Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Review

This Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is a classic portrait lens for Nikon shooters. It's a fast prime that gives you that creamy background blur right out of the gate. It's light for an 85mm f/1.4 at just under 500 grams, and it covers full-frame sensors without any fuss. You're getting a simple, no-frills tool designed to do one job really well: take flattering photos of people.

The bokeh and aperture performance are the stars here, landing in the high 80th percentile. That f/1.4 aperture lets in a ton of light and creates beautifully soft backgrounds. The optical quality is decent in the 61st percentile, but the autofocus is just average, sitting at the 49th percentile. It's not the fastest or quietest AF system, and there's no stabilization, so you'll need good light or a steady hand for sharp shots.

At around $599, this lens is a solid deal. You're getting that coveted 85mm f/1.4 look for hundreds less than the big-name brands. You do give up some polish in autofocus and build, but if your main goal is portrait quality on a budget, it's hard to beat.

Compared to a Nikon 85mm f/1.8G, this Samyang gives you a brighter aperture but likely slower AF. Against the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you're trading a wider angle for a more flattering portrait focal length. The Meike 55mm f/1.8 is another budget option, but the 85mm focal length is generally more specialized for headshots and tighter portraits. If you need a zoom, something like the Sony 24-240mm is way more versatile but can't touch the background blur of this fast prime.

Buy this if you're a portrait photographer on a Nikon F-mount who wants pro-level bokeh without the pro-level price. It's perfect for studio work or controlled outdoor shoots. Skip it if you need fast, reliable autofocus for events or sports, or if you shoot in bad weather often.