Last Updated on January 13, 2019
Following the announcement of its first autofocus lens for Nikon DSLRs, Samyang also announced its upcoming 85mm F1.8 prime lens that is designed only for a collection of APS-C format mirrorless camera systems.
The upcoming lens will come in versions for the Canon M, Fujifilm X, Sony E Mount, and Micro Four Thirds Cameras. It will be sold under the brand name Rokinon.
Expected to combine optical quality with good value for money, this new lens from Samyang definitely has something new to offer.
Awesome Crop Factor
An 85mm focal length lens is usually associated with portrait photography. This would have been the case with the Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS if not for the crop factor of the APS-C sensors.
Equivalent to around 135mm or 170mm on Micro Four Thirds Cameras, the lens effectively becomes a medium telephoto lens. This makes it easier to bring far subjects or objects close even with ample physical distance.
Optical Construction for Better Performance
Optical quality is achieved through the nine elements in seven groups that make up the lens. These include an ultra multi coating (UMC) that reduces the lens flare and ghosting, resulting in increased clarity and sharpness.
Unnecessary reflection of light is also minimized so that light transmittance can be controlled and accurate color is expressed.
The lens is also sharp from the center right through to the edges of the frame. This is due to the aspherical element used in the lens construction that sharply defines images and reduce aberrations.
This also creates a smooth and appealing bokeh in areas that are out of focus. Combined with Samyang’s advanced technology, expect the auto focus performance with Dual type LSM (Linear Supersonic Motor) to be super accurate, fast, and quiet.
Use this lens for a variety of shooting situations, from portraits to outdoor shots.
The upcoming lens from Samyang also boasts of a fast maximum aperture that will make it a great tool when taking pictures under low light.
The only downside is that it lacks an inbuilt image stabilizer. At slower shutter speeds, camera shake is going to be a challenge. You’ll also need to be precise with focusing when capturing images at a shallow depth of field at wide apertures.
Robust physical construction
The Samyang 85mm F1.8 prime lens is built for portability. It sports a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 485g and measuring 7.2cm when the hood and rear cap are removed, you can take this lens anywhere with you.
Because it is weather sealed—well-protected from dust and moisture, you don’t have to worry about using the lens in various conditions. Weather sealing helps extend the lens’ lifecycle and supports more stable shooting.
Designed versatile, it fits both APS-C and full-frame cameras in different mounts.
The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens has plenty to offer professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. It will be available from September at an expected MSRP of $399 and at £320 in the UK.