The brand new Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE lens guarantees sharp portrait efficiency at a budget-friendly worth level that would shake up your lens shopping for selections. At simply $449, this light-weight choice targets photographers who need high quality with out breaking the financial institution.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this thorough video places the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE via rigorous testing on a demanding 61-megapixel Sony a7CR to see if it delivers on its guarantees. You may uncover that this plastic-bodied lens weighs solely 272 grams however feels surprisingly strong with none regarding wobbles or construct high quality points. The autofocus efficiency proves silent and correct, although Frost reveals some notable quirks about its velocity traits that adjust relying in your focus mode settings. What’s significantly fascinating is how the lens consists of forward-thinking options like a USB-C port for firmware updates and weather-sealing across the rear mount.
The true shock comes when Frost checks the optical efficiency throughout completely different aperture settings and divulges some surprising outcomes about the place this lens actually shines. Whereas the middle sharpness impresses proper from the utmost f/1.8 aperture, the nook efficiency tells a special story that you will wish to perceive earlier than making your buy determination. Frost demonstrates how stopping all the way down to f/2.8 transforms the picture high quality dramatically, attaining what he calls “completely good” sharpness and distinction within the middle. Nonetheless, there is a important caveat concerning close-up capturing that would affect your portrait work.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 85mm
Most Aperture: f/1.8
Lens Mount: Sony E (Full Body)
Minimal Focus Distance: 2.6′ / 80 cm
Weight: 0.6 lb / 272 g
Filter Measurement: 62mm
Optical Design: 9 Components in 8 Teams
Dimensions: ø 69.8 x L 71.4 mm
Focus respiration turns into fairly noticeable when capturing video, which could possibly be a dealbreaker for hybrid shooters. The lens additionally struggles with close-up work at large apertures, requiring you to cease down considerably greater than you would possibly count on for sharp outcomes. Frost’s flare testing reveals common efficiency in opposition to vivid lights, although the included plastic hood helps mitigate some points. The bokeh high quality lands in “averagely delicate” territory, with specular highlights that may seem considerably edgy relatively than creamy easy. Try the video above for the total rundown from Frost.
