Samyang Announces Second Generation 85mm F/1.4 Autofocus Lens for Sony E-Mount

Samyang Optics has announced a second-generation 85mm F/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony E-Mount mirrorless camera platform. The full-frame lens will go under the company’s Rokinon brand, and is the second generation of this lens design and focal length.

Constructed with 11 elements organized in eight groups, with four high refractive elements and one extra-low dispersion element, the Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 II has a nine-bladed aperture iris for a nice, circular bokeh and a minimum focusing distance of 2.8 feet (85cm).

Image Credit: Samyang

The lens has an aperture range of F1.4-F16. However, there is no separate aperture ring for manual control, meaning that adjustments to the lens’ f-stop have to be done within the camera’s control menu.

The lens also manages autofocus driven by an STM stepping motor, which is a departure from the original which used ultrasonic linear motors. The integrated autofocus motor works in conjunction with Sony cameras’ focusing systems for quick, accurate, and precise AF control.

Image Credit: Samyang

However, when wanting to go manual, there is also a large rubber focusing ring to make those tactile focus adjustments.

The 85mm lens also has a customizable AF lock button, which can be programmed for a variety of different situations. Sadly though, it does not come with image stabilization, choosing to rely on Sony’s 5 axis in-body scheme.

Image Credit: Samyang

The lens has a 72mm front filter thread, with an 83.4mm (3.3”) diameter, and a length of 99.5mm (3.9”).

The lens also weighs 509g (18oz), making the 85mm F/1.4 one of the lightest and most compact 85mm prime on the market for Sony E-mount platforms.

It’s second only to the Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG DN Art lens, which is 625 g (1.38 lbs) and 82.8 x 96.1mm (3.26 x 3.78″). Lastly, it has an angle of view of 28.9°.

The Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 is also sealed for dust and water resistance. The lens can also be used with Sony APS-C models with an equivalent focal length of 75mm.

The Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 AF II is available to pre-order for $799, although there is no scheduled shipping date as of this publication.

[Source: Samyang/Rokinon]

Order Links:

  • Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II Lens for Sony E (B&H)

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