Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical Review

The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is a classic portrait lens for Canon shooters. It's a manual focus prime that gives you that creamy, dreamy background blur at a price that's hard to argue with. Just know what you're signing up for: this is a tool for a specific job, not an all-rounder.

It's built for full-frame cameras and hits that sweet 85mm focal length perfectly for headshots and half-body portraits. The f/1.4 aperture is the main event here, letting in a ton of light and giving you serious control over your depth of field. If you're okay with manual focus, this lens delivers a lot of character for the cash.

The optical performance is solid for the price. The f/1.4 aperture lands in the 88th percentile, and the bokeh quality is in the 86th. That means your backgrounds will look smooth and professional. Sharpness is decent in the center, especially when you stop down a bit. The weak spots are exactly where you'd expect: there's no autofocus (it's in the 47th percentile) and no image stabilization (39th). You have to nail focus yourself, and you'll want good light or a steady hand.

At around $239, the value proposition is simple. You're getting that coveted 85mm f/1.4 look for a fraction of what most brands charge. You pay for it with manual focus and a plastic build, but the glass inside is good. If your primary goal is shooting portraits and you don't mind turning the focus ring yourself, this is one of the best deals out there.

Compared to autofocus options like the Meike 55mm f/1.8 or the Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8, you're giving up convenience for aperture and focal length. Those lenses will focus for you, but they're slower (f/1.8 vs. f/1.4) and often not as long, which changes the portrait look. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is wider and also manual. It comes down to this: if you want the classic 85mm portrait compression and blur, this Samyang is your budget ticket. If you need autofocus for moving subjects, look at the Meike or Yongnuo, but know you're getting a different tool.

Buy this lens if you're a portrait photographer on a tight budget and you're comfortable with manual focus. It's perfect for studio work, controlled shoots, or anyone learning the craft of focus and composition. Don't buy it if you need autofocus for events, kids, or pets, or if you want a single lens to do everything. This is a specialist, and a very good one for the money.