The world is absolutely overflowing with 85mm lens options, and you can find lenses from anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $2,000. You might think that there is a strict correlation between price and quality, but there are a few hidden gems out there that can offer fantastic images at very affordable prices. One such option is the Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8S DF DSM, and this excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it in usage.
Coming to you from Wes Perry, this awesome video review takes a look at the Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8S DF DSM lens for Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Sony E full frame classes. At less than $400, the 85mm f/1.8 is quite affordable as far as 85mm lenses go, but it still offers impressive performance. While the f/1.8 aperture is not as wide as the standard f/1.4 for many 85mm lenses, it is important to remember that that is less than a difference of a stop, and when you consider the ISO capabilities of modern cameras, it's effective a non-issue. As when it comes to depth of field, f/1.8 is still plenty to give you a narrow plane of focus and lots of bokeh. Check out the video above for Perry's full thoughts on the lens.
For just a little more money ($550, but often found for less), Samyang's AF 85mm f1.4 MkI for Sony FE mount is brighter and optically excellent. I liked mine, and the 35mm f1.4 MkI for around the same price, that I now own eight Samyang primes and the new 35-150/2.0-2.8, which, by the way, has been an excellent pick for my event work.
Yes, f1.8 is a good compromise for lower price and smaller size, but there are times when I'm glad to have f1.4. And, it didn't cost me an arm and a leg.
Look for big discounts on Samyang lenses around Black Friday.
Although it Does go on sale very frequently, the MSRP of the Rokinon is $773, according to the manufacturer's website (and it's $950 where I am in Canada), which is hardly fair to compare to a lens with an MSRP of $345. That's why the Rokinon/Samyang didn't even get a mention in the price comparison section.
At samyangus.com, the AF 85mm f1.4 MkII sells for US$699, but the MkI, which I referred to above and which I own, sells for US$549, as it does at B&H, Adorama, and other retailers. Around Black Friday, the MkI can often be had for less than US$500.
And, yes, the Yongnuo is still a lot cheaper, but I just wanted to make the point that you don't have to break the bank to get an excellent 85/1.4. Further, Samyang's excellent, compact and very lightweight 75mm f1.8 retails for just $329. It's 230g vs. the Yongnuo at 346g. I own one of these, too, for those times when the 85/1.4 is more than I want to carry.
Yes I have both of those too. The Samyang 85/1.4 is a gorgeous lens (I had the Batis before) and I use it for when I'm not traveling. For travel I take the incredibly light but wonderful 75/1.8. Samyang make some cracking, but oft over-looked, lenses.
The glass is great but the plastic puts off some people whereas for me it's a bonus making the lenses much lighter. For those on the fence watch the YT reviews by Dustin Abbott and Christopher Frost (both of whom buy their lenses to review).