Samyang's cinema portrait prime for Nikon F — the 85mm T1.5 VDSLR with geared focus.
The Samyang 85mm T1.5 AS UMC II VDSLR is the cinema version of Samyang's popular 85mm f/1.4 portrait lens for Nikon F mount. The VDSLR designation adds cinema-specific features — geared focus ring, de-clicked aperture, and T-stop marking. The Mark II update improved coatings and mechanical refinements. At 85mm T1.5, it provides the classic portrait perspective with cinema controls.
Optical performance is based on the well-regarded Samyang 85mm f/1.4 stills lens. Sharpness is good from T1.5 with a pleasing portrait rendering. Bokeh is smooth and creamy — the primary creative appeal at 85mm. The T-stop marking ensures accurate exposure. The VDSLR modifications make it functional for cinema work without the cost of dedicated cinema lenses.
Nikon F mount. Filter thread is 72mm. Weight is approximately 540 grams. Build quality adds cinema-grade geared focus ring to the stills lens barrel. Manual focus only. The de-clicked aperture enables smooth iris transitions during recording. The Mark II (AS II) updates include improved UMC coatings and minor optical refinements.
Available on the used market at budget cinema prices. Check geared ring smoothness and optical alignment. A functional portrait cinema prime for Nikon F filmmakers. The XEEN 85mm T1.5 offers better cinema construction. This VDSLR version is the entry-level option adequate for indie and content creation work.