Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2
Launch MSRP
$299- Weight
- 599g
- Filter
- ⌀72mm
- Min focus
- 1.10m
- Max mag.
- 0.09×
- Formula
- 9E / 7G
- Released
- 2020
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 1x Hybrid Aspherical
- UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating)
- Aperture range
- f/1.4 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 599g
- ⌀ × length
- 78.0 × 100.7mm
- Filter
- ⌀72mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- Yes · de-click
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- —
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 1.10m
- Max magnification
- 0.09× (1:11.1)
Optical character
The MK2 puts Samyang's long-running 85/1.4 optics into a weather-sealed, video-friendly barrel. It keeps the nine-element design with one hybrid aspherical element. The changes are a rubber micro-pattern focus grip, a smoother long-throw focus action, a nine-blade aperture, and an aperture de-click switch for silent iris changes during video.
Rendering is the same as the original: soft and glowing at f/1.4, sharp from f/2, with smooth backgrounds well suited to portraits. On Sony E it is 100.7mm long and 599g and has no electronic contacts.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers treat it as the original 85mm F1.4 with better handling. Image quality is unchanged, which means good centre sharpness from f/2, smooth bokeh and noticeable fringing and vignetting wide open. The nine-blade aperture keeps highlights rounder when stopped down.
They welcomed the sealing, de-click switch and improved focus ring, and they flagged the same limits as before: no AF, no EXIF, and a 1.1m minimum focus. For the price it remains an easy recommendation for portrait and video shooters.
Owner sentiment
Owners like the grippier, smoother focus ring and the de-click switch for video. Many use it on gimbals or with follow-focus rigs, and the portrait look is as popular as the original's.
Complaints repeat the original's: soft corners and purple fringing at f/1.4, a long close-focus distance, and the lack of electronic contacts. Some owners of the first version see little reason to upgrade.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Weather-sealed barrel
- +De-click switch for silent aperture changes
- +Nine-blade aperture, smooth bokeh
- +Improved, well-damped focus ring
- +Low price
Weaknesses
- −Same optics as the original, so soft and fringy at f/1.4
- −1.1m close focus (0.09x)
- −No electronic contacts or EXIF
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 7.8
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.6
- Autofocus Speed
- MF
- Flare Resistance
- 7.2
- Build / Sealing
- 7.9
- Value / Size
- 8.8
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/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 9 elements in 7 groups |
| Special elements | 1x Hybrid Aspherical · UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating) |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Manual Focus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Manual Helicoid |
| Minimum focus | 1.10m |
| Max magnification | 0.09× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 599g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 78.0 × 100.7mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀72mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| De-clickable aperture | Yes |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Launch MSRP | $299 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- lksamyang.com/en/product/product-view.php
- rokinon.com/products/85mm-f1-4-series-ii-high-speed-full-frame
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSMF 85mm F1.4 MK2 vs AF 85mm F1.8
- VSMF 85mm F1.4 MK2 vs 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO
- VSMF 85mm F1.4 MK2 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
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- 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
