Samyang has announced a new full-frame autofocus telephoto prime lens for Sony E-mount cameras. The Samyang AF SERIES II 85mm F1.4 lens also works on APS-C cameras, operating with a field of view equivalent to around 128 mm on a full-frame camera.
Read on to find out more about this new lens.
The Samyang AF SERIES II 85mm F1.4 lens’ build
Samyang claims the AF 85mm F1.4 E II is the smallest and lightest large-aperture standard 85 mm lens for the Sony E-mount. The lens is 3.92 inches in length and weighs just under 18 ounces. It also has a weather-sealed design to protect it from light rain, snow and dust.
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Does the Samyang AF 85mm lens’ autofocus seem good?
The AF 85mm F1.4 E II lens uses Samyang’s STM (Linear Stepping Motor), which operates quietly and smoothly when shooting video. The minimum focal distance is only 2.79 feet, so you can take great close-up shots. Samyang also says the AF 85mm F1.4 E II has minimized focus breathing. Focus breathing means that the image size slightly changes as you pull focus.
Let’s talk about the optical design of the Samyang AF 85mm lens
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 E II lens has 11 lens elements in eight groups. These include four HR (High Refractive) elements and one ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element. The lens has a 28.9-degree angle of view for full-frame cameras and a 19.1-degree angle on APS-C cameras. The iris has nine blades and an aperture range from F1.4 to F16. In addition, the lens has a switch that allows you to adjust the aperture by rotating the focus ring.
Our verdict
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 E II lens is a lightweight and high-quality lens. With fast and accurate autofocus, this could be a great lens for run and gun or even gimbal shooting. The lens doesn’t have focus distance markings, but if that’s important for you, then Samyang’s manual 85 mm cine lens is a better — and cheaper — option.
Pricing and availability
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 E II lens is available for preorder now and will retail at $799.