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next PZ lens test report: Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical
#1
A little soft at f/1.4 but a stellar price/performance ratio:

[url="http://www.opticallimits.com/canon-eos/610-samyang8514apsc"]http://www.opticallimits.com/canon-eos/610-samyang8514apsc[/url]



Would I prefer it over the Sigma ? That's a tough one ... and there's the 85mm f/1.8 USM.
#2
[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1302559652' post='7548']

A little soft at f/1.4 but a stellar price/performance ratio:

[url="http://www.opticallimits.com/canon-eos/610-samyang8514apsc"]http://www.opticallimits.com/canon-eos/610-samyang8514apsc[/url]



Would I prefer it over the Sigma ? That's a tough one ... and there's the 85mm f/1.8 USM.

[/quote]



It is astonishing that such a low-budget lens is capable of causing a tough decision, it really speaks for its qualities. I assume the decision is tough because you take its low price into the equation, don't you? What would the choice be if you concentrated solely on the optical properties, price and AF-capability put aside?



Additionally, do you think in the Nikon camp, the AF-D 85/1.8 is a comparable rival equal to what the Canon 85/1.8 is to the Samyang in Canon camp?



By the way, I am one of the persons who does sell lenses very fast after buying them if they are not as good as expected or if I think there is a better alternative out there. This has been the fate of many lnses, even pricey ones. Nevertheless, 3 lenses survived in my bag: the newest is the Samyang 14mm bought in July last year and it has a remarkable performance for the money, especially since on APS-C, I do not suffer from distortion as much as on full frame + PTLens does a great job here.



Christian
#3
[quote name='TheChris' timestamp='1302597964' post='7554']

It is astonishing that such a low-budget lens is capable of causing a tough decision, it really speaks for its qualities. I assume the decision is tough because you take its low price into the equation, don't you? What would the choice be if you concentrated solely on the optical properties, price and AF-capability put aside?



Additionally, do you think in the Nikon camp, the AF-D 85/1.8 is a comparable rival equal to what the Canon 85/1.8 is to the Samyang in Canon camp?



By the way, I am one of the persons who does sell lenses very fast after buying them if they are not as good as expected or if I think there is a better alternative out there. This has been the fate of many lnses, even pricey ones. Nevertheless, 3 lenses survived in my bag: the newest is the Samyang 14mm bought in July last year and it has a remarkable performance for the money, especially since on APS-C, I do not suffer from distortion as much as on full frame + PTLens does a great job here.



Christian

[/quote]



Well, the Zeiss ZA 85/1.4 and the Nikkor AF-S 85/1.4 are substantially better. The Canon 85L is still superior ... and, of course, even faster. So if you just want the very best the Samyang does not qualify. It is a value king - no less but also no more.

As far as the Nikkor/Canon 85/1.8 is concerned - both are certainly "better" at f/1.8. The question is, of course, whether f/1.8 is sufficient for you.
#4
While I could see the samyang on a 5d/mkii or maybe a 50d; on an t2 or xsi it would be a bear to focus without live view. Also (personal taste here) I really dislike stop down metering.



Btw does this lens suffer from focus shift? I know the zeiss c/y lens is well known for strong focus shift; and vaguely I think you said the sigma had very little (though I think I remember reading the 50f1.4 variant had quite a bit) so was a bit surprise there.
#5
I use this quite a bit, and love it. It's also great for video IMO. The zoom turns very nicely and focus is easy to find. Easier now that I've gotten myself an LCDVF view finder.
#6
[quote name='you2' timestamp='1302613981' post='7557']

While I could see the samyang on a 5d/mkii or maybe a 50d; on an t2 or xsi it would be a bear to focus without live view. Also (personal taste here) I really dislike stop down metering.



Btw does this lens suffer from focus shift? I know the zeiss c/y lens is well known for strong focus shift; and vaguely I think you said the sigma had very little (though I think I remember reading the 50f1.4 variant had quite a bit) so was a bit surprise there.

[/quote]



Yep, see the comment in the LoCA section. It's not severe though.
#7
Klaus... what do you think about a bokeh only war battle here in photozone?



I think it will be interesting to compare bokeh from this lens...



sigma 85 f1,4

zeiss ZA 85 f1,4

nikon 85 f1,4d

nikon 85 f1,4g

canon 85 f1,2 @f1,4

samyang f1,4



I presume at least 3.000 visit ad days.... <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Tongue' />
#8
I'm afraid that won't happen because



- we don't have all these lenses available at the same time



- those lenses that are actually available are split in two groups ... several hundred kilometers apart <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Wink' />



-- Markus
Editor
opticallimits.com

#9
[quote name='gianluca' timestamp='1302635649' post='7561']

Klaus... what do you think about a bokeh only war battle here in photozone?



I think it will be interesting to compare bokeh from this lens...



sigma 85 f1,4

zeiss ZA 85 f1,4

nikon 85 f1,4d

nikon 85 f1,4g

canon 85 f1,2 @f1,4

samyang f1,4



I presume at least 3.000 visit ad days.... <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Tongue' />

[/quote]

Thew winner will be the Samyang anyway. <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Tongue' />
#10
[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1302638734' post='7564']

Thew winner will be the Samyang anyway. <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Tongue' />

[/quote]



At f/1.4 I'd probably place my bets on the Canon 85L.
  


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