Samyang AF 85mm F1.8 P FE
Launch MSRP
$449- Weight
- 272g
- Filter
- ⌀62mm
- Min focus
- 0.80m
- Max mag.
- 0.12×
- Formula
- 9E / 8G
- Released
- 2025
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 3x ED
- 1x HR
- Ultra Multi Coating (UMC)
- Aperture range
- f/1.8 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 272g
- ⌀ × length
- 69.8 × 71.5mm
- Filter
- ⌀62mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 7.6 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.80m
- Max magnification
- 0.12× (1:8.3)
Optical character
The 85/1.8 P is part of LK Samyang's Prima line of "first lens" primes and, at 272g and 71.5mm long, is the lightest 85mm f/1.8 for full-frame Sony E by Samyang's own count. The barrel is high-strength engineering plastic with no red ring, a textured focus ring, an AF/MF switch and a USB-C port in the mount for firmware updates.
The 9-element design with three ED elements is tuned for sharpness at typical portrait distances of 2-3m rather than for close-up or infinity work. Rendering is soft and even behind the subject, with a 9-blade aperture keeping highlights round.
Reviewer consensus
Early reviews found it sharp in the centre at f/1.8 at portrait distances, with corners and infinity performance improving by f/2.8 to f/4. Lateral and longitudinal CA are well handled for the price thanks to the ED elements, and bokeh is smooth if not as creamy as faster 85s.
The linear STM focuses quietly and works well with Eye AF for portraits and video. Reviewers note it pares back features compared with the FE II series (no custom switch or focus-hold button) and position it as a lighter, cheaper rival to Sony's FE 85mm F1.8.
Owner sentiment
Early owners praise the weight and size, which make it easy to carry as a second lens, and the USB-C port that removes the need for a Lens Station dock. The plain styling has its fans.
As a 2025 release it has a short track record. Reported quirks include a light, plasticky feel and modest close-focus magnification, and some buyers wish it kept the custom switch of Samyang's larger primes.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Only 272g and 71.5mm
- +Sharp at typical portrait distances
- +Quiet linear STM, good for video
- +USB-C firmware updates in the mount
- +Dust and moisture resistant
Weaknesses
- −No custom switch or focus-hold button
- −Plastic barrel feels light
- −0.12x magnification
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 8.2
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.2
- Autofocus Speed
- 7.6
- Flare Resistance
- 7.6
- Build / Sealing
- 7.4
- Value / Size
- 8.6
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Category | Short Telephoto |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Special elements | 3x ED · 1x HR · Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Linear STM |
| Minimum focus | 0.80m |
| Max magnification | 0.12× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 272g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 69.8 × 71.5mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀62mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Launch MSRP | $449 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- lksamyang.com/en/product/product-view.php
- lksamyang.com/en/about/notice-view.php
- rokinon.com/products/85mm-f1-8-af-lens-for-sony-fe-mount-prima-fe-serie
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSAF 85mm F1.8 P FE vs AF 85mm F1.8
- VSAF 85mm F1.8 P FE vs 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO
- VSAF 85mm F1.8 P FE vs 85mm F1.4 AS IF UMC
- 7Artisans
AF 85mm F1.8
85mmF1.8- WT
- 438g
- FLT
- ⌀62mm
- MFD
- 0.80m
- MSRP
- $299
AFRING·DC - Laowa
85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO
85mmF5.6- WT
- 291g
- FLT
- ⌀46mm
- MFD
- 0.16m
- MSRP
- $449
MFRING - Samyang/Rokinon
85mm F1.4 AS IF UMC
85mmF1.4- WT
- 570g
- FLT
- ⌀72mm
- MFD
- 1.10m
- MSRP
- $299
MFRING
