old version is now on a discount. You can get it for $549 in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, while the Sony E-mount version is $579.
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