The Rokinon/Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II Lens for Sony E-mount is a fast, full-frame, prime lens that would be good for both still and video work.
The AF 85mm F1.4 FE II lens, is the follow-up to the original AF 85mm F1.4 FE. Here is what the new lens offers over the original:
- Smaller size and lighter weight
- Excellent resolution and creamy bokeh from F1.4 fast lens
- Quieter, faster and more accurate AF performance with linear STM motor
- Professional control & upgraded reliability
The lens, along with the AF 50mm F1.4 FE II, and AF 35mm F1.4 FE II were made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Samyang Optics.
Key features
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Autofocus With Manual Override
- Linear STM Motor
- 9-Blade Diaphragm
- 4 HR and 1 ED Element
- Internal Focus Design
- Customizable Focus Hold Button
- Weather Sealed
The AF 85mm F1.4 FE II weighs in at 509g / 18.0oz which makes it among the lightest of all the large-aperture 85mm focal length lenses compatible with the Sony FE mount.
The optical design of the lens consists of 4 HR (High Refractive) and 1 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements which are claimed to help produce excellent contrast and resolution. The lens also has 9 aperture blades and it accepts a 72mm front filter.
Samyang states that the center resolution is superior to other comparable telephoto lenses.
Samyang’s Linear Stepping Motor (STM) is claimed to provide fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking. Compared to the previous AF 85mm F1.4 FE, this new AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is optimized for not only photo shooting but also video shooting by minimizing vibration and noise.
The lens has a minimum focal distance of 2.97′ / 85cm which is fairly common for a lens of this focal length.
The AF 85mm F1.4 FE II includes a Customizable switch and a Focus hold button.
Focus Hold Button
Pressing this button on the lens will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. You can assign functions such as Eye AF in settings on the camera body.
Custom Switch
There is a custom switch, which can be set to allow adjustment of the aperture silently, by rotating the focus ring. Using the optional Lens Station, you can set up the mode to suit your own preference*.
• MODE 1 : Operates with focus control function (MF, DMF mode)
• MODE 2 : Operates with aperture control function (AF mode)
*More functions will be added through firmware updates in the future.
The lens features a rubberized micro-patterned focus ring, silver ring, hidden red ring, and matte finish. It has weather-sealing in 7 areas to help protect the lens from light rain, snow, and dust.
Price & Availability
The Samyang/Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II Lens for Sony E retails for $799 USD and it is now available to pre-order.
