Samyang keeps trucking along with their new lens announcements, and this time they have something to share with Sony mirrorless shooters.
Today, Samyang unveiled the AF 85mm f/1.4 FE lens for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras as part of their Spring Collection. The lens builds on their previous manual-focus 85mm f/1.4 and updates it with autofocus and a new optical design optimized for mirrorless cameras.
The AF 85mm f/1.4 is constructed with 11 elements in 8 groups, 4 elements of which are high refractive and 1 extra low dispersion element. There's also Ultra Multi Coating for suppressing flare and ghosting. It features nine rounded aperture blades which controls the light from f/1.4 to f/16. Minimum focusing distance is 2.95 feet (0.90 meters) for a magnification ratio of 0.11x. Autofocusing is performed with a Dual Linear Sonic Motor. Filters can be attached via the 77mm threading on the front of the barrel.
Weather sealing is present with gaskets positioned at the focus ring as well as the mount. The AF 85mm f/1.4 measures in at 3.91 inches (99.5 millimeters) long and 3.46 inches (88 millimeters) in diameter. It weighs 1.25 pounds (568 grams).
Sample photos can be viewed on the Samyang website. More information on pricing and availability is coming soon.
I was just wondering acouple days ago why this lens doesn't exist.
Can't wait to get it!
This will be an interesting lens. I'm curious how fast the AF will be? Their current E-Mount versions are $280-300. Although at $550-600, the Sony 1.8 is a pretty good deal for what you get. It also has an extra button which is very useful for Eye AF. If this Samyang has a decent AF and is as sharp or sharper than the Sony 1.8 it may be worth picking up. Although if it lacks the AF do you think if would be worth it? Even if it's cheaper?
I have a Samyang 35/1.4 and Sony 85/1.8 for low-light corporate event work. I'd rather have a Sony 35/1.8 (and a 24/1.8, both with barrel button) to match my 85/1.8. The 35/1.4 is a big, heavy beast, and I went mirrorless for a smaller, lighter, more portable kit.
I had this for my Canon. The AF was absolute garbage. Failed 9/10 times at focusing through the viewfinder. Calibrating in camera didn't work at all. Ended up selling the lens after 2 months. Have also read people with AF problems on the 50mm F1.4 for Sony mirrorless.
I had a play with this lens yesterday at The Photography Show and it was slooowwwww. Images seemed ok (on the back of the camera), but wow that AF was so incredibly slow. Manual would've been faster and easier.
Ah that's too bad. Thanks for sharing your experience.