Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF Lens Review (By Photographyblog)

The Photography Blog has published the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF Lens review (tested on the 26.2MP Canon EOS RP): “The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF lens is the equal of its Sony cousin, in terms of design, build quality, performance and image quality.”.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF Lens Key Features:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • One Extra-Low Dispersion Element
  • Four High Refractive Index Elements
  • Ultra Multi-Coating
  • Ultrasonic Dual Linear AF Motor
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Round 9-Blade Diaphragm

Conclusion from Photographyblog:

In all other regards the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF lens is the equal of its Sony cousin, in terms of design, build quality, performance and image quality.

Sharpness is acceptable when shooting wide-open at f/1.4, very good at f/2 and outstanding from f/2.8 onwards, although the edges aren’t quite as sharp as the centre, with f/2.8-f/11 producing the sharpest results. There is some evidence of chromatic aberrations plus vignetting at wide-open apertures, although admittedly that’s something that other fast lenses also suffer from.

The build quality is surprisingly good given the price tag, with the metal lens mount and housing adding to the high-quality feel, Samyang have also included a very good lens hood, and weather-sealing is the icing on the proverbial cake. Auto-focusing was acceptably quick on the Canon EOS RP camera that we tested the lens with, and the AF mechanism is pretty quiet too, making it well-suited to both stills and video use.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF Lens: $699 at B&HAdorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Canon EOS R & Best Lenses for Canon EOS RP