Samyang's manual 85mm f/1.4 for MFT — providing 170mm equivalent with extreme speed.
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC for Micro Four Thirds provides a 170mm equivalent telephoto perspective with f/1.4 speed. The full-frame-coverage optics mounted on MFT create an extreme telephoto portrait lens with very shallow DOF. Also sold as Rokinon. Manual focus only — no AF or electronic communication.
Optical performance is good — the same optics as the full-frame versions. Sharpness is soft at f/1.4 with a pleasant glow, improving by f/2. The 170mm equivalent with f/1.4 creates extremely shallow DOF — rivalling full-frame 170mm f/2.8 rendering. Bokeh is smooth and creamy. UMC coatings reduce flare. The telephoto compression at 170mm equivalent is dramatic.
Micro Four Thirds mount. Filter thread is 72mm — large. Weight is approximately 540 grams — very heavy for MFT. Build quality is solid metal. No AF or electronics. The lens is fundamentally a full-frame 85mm f/1.4 on a smaller-sensor camera — providing extreme reach and DOF separation at the cost of size and weight.
Available at budget prices. Check smooth focus and clean optics. An unusual combination — 170mm equivalent at f/1.4 on MFT. Best for deliberate portrait work where the extreme DOF separation and telephoto compression are desired. The size and weight are disproportionate for MFT. Manual focus at this effective focal length requires patience.