Samyang's manual focus 85mm f/1.4 portrait lens for Sony FE — budget bokeh machine.
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is a manual focus portrait prime for Sony FE mount, part of Samyang's popular range of affordable fast primes. The classic 85mm focal length combined with f/1.4 aperture produces beautiful subject isolation for portrait work. Available under both Samyang and Rokinon branding, it has been one of the most popular budget portrait lenses for years.
Optical performance is good for the price. Sharpness is soft with a pleasant glow wide open at f/1.4, tightening up significantly by f/2 where centre sharpness becomes very good. Bokeh is smooth and creamy — the primary selling point of this lens. Chromatic aberration is visible at wider apertures but manageable in post-processing.
Sony FE mount in this listing — also available in virtually every other mount. Filter thread is 72mm. Weight is approximately 540 grams. Build quality is solid with a metal barrel. Fully manual — no autofocus or electronic communication in most versions. The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE is the autofocus alternative for those who need AF capability.
Very affordable on the used market. Check for smooth focus ring and clean optics. An excellent budget portrait lens for photographers who are comfortable with manual focus. The f/1.4 bokeh at 85mm is genuinely beautiful and competitive with lenses costing much more. The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 offers AF at a similar price point.