I've been looking at this lens for a little over a year now and this is by far the best review I've seen of it. Now I think it's worth taking a serious look at. I also like to do a little work and slow down b4 taking a shot. Thank for the vid
I own this exact lens albeit under a brand called Samyang (It actually goes under a number of brands). It a good lens, although on my Pentax K-30 it can produce a very soft image if you don't have your settings just right. But the weight of it threw me off the most, even without any stabilization. I've been thinking of selling mine for a few months now, but having watched this. I think I'll try using it again!
Hey Matt! Welcome to Portugal! I've been following your TH-cam channel for a couple of years and it was a great surprise to see you in my home town - Lisbon. If you said you were coming we could have organized a photo walk with some more local photographers. Anyway, hope you enjoyed Lisbon and Portugal. Cheers, mate!
Interesting review, but may I point out that Nikon's 85mm F1.8G is available for around five hundred bucks or less if you shop judiciously, not a huge amount of $ above the Rokinon/Samyang 85mm F1.4, and it has auto-focus... I have it and it's great. The DOF at F1.8 is also very small and great separation from the background, and in front too.
using manual lenses for canon or nikon users can be hard,but for sony users is just a piece of cake,turn on the MF asist and focus peaking :D and here we go thanks did you test the e mount version? on sony a6000? what is your opinion about e mount version for sony cameras? thanks for good videos
+Emad nejati MF through the live view on a nikon/canon is the same as sony. Actually my Nikon(5500) has much bigger and higher res screen than my sony NEX 5T, so MF even without focus peaking is easier.
+Emad nejati Have you shot extensively with focus peaking yourself? Because I have. It is realiable ONLY in very limited shooting scenarios, like focus on the grass (or some other nature pattern) with tiny DOF. All other cases (portraits, street, indoors etc.) peaking is just not accurate - you need to zoom in, focus and zoom out - and this is the same on both mirrorless EVF/screen and DSLR screen. "you cant take right focus from live view" - this is not true, I`ve taken lots of good shots in manual focus on NEX5 and it doesn`t have a viewfinder (equal to a DSLR live view). I agree that EFV is more convinient for manual, BUT manual focus itselfs is so slow compared to AF that in the end EVF/live view dilemma doesn`t matter.
yes i have a6000 and a7 II you have a old camera,in new version with supported lenses you have so much better peaking with auto magnifier you cant miss focus
Sorry to disagree, Emad. I much prefer the behaviour on an old camera (a3000) that lets me choose if I want the magnifier on or not. I do not like the A7R II's s way of automatically switching on the magnifier, I like to be in command, not the camera imposing on me. That's why I also prefer manual to AF lenses.
Great review, thanks. I have the lens and also LOVE it. Don't forget that on my Sony A77 I have focus peaking as well which really helps increase the keeper ratio. Peaking also works in video mode which also helps getting the focus right while shooting video with this lens.
I had this lens for a few years for my Olympus DSLRs. It was absolutely fantastic, really sharp right from 1.4, smooth focusing, and beautiful bokeh. Great for portraits and street photography. Sold it once I got the Oly 75/1.8 for m4/3.
i shoot the Samyang (AKA Rokinon) 35/1.4 and it's a really really good glass. but don't rely on Rokinon's default "in focus confirmation", i means you have to re-calibrate the focus by using micro adjust in your Body. then that lens will give you a blowing-mind sharpness and beautiful bokeh. I love Samyang & going to get a 24/1.4
Nice job reviewing. But I think another important component when considering a maker like this is... After 6 months of usage, would it still work? Will the focusing lose its smoothness, etc..
I have had it back when I shot with the D3100 and the D3200! I gave it to my littlebrother some years ago and it was fun to shoot with and the depth of field was ridicolous! it would take pretty much half of the battery to use the lcd screen to use it in liveview!
Rokinon or Samyang as they are also know are Korean lenses. Of course Korea doesn't have the reputation of Japan or Getmany. For me is very important that this lens is sold without adapter in nearly every mount. The video of Matt is really helpful 👍and it help me to end the prejudge I had with this firm. The lens is great for its price. 270$ for a lens that Nikon sells 1600$ and Canon 1900 at 1.2 aperture. The difference is enormous even if it is manual focus and a little softer. In the case of Sony a7 there isn't not even close a lens with such shallow depth of field. I hate 👿 mount adapters and the direct support for e-mount is very tempting for me.
I have the Samyang f1.4 85mm which is exactly the same lens. I'm very satisfied with it. Its quality is incredible. Paid € 269 for it. The Rokinon is made by Samyang and meant for the American market. In Europe you'll only/mainly find Samyang. In some reviews I've even read it outperforms the Nikon in some aspects.
Great review! But I have a few questions. At 15:25 the exif shows F1.8. Isn't the manual aperture full click stops between F1.4 and F2? Mine are. But I think it might be a different version. Mine also doesn't let me control aperture from the camera body. But it still have the AF confirm on my D600. Just as a note for anyone else thinking of buying it.
I have the D600 and this lens as well! 2 things: 1. You CAN control the aperture from you camera body 2. You CAN get f/1.8. You get it by controlling the aperture from the camera body. Go to Menu > Custom Setting Menu > f Controls (purple) > f5 Customize Command Dials > Aperture Setting > Then select Sub-Command Dial to control from dial, or Aperture Ring to control it from the ring on the lens. To make it faster to switch between ring and dial (if you occasionally shoot video, like me), I put this option in My Menu.
jshaw6600 No. Going into F5, setting aperture control to be Sub-Command Dial don't allow me to change aperture from the body. But the lens still sports AF confirm in the view finder. I'm pretty sure that there are different versions of the lens, and mine just don't support aperture control from the body, but it still supports AF confirm.
Philip Hansen You need contacts on the lens for it to be able to speak to the camera, if you have the version without contacts on the lens, you can't change aperture in-camera. Also, AF confirmation is a camera thing that all nikon DSLRs have, it has nothing to do with the lens. I just tried with my old D3000 and a 50/1.2 AIS lens, which is all metal, mechanical lens without any electronics. And if it works with an old entry DLSR it should work with every camera above it.
Philip Hansen You have a bad copy of the lens then. You need to somehow try out a good copy. There are ONLY 2 versions for Nikon. One WITH AF confirm, and one WITHOUT. BOTH allow you to the option of controlling the aperture from the camera body.
I have this and the 35mm f/1.4. They are both built very well and receive great reviews from everybody. I will say though that the focus verification is not great on Nikons for any manual focus lens, I find a Katzeye to be indispensable.
Bloody excellent review Matt, I just bought a used UK version (Samyang) and had some after-purchase doubts. I haven't had a proper chance to try it out, but I shall go out there today a bit more confident!
At f/2.8 and below a focus screen replacement is highly recommended. With the standard focus screen on Canon 5d mk II there was so many misses, with the precision matte focus screen manual focusing generally goes well. I am considering buying an old fashion focus screen though, micro prisms etc would be even better (and much cooler!)
Yeah but it darkens the image considerably , you will be able to run down to F4 not below , and probably have to use Aperture Preview button if you have one that is , not all cameras have it for manual lenses . At this point hustle of using it becomes more then problem it solves , its best to use Focus assist Zebra and stuff
@@dedskin1 well, hmm, my DSLR days are far gone but I had not too much issues with those screens, even with NDs on, but others were quite perplexed meeting my setup. Presuming you are using cameras with auto iris it works well enough, or if you mostly shoot very open. I guess it all is a bit depending on what you shoot and why, but if you are in the full frame craze and what all that milky out of focus areas. After that I shot mostly BMPCC Super16 where the goals are totally opposite, so everything depends.
@@randomgeocacher You seam to have lots of XP. I love film as well , but i just dont have budget to roll with it if i had i would roll with that Large Format , crazy resolution . So i use Canon 5D Classic , it indeed has that film like grain , and colors but is cheap and easy . Lately i found that Fuji has film presets that are real good as well , but didnt use it . I shoot Family and Art stuff , and Astrophotography , still mostly . What do you shoot ?
@@dedskin1 well honestly my super16 was all digital (bmpcc) and I’m not very active in video/photo space now; mostly multicam shooting conference. My personal projects in video is on my channel, mostly lens lens tests and such. Otherwise I’m a grand collector of gear, lots of old stuff mostly that I’ve gotten cheaply off eBay. An old Kodak c-mount lens produced somewhere between 1920 and 1940 is probably the gem of the collection :)
@@randomgeocacher oh , i though its film , but everything is good , i took a look , nice work indeed , see lots of music stuff , i was in to music , still do producing a bit , but dont have time for that now , kids and stuff . But keep up the good work .
You should review the Rokinon 135mm f2. I've read that it's better than the Canon L series in most respects. Some reviews even suggest that it's as sharp as the Zeiss 135mm.
Hi Matt. I find it so cool that you mention the BMW M5 in the video! I love that car. You're probably also a car fan!? However, I think that's a very interesting lens for its "price"! There's also one 85 f1.4 MF from Walimex. Tried it few months ago and was positively surprised! Cheers:-)
For those wondering, this lens has the exact same elements design as the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D: www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon/lenses/normal-range/rokinon-85mm-f1.4-asph-for-nikon Read Roger's Take then look at the "Resources" tab for each lens. I've had the Rokinon for about 3 months now. It's is pretty hard to shoot but for it's price, it is more than good enough for me. Although, the value of having AF is starting to go up for me.
Hey Matt....hope you are recovering well. Above I watched and at the 10:26 you compare photos of Tina... I think the Rokinon is a better looking photo than the Nikon on right. Good test though... oh I ordered one of these and I love it.
I noticed the lens did not have an 'A' setting on the aperture ring, which on most lens would allow you to focus wide open then stop down to the aperture setting when the shutter is pressed. Can you comment on that ?
Ive long been a fan of Samyang and have had the 85mm f/1.4 for several years. Its one lens that I will never part with as its just so damn sharp! I bought mine brand new at a bargain price of £189 when they were first imported into the UK. The price has pretty much doubled now, so thats testament to the quality of these lenses.
I just bought one S/H from a place in London I've just discovered. Park had sold out so I went for it £173/excellent condition. Did you find the focus ring to be a bit stiff? It's not bad at all on mine but maybe it has loosened up with use.
I have since 1999 my Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 D IF and it makes beautiful pictures on f/1.4 is super sharp on my Nikon D3s. I used the AiS and the G versions but the D version is more cream like bokeh. And it's build as a Tank.
I'm interested in rokinon lenses specifically for video where you want to use manual focus anyways, especially for nikon cameras where you can't change aperture in live view, having a lens with an aperture rings are a good work around for that..
Seeing the shallow dof makes me wonder how in the world I used to shoot fast-moving sports in the 80s with lenses wide open, auto-nothing, on film. Lots of almost-but-not-quite focused images, especially when starting out.
Well CJ, I would have to say that both you and I were a lot younger in the '80's maybe our eyes were better "back in the day"..I used to fast focus back then and very seldom did I ever miss it....today, well lets just say that I'm really HAPPY with the modern Auto Focus... 8^)
I had the Samyang 85 in EF and found I didn't like the fov on an APS-c sensor and it only sharpen up at 5.6, it was very soft wide open. On the 5D2 this lens was a better option as the weight was offset by the camera body. They do make two Nikon versions.
That wasn't my experience at all, the one I tried on my D700 was very sharp at f1.4, not far behind Nikon's 85D or the Sigma 85. Getting good results at f1.4 is quite hard on any lens.
MrSimonj1970 there are two versions of for Nikon. the one I used had a t stop of 1.5 (reportable), it was not the cine. The reviews I seen fall in line with my experience. When I got this lens I tested it out on a tripod, with a timer and shot a bunch of cereal boxes to read the little writing. I'm very experienced with manual focus, it's my preferred method, most of my lenses are old MC, MD, AIS, PK, M39 and ton of M42. I also could of had a bad copy but then a lot of people must. It might just be the Nikon version better
Must have been a bad copy. DXO mark has this as the 29th highest rated lens, out of ALL lenses they have rated. I also have this lens and mine is very sharp at 1.4. www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Samyang/85mm-f-1.4-Aspherical-IF-Canon-mounted-on-Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II---Measurements__483
Wow, I´m really impressed by the quality of this lens, I think, it´s really a great option for people with low budget like me to get a good prime. I´m really used to Autofocus, but I got an old Nikon 50mm 1.4 and I absolutely love taking pictures with manual focus as the auto doesn´t work on my camera. Maybe I´ll get the Rokinon...
I generally use my Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens + MC-11 adapter in manual mode simply because I think that with focus peaking, it is actually easier to manually focus this lens than try to use the AF in portraiture to get the eyes in focus. I'd only use this lens for portraiture and I wonder about the difference in bokeh between this lens and the Canon f/1.8?
Two areas I would like to hear about are landscape and star-fields. Any thoughts regarding this lens to those 2 areas of photography? Thank you in advance!
I have a Nikon D500 and this lens does fit it making it a 123mm, which is fine for me, but my question is "I've read or watched somewhere (I don't remember where) that an F1.4 on a crop sensor becomes an F1.8 aperture?" Is this true?
Really cool to see that you came to Portugal! :) I'm not sure if I should buy the 1.8G or this one.. manual 1.4 vs Automatic focus at 1.8... What's the main advantage of 1.4 for portrait?
I didn't really like this lens. The MFD of 1 meter was not close enough for my usage and the focus ring was very hard to turn. I could not focus without shaking around with my camera, which is not good for composition or video. The build was also cheap plastics with some metal parts, if I squeezed lightly on the lens I could hear the plastic creaking. I could also not attach the lens hood without first removing the lenscap, and the hood didn't like to stay on. If I attached the hood inwards on the lens and just pushed on it, it would pop off and the lenscap with it. This became a problem when I had the lens in my bag, so I ended up with never using the lens hood.
You're fussing about your strength to lightly squeezed the lens & hear plastic creaking, and yet, the focus ring was very hard to turn?! You're such a ButterSkies, alright...….. Please! And then you stated, "I could also not attach the lens hood without first removing the lens cap", incorrect! Apparently, you must NOT KNOW HOW to properly put on the lens hood with the lens cap still on!! My lens hood NEVER had any problem staying on, forward or backward. Quick advice, leave the lens to the professional.....!!
Unfortunately, from everything I've been able to find on these lens so far, it appears that ONLY the Nikon version has the electronic focus confirmation chip, so keep that mind if you're using another brand of camera.
My Samyang version did not have the AF confirm capability. I wonder if this will work: buying a cheap M42-EOS converter from Amazon, removing the confirm chip (I know they're just glued on) then carefully positioning/attaching it to the Samyang.
Cuong P Nguyen its the same lens just rebranded Samyang is Vivitar, Falcon, Rokinon, Walimex, Bower, Opteka, Bell and Howell, Polar, and Pro-Optic all the same lens
Matt. (great review)....Does the viewfinder get darker if you're stopped down with this lens. I have a Canon 5D MK III and read someone mentioned the viewfinder get's darker if shooting at higher f-stops...and also no communication with camera what settings were used for the image retained...Thanks.....This lens is tempting, although I am looking at the Sigma 1.4 for my wedding gigs also....THX Philip...
Thank you for sharing this with us Matt as I have seen a bit Rokinon lens online. I wonder that since this is an 85mm and it is a goto lens for portraits, will the manual focus be okay for that kind of photography? Again it is always a pleasure to get your reviews on Nikon gear; Thank you Matt.
On a Sony SLT camera this is a no-brainer. They have Focus Peaking and you can even zoom in on 1:1 Pixel zoom, both in both the LCD Screen and the viewfinder, so you can do Manual Focus really easy and good unlike those oldstyle clappy-mirror DSLR cameras. ;)
but no way that its faster and easier then a clappy mirror DSLR with a split focus screen, focus conformation chip and optional magnifier, just saying, ever heard of catch/trap focusing.
was saying that its easier to focus with a split focus screen on top of that have a focus confirmation and and optional magnifier to make things easier, that's in no way, shape or form guessing, split focus screen is already dead on, focus confirmation just adds a bit more precision but not by much imo the maginifier which is optional makes it a tad bit easier to get spot on focus in split screen focus screen, highlighted focus area IMHO just make things overly complicated or easier, whichever makes it better for you, have a d800 atm and the highlighted areas are no way better then the split focus screen which makes manual focusing a breeze, I almost never use AF, but that's just me.
Very interesting review. Like you said, there's not that many reviews out there for Samyang (or other names they are sold under) products. So its refreshing to see one, especially showing side by side images with a well recognised brand name lens. The same company is releasing a 10mm F2.8 rectilinear prime lens soon; should be quite interesting to see what people make of that one! Its for aps-c/cropped sensor cameras only though.
Yes it will, that's what I've used it on before. Just make sure when buying you buy it for the right mount (Sony E or Sony A with a LA-EA3 or LA-EA4 Adapter)
Matt, I was wondering what spec to look for to find lenses with what you called "long smooth focus throw". Is there an actual spec for this or do you just have to go and try each lens?
Hi Matt, go to 1:30min where you say it's less than 20% and watch the board behind you XD
I had to go back and see what you was talking about and it made me laugh :)
How would anyone even notice that? You are a genius............
+Ruud Schoenmakers Oh, he totally planned that.
+Ruud Schoenmakers That was really funny to see.
Subliminal
Extremely helpful Matt. You're the only guy out there I came across to mention the T values. Very enlightening! Thanks.
Whoa, if Pecos Hank commented on this lens review that means the rokinon is great.
An Australian who goes to Portugal to review a Korean lens that is distributed in America.
Teena Marie anyone
Great review Matt. I been a sub for more than a year and the way you review products has really improve, keep up the good work!
Sounds like a great addition to a new a7!! Would love to see a compilation of budget lens options for the sony a7.
OMG, I jumped out of my chair when you said you came here to Portugal!!!
I've been looking at this lens for a little over a year now and this is by far the best review I've seen of it. Now I think it's worth taking a serious look at. I also like to do a little work and slow down b4 taking a shot. Thank for the vid
Jared polin needs to watch your reviews because they are so much better than his. Excellent info Matt, thank you very much.
Jared is annoying...
but Matt doesn't do a sniff test. How your gear smells is very important.
lomochrome6 Lol
lomochrome6 He also does a "Wind Tunnel" test now too and blows on the gear to see which is more aerodynamic, lol. What a goof ball.
if you're not interested into some goofing around while doing a review, I'd say stick with Matt ;-)
I own this exact lens albeit under a brand called Samyang (It actually goes under a number of brands). It a good lens, although on my Pentax K-30 it can produce a very soft image if you don't have your settings just right. But the weight of it threw me off the most, even without any stabilization.
I've been thinking of selling mine for a few months now, but having watched this. I think I'll try using it again!
Thanks from Portugal for the great review! Hope you enjoyed being in Lisbon. Cheers
Hey Matt! Welcome to Portugal! I've been following your TH-cam channel for a couple of years and it was a great surprise to see you in my home town - Lisbon. If you said you were coming we could have organized a photo walk with some more local photographers. Anyway, hope you enjoyed Lisbon and Portugal.
Cheers, mate!
great review mr. Granger, the paced an relaxed presentation is for me an important aspect in digesting all the good info.
VERY helpful Matt. You made me think not only about MF/AF, Nikkor/Rokinon, $$$$$/$, but also about the fact that neither lens provides IS. Thanks.
Interesting review, but may I point out that Nikon's 85mm F1.8G is available for around five hundred bucks or less if you shop judiciously, not a huge amount of $ above the Rokinon/Samyang 85mm F1.4, and it has auto-focus... I have it and it's great. The DOF at F1.8 is also very small and great separation from the background, and in front too.
Thank you for telling me about the autofocus issue in the beginning. Very helpful.
using manual lenses for canon or nikon users can be hard,but for sony users is just a piece of cake,turn on the MF asist and focus peaking :D and here we go
thanks did you test the e mount version? on sony a6000? what is your opinion about e mount version for sony cameras?
thanks for good videos
+Emad nejati MF through the live view on a nikon/canon is the same as sony. Actually my Nikon(5500) has much bigger and higher res screen than my sony NEX 5T, so MF even without focus peaking is easier.
***** focus peaking is imprtant
you cant take right focus from live view
evf is the best thing for it
+Emad nejati Have you shot extensively with focus peaking yourself? Because I have. It is realiable ONLY in very limited shooting scenarios, like focus on the grass (or some other nature pattern) with tiny DOF. All other cases (portraits, street, indoors etc.) peaking is just not accurate - you need to zoom in, focus and zoom out - and this is the same on both mirrorless EVF/screen and DSLR screen.
"you cant take right focus from live view" - this is not true, I`ve taken lots of good shots in manual focus on NEX5 and it doesn`t have a viewfinder (equal to a DSLR live view). I agree that EFV is more convinient for manual, BUT manual focus itselfs is so slow compared to AF that in the end EVF/live view dilemma doesn`t matter.
yes i have a6000 and a7 II you have a old camera,in new version with supported lenses you have so much better peaking with auto magnifier you cant miss focus
Sorry to disagree, Emad. I much prefer the behaviour on an old camera (a3000) that lets me choose if I want the magnifier on or not. I do not like the A7R II's s way of automatically switching on the magnifier, I like to be in command, not the camera imposing on me. That's why I also prefer manual to AF lenses.
Great review, thanks. I have the lens and also LOVE it.
Don't forget that on my Sony A77 I have focus peaking as well which really helps increase the keeper ratio. Peaking also works in video mode which also helps getting the focus right while shooting video with this lens.
Hi Matt, thank you for another great job that you review this lens.
I had this lens for a few years for my Olympus DSLRs. It was absolutely fantastic, really sharp right from 1.4, smooth focusing, and beautiful bokeh. Great for portraits and street photography. Sold it once I got the Oly 75/1.8 for m4/3.
In your video, you said it had a 67mm filter fraid (? sry, german and dunno how it's spelled ;D) but it says on the lense, it's an 72mm ...
A really unique and in-depth review on something different. Thank you Matt.
i shoot the Samyang (AKA Rokinon) 35/1.4 and it's a really really good glass. but don't rely on Rokinon's default "in focus confirmation", i means you have to re-calibrate the focus by using micro adjust in your Body. then that lens will give you a blowing-mind sharpness and beautiful bokeh. I love Samyang & going to get a 24/1.4
Nice job reviewing. But I think another important component when considering a maker like this is... After 6 months of usage, would it still work? Will the focusing lose its smoothness, etc..
glad to review this lens, thank you
I have had it back when I shot with the D3100 and the D3200!
I gave it to my littlebrother some years ago and it was fun to shoot with and the depth of field was ridicolous!
it would take pretty much half of the battery to use the lcd screen to use it in liveview!
My favorite lens! I love my Rokinon 85mm.
Rokinon or Samyang as they are also know are Korean lenses. Of course Korea doesn't have the reputation of Japan or Getmany. For me is very important that this lens is sold without adapter in nearly every mount. The video of Matt is really helpful 👍and it help me to end the prejudge I had with this firm. The lens is great for its price. 270$ for a lens that Nikon sells 1600$ and Canon 1900 at 1.2 aperture. The difference is enormous even if it is manual focus and a little softer. In the case of Sony a7 there isn't not even close a lens with such shallow depth of field. I hate 👿 mount adapters and the direct support for e-mount is very tempting for me.
Better to get the EF mount and then use it with a speed booster on a Sony a6x00. You get a 93mm f/1.0
I have the Samyang f1.4 85mm which is exactly the same lens. I'm very satisfied with it. Its quality is incredible. Paid € 269 for it. The Rokinon is made by Samyang and meant for the American market. In Europe you'll only/mainly find Samyang. In some reviews I've even read it outperforms the Nikon in some aspects.
Portugal??? Did you liked it? My home country and glad you went there!! Where the tours videos?? haha:) Nice to hear about those lenses too!!
These work a million times better either with an EVF or in Live View with magnification. 85 1.4..... focus confirmation just isn't enough.
Great review! But I have a few questions. At 15:25 the exif shows F1.8. Isn't the manual aperture full click stops between F1.4 and F2? Mine are. But I think it might be a different version. Mine also doesn't let me control aperture from the camera body. But it still have the AF confirm on my D600. Just as a note for anyone else thinking of buying it.
I have the D600 and this lens as well!
2 things:
1. You CAN control the aperture from you camera body
2. You CAN get f/1.8. You get it by controlling the aperture from the camera body.
Go to Menu > Custom Setting Menu > f Controls (purple) > f5 Customize Command Dials > Aperture Setting > Then select Sub-Command Dial to control from dial, or Aperture Ring to control it from the ring on the lens.
To make it faster to switch between ring and dial (if you occasionally shoot video, like me), I put this option in My Menu.
He uses aperture control from the camera. some Rokinon lenses have contacts so the lens can speak to the camera, some lens versions don't.
jshaw6600 No. Going into F5, setting aperture control to be Sub-Command Dial don't allow me to change aperture from the body. But the lens still sports AF confirm in the view finder. I'm pretty sure that there are different versions of the lens, and mine just don't support aperture control from the body, but it still supports AF confirm.
Philip Hansen You need contacts on the lens for it to be able to speak to the camera, if you have the version without contacts on the lens, you can't change aperture in-camera.
Also, AF confirmation is a camera thing that all nikon DSLRs have, it has nothing to do with the lens. I just tried with my old D3000 and a 50/1.2 AIS lens, which is all metal, mechanical lens without any electronics. And if it works with an old entry DLSR it should work with every camera above it.
Philip Hansen
You have a bad copy of the lens then. You need to somehow try out a good copy.
There are ONLY 2 versions for Nikon. One WITH AF confirm, and one WITHOUT. BOTH allow you to the option of controlling the aperture from the camera body.
Ah! Amazing. Thank you Matt. This is what I needed. I want this lens so badly for my a35.
I have this and the 35mm f/1.4. They are both built very well and receive great reviews from everybody. I will say though that the focus verification is not great on Nikons for any manual focus lens, I find a Katzeye to be indispensable.
Did you enjoy our beer Matt? people say its one of the best in Europe!
hope you enjoy your stay!
Cheers
Bloody excellent review Matt, I just bought a used UK version (Samyang) and had some after-purchase doubts. I haven't had a proper chance to try it out, but I shall go out there today a bit more confident!
I remember when you first published this. I use this lens on my Nikon bodies to make great videos, thanks to your recommendation and due research
At f/2.8 and below a focus screen replacement is highly recommended. With the standard focus screen on Canon 5d mk II there was so many misses, with the precision matte focus screen manual focusing generally goes well. I am considering buying an old fashion focus screen though, micro prisms etc would be even better (and much cooler!)
Yeah but it darkens the image considerably , you will be able to run down to F4 not below , and probably have to use Aperture Preview button if you have one that is , not all cameras have it for manual lenses . At this point hustle of using it becomes more then problem it solves , its best to use Focus assist Zebra and stuff
@@dedskin1 well, hmm, my DSLR days are far gone but I had not too much issues with those screens, even with NDs on, but others were quite perplexed meeting my setup. Presuming you are using cameras with auto iris it works well enough, or if you mostly shoot very open.
I guess it all is a bit depending on what you shoot and why, but if you are in the full frame craze and what all that milky out of focus areas. After that I shot mostly BMPCC Super16 where the goals are totally opposite, so everything depends.
@@randomgeocacher You seam to have lots of XP. I love film as well , but i just dont have budget to roll with it if i had i would roll with that Large Format , crazy resolution . So i use Canon 5D Classic , it indeed has that film like grain , and colors but is cheap and easy .
Lately i found that Fuji has film presets that are real good as well , but didnt use it .
I shoot Family and Art stuff , and Astrophotography , still mostly .
What do you shoot ?
@@dedskin1 well honestly my super16 was all digital (bmpcc) and I’m not very active in video/photo space now; mostly multicam shooting conference. My personal projects in video is on my channel, mostly lens lens tests and such. Otherwise I’m a grand collector of gear, lots of old stuff mostly that I’ve gotten cheaply off eBay. An old Kodak c-mount lens produced somewhere between 1920 and 1940 is probably the gem of the collection :)
@@randomgeocacher oh , i though its film , but everything is good , i took a look , nice work indeed , see lots of music stuff , i was in to music , still do producing a bit , but dont have time for that now , kids and stuff .
But keep up the good work .
This is one of my favorite lenses and for the price, it's unbeatable.
You should review the Rokinon 135mm f2. I've read that it's better than the Canon L series in most respects. Some reviews even suggest that it's as sharp as the Zeiss 135mm.
Great review Matt.
Love the look of these images. Crazy how at such a low cost, the micro contrast still far exceeds sigmas 35. Gives a very story book feel.
Hi Matt. I find it so cool that you mention the BMW M5 in the video! I love that car. You're probably also a car fan!? However, I think that's a very interesting lens for its "price"! There's also one 85 f1.4 MF from Walimex. Tried it few months ago and was positively surprised! Cheers:-)
For those wondering, this lens has the exact same elements design as the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D: www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon/lenses/normal-range/rokinon-85mm-f1.4-asph-for-nikon Read Roger's Take then look at the "Resources" tab for each lens.
I've had the Rokinon for about 3 months now. It's is pretty hard to shoot but for it's price, it is more than good enough for me. Although, the value of having AF is starting to go up for me.
Portuguese guy here watching Lisbon photography. Hope you enjoyed
Thanks for your review one of the best I've seen yet. wish you do a review on the 135 f2 . Thanks again!
Jake
Welcome to my country!
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Hey Matt....hope you are recovering well. Above I watched and at the 10:26 you compare photos of Tina... I think the Rokinon is a better looking photo than the Nikon on right. Good test though... oh I ordered one of these and I love it.
Yes, I too am blown away by image quality and the value proposition. Nikon's 85mm is legendary but Rokinon is pretty close and rockinon.....!
+MohanJan1954 It is actually pronounced like Row-keh-non. But yeah their lenses are great.
Thanks. Like the style of presentation. Friendly but unaffected.
I noticed the lens did not have an 'A' setting on the aperture ring, which on most lens would allow you to focus wide open then stop down to the aperture setting when the shutter is pressed. Can you comment on that ?
Ive long been a fan of Samyang and have had the 85mm f/1.4 for several years. Its one lens that I will never part with as its just so damn sharp! I bought mine brand new at a bargain price of £189 when they were first imported into the UK. The price has pretty much doubled now, so thats testament to the quality of these lenses.
I just bought one S/H from a place in London I've just discovered. Park had sold out so I went for it £173/excellent condition. Did you find the focus ring to be a bit stiff? It's not bad at all on mine but maybe it has loosened up with use.
Focus ring was very stiff on mine, still is to an extent, not so stiff its hard to use though.
I have since 1999 my Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 D IF and it makes beautiful pictures on f/1.4 is super sharp on my Nikon D3s. I used the AiS and the G versions but the D version is more cream like bokeh. And it's build as a Tank.
Hope you enjoyed my country!
Best Regards!
Ohhh, you drink a Sagres beer!!! Nice!!!!
I'm interested in rokinon lenses specifically for video where you want to use manual focus anyways, especially for nikon cameras where you can't change aperture in live view, having a lens with an aperture rings are a good work around for that..
That's one reason I got my rokinon lenses.
I love that lens , for me it's a good investment .
Excellent review Matt - very informative - thanks.
its easy to use on nikon d5100 by the manual focus
How would you compare this lens to the nikon 85 1.8 since they're closer in price?
I love my Nikon 85 1.8. It's my studio puppy. I know nobody who can slam that lens for value vs performance.
Hey, greetings from Portugal!
Nice review. I just wander about some kind of "rings" showing in the sky in the picture at 11:31 but it´s probably your monitor?
Seeing the shallow dof makes me wonder how in the world I used to shoot fast-moving sports in the 80s with lenses wide open, auto-nothing, on film. Lots of almost-but-not-quite focused images, especially when starting out.
Well CJ, I would have to say that both you and I were a lot younger in the '80's maybe our eyes were better "back in the day"..I used to fast focus back then and very seldom did I ever miss it....today, well lets just say that I'm really HAPPY with the modern Auto Focus... 8^)
I had the Samyang 85 in EF and found I didn't like the fov on an APS-c sensor and it only sharpen up at 5.6, it was very soft wide open. On the 5D2 this lens was a better option as the weight was offset by the camera body. They do make two Nikon versions.
That wasn't my experience at all, the one I tried on my D700 was very sharp at f1.4, not far behind Nikon's 85D or the Sigma 85. Getting good results at f1.4 is quite hard on any lens.
MrSimonj1970 there are two versions of for Nikon. the one I used had a t stop of 1.5 (reportable), it was not the cine. The reviews I seen fall in line with my experience. When I got this lens I tested it out on a tripod, with a timer and shot a bunch of cereal boxes to read the little writing. I'm very experienced with manual focus, it's my preferred method, most of my lenses are old MC, MD, AIS, PK, M39 and ton of M42. I also could of had a bad copy but then a lot of people must. It might just be the Nikon version better
Must have been a bad copy. DXO mark has this as the 29th highest rated lens, out of ALL lenses they have rated. I also have this lens and mine is very sharp at 1.4.
www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Samyang/85mm-f-1.4-Aspherical-IF-Canon-mounted-on-Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II---Measurements__483
PolioVitruvius it worked at lot better on 5D2 than the 5N but it was weak wide
Wow, I´m really impressed by the quality of this lens, I think, it´s really a great option for people with low budget like me to get a good prime. I´m really used to Autofocus, but I got an old Nikon 50mm 1.4 and I absolutely love taking pictures with manual focus as the auto doesn´t work on my camera. Maybe I´ll get the Rokinon...
I generally use my Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens + MC-11 adapter in manual mode simply because I think that with focus peaking, it is actually easier to manually focus this lens than try to use the AF in portraiture to get the eyes in focus. I'd only use this lens for portraiture and I wonder about the difference in bokeh between this lens and the Canon f/1.8?
I have the Rokinon 85mm T1.5 cine lens. It is great.
14:45 Thumbs up from Portugal!
Not really interested in the lens, but great review matt. If you have any spare time could you review your Canon 85 f/1.2?
if it's T/1.7, then why is the Cine version of the same lens marketed as T/1.5?
Two areas I would like to hear about are landscape and star-fields. Any thoughts regarding this lens to those 2 areas of photography? Thank you in advance!
Is it just me but shooting food with manual lenses at low apertures just makes me so happy lol xD
I have a Nikon D500 and this lens does fit it making it a 123mm, which is fine for me, but my question is "I've read or watched somewhere (I don't remember where) that an F1.4 on a crop sensor becomes an F1.8 aperture?" Is this true?
Really cool to see that you came to Portugal! :) I'm not sure if I should buy the 1.8G or this one.. manual 1.4 vs Automatic focus at 1.8... What's the main advantage of 1.4 for portrait?
Hi, stuck between nikon f1.8 or rokinon f1.4. Autofocus doesnot matter..which one should i go for..thanx
I didn't really like this lens. The MFD of 1 meter was not close enough for my usage and the focus ring was very hard to turn. I could not focus without shaking around with my camera, which is not good for composition or video.
The build was also cheap plastics with some metal parts, if I squeezed lightly on the lens I could hear the plastic creaking.
I could also not attach the lens hood without first removing the lenscap, and the hood didn't like to stay on.
If I attached the hood inwards on the lens and just pushed on it, it would pop off and the lenscap with it. This became a problem when I had the lens in my bag, so I ended up with never using the lens hood.
You're fussing about your strength to lightly squeezed the lens & hear plastic creaking, and yet, the focus ring was very hard to turn?! You're such a ButterSkies, alright...….. Please!
And then you stated, "I could also not attach the lens hood without first removing the lens cap", incorrect! Apparently, you must NOT KNOW HOW to properly put on the lens hood with the lens cap still on!!
My lens hood NEVER had any problem staying on, forward or backward. Quick advice, leave the lens to the professional.....!!
Hey! You were at my city! Lisbon!!!
Hope you liked!!
A thumb up, just for the intro sentence :D
Thanks Matt
greetings from swiss
@11:07 what the hell is rokinon doing to people's eyes at f4??
Unfortunately, from everything I've been able to find on these lens so far, it appears that ONLY the Nikon version has the electronic focus confirmation chip, so keep that mind if you're using another brand of camera.
My Samyang version did not have the AF confirm capability. I wonder if this will work: buying a cheap M42-EOS converter from Amazon, removing the confirm chip (I know they're just glued on) then carefully positioning/attaching it to the Samyang.
*update* I did it and it works :-)
Hello Matt, what is your opinion between the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 versus the Samyang 85mm f/1.4? Thanks.
Cuong P Nguyen its the same lens just rebranded Samyang is Vivitar, Falcon, Rokinon, Walimex, Bower, Opteka, Bell and Howell, Polar, and Pro-Optic all the same lens
Oh wow... thanks for the info. Appreciate it.
I really have to lay my hands on one of those. As Samyang is the same and distributed in the Netherlands I will go for the Samyang version.
Matt. (great review)....Does the viewfinder get darker if you're stopped down with this lens. I have a Canon 5D MK III and read someone mentioned the viewfinder get's darker if shooting at higher f-stops...and also no communication with camera what settings were used for the image retained...Thanks.....This lens is tempting, although I am looking at the Sigma 1.4 for my wedding gigs also....THX Philip...
would this lens fit right onto a black magic2.5k?
Thank you for sharing this with us Matt as I have seen a bit Rokinon lens online. I wonder that since this is an 85mm and it is a goto lens for portraits, will the manual focus be okay for that kind of photography? Again it is always a pleasure to get your reviews on Nikon gear; Thank you Matt.
On a Sony SLT camera this is a no-brainer. They have Focus Peaking and you can even zoom in on 1:1 Pixel zoom, both in both the LCD Screen and the viewfinder, so you can do Manual Focus really easy and good unlike those oldstyle clappy-mirror DSLR cameras. ;)
but no way that its faster and easier then a clappy mirror DSLR with a split focus screen, focus conformation chip and optional magnifier, just saying, ever heard of catch/trap focusing.
I used DSLRs, I used magnifiers, andt hey had Focus confirmation Chips, but believe me, ... not even close... Try it out with a EVF-based camera :)...
was saying that its easier to focus with a split focus screen on top of that have a focus confirmation and and optional magnifier to make things easier, that's in no way, shape or form guessing, split focus screen is already dead on, focus confirmation just adds a bit more precision but not by much imo the maginifier which is optional makes it a tad bit easier to get spot on focus in split screen focus screen, highlighted focus area IMHO just make things overly complicated or easier, whichever makes it better for you, have a d800 atm and the highlighted areas are no way better then the split focus screen which makes manual focusing a breeze, I almost never use AF, but that's just me.
Thanks for this review
So... You're in Portugal? How do you like it so far?
It being almost impossible to focus, does that apply if you have manual focus assist like the Sony a7 mkII? Not used the feature yet
Shutter/Aperture priority mode does work when attach this Lens (AE Chip version) on D3500 body??
Don't know about other people but I love a bit of lens flare, this lens is a bargain fair play.
Don't they have an auto focus version of this lens now?
great review!! well done, thank you
Question, after editing a raw file, and saving it, is it suppose become jpeg or am I doing something wrong?
Great review. Thanks
Very interesting review. Like you said, there's not that many reviews out there for Samyang (or other names they are sold under) products. So its refreshing to see one, especially showing side by side images with a well recognised brand name lens. The same company is releasing a 10mm F2.8 rectilinear prime lens soon; should be quite interesting to see what people make of that one! Its for aps-c/cropped sensor cameras only though.
are this lens full frame? it will use all the sensor of an a7 sony?
Yes it will, that's what I've used it on before. Just make sure when buying you buy it for the right mount (Sony E or Sony A with a LA-EA3 or LA-EA4 Adapter)
I was wondering where you got those pictures, right before you actually said where it was. So did you enjoyed the city?
Matt, I was wondering what spec to look for to find lenses with what you called "long smooth focus throw". Is there an actual spec for this or do you just have to go and try each lens?
Sold out!