Rokinon AS IF UMC 85mm f/1.4 Review

If you're a Nikon shooter looking for a classic portrait lens that won't break the bank, the Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 is a solid contender. This is a manual focus prime lens designed for full-frame cameras, and its main draw is that bright f/1.4 aperture. It's a straightforward tool: you get a 85mm focal length, a focus ring, and an aperture ring. There's no autofocus or image stabilization here, which is a trade-off for the low price. People searching for a 'budget 85mm f/1.4 for Nikon' or a 'manual portrait lens' will find exactly that with this optic.

Performance-wise, this lens is all about the look. That f/1.4 aperture lands in the 88th percentile, meaning it lets in a ton of light and creates a very shallow depth of field. The bokeh quality scores in the 85th percentile, so out-of-focus backgrounds are smooth and creamy, which is exactly what you want for portraits. In practice, that means you can isolate your subject beautifully against a soft backdrop. Sharpness is decent in the center, especially when you stop down a bit from f/1.4. Just don't expect it to compete with lenses costing three times as much. The manual focus is precise, but it requires practice, especially at f/1.4 where the focus plane is razor-thin.

At around $249, the value proposition is clear. You're paying for the large aperture and the portrait focal length, and sacrificing autofocus and other modern conveniences. It's a fantastic way to get into the 85mm f/1.4 look without spending $800 or more on a first-party Nikon lens. If you're comfortable with manual focus, either for stills or video, this lens gives you pro-level background separation at a beginner-friendly price.

Let's name some names. Compared to the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G, you lose autofocus but gain a slightly faster aperture (f/1.4 vs f/1.8) for less money. Against the much more expensive Nikon 85mm f/1.4, you're getting a similar look for a fraction of the cost, but with manual-only operation. Looking at other manual options, like older used lenses, this Samyang offers modern coatings and consistent quality. It's not a versatile travel zoom like the Sony 24-240mm mentioned, but for dedicated portrait work, it's a more specialized and capable tool.

So, should you buy it? If you shoot portraits, love that shallow depth-of-field look, and don't mind manual focusing, this lens is an easy yes. It's a perfect fit for photographers who want to slow down and be more deliberate with their shots, or for videographers who need a smooth, manual focus pull. But if you need to quickly grab focus on moving subjects, like at an event or with active kids, the lack of autofocus is a deal-breaker. For those folks, saving up for an AF 85mm f/1.8 is a better path.