Summing up, I've found the focus plane variability on af-c with face detection on is much higher (from the eye to the front, refocusing very fast) than with face detection off. The setting for sensitivity 1-5 had no effect (that's I think is only for lock-on), and I didn't test the priority settings (af, balanced, release).
I don't have the lens station to test, I'll go to the official store and update the firmware when the new version is released though.
Maybe if you set in the lens station to 0, the af-c movements goes from a bit back focus to a bit front focus, instead of from the point of focus to "two bits" front focus. This could give you better focus in af-c for static subjecs, and maybe a bit worse for moving subjects (as people moving facing towards the camera will most probably be walking to the camera, no to the back...).
These two are straight from camera, just extorted via LR, no adjustments what-so-ever. Full resolution available on Flickr.
P.S - Setting the AF to 0 was the first thing I did when I received it, I did this on intuition "Set to zero and then lets see if I need adjustment". Seems fine for now
GMPhotography wrote:
I should also mention, maybe get off the 1.4 mentality too. 1.8 is going to give you more keepers it’s very typical with any 1.4 lens
So play around at 1.8 and even F2. The difffrences are so very slight
Well, then why shouldnt I keep my 85mm 1.8, more than 50% buy the 1.4 for the aperture...
I own the new Samyang now for a few hours – the Eye-AF works very well on the A9 and the overall image look is very pleasing. The AF is very quiet. One thing the 0,9m close focus distends is not so good. My copy is very sharp and has already firmware 3
Is this really a F1.4 ? Or more like F1.7?
I find that GM has more backgrounds blur than this. My observation is not based on any tests but generally looking at images.
My copy is loud in AF-C mode. I can live with it but it sounds kinda cheap and annoying. I'm on version 3 as well. Sometimes I get the nose in focus instead of the eyes.
MykPotion wrote:
My copy is loud in AF-C mode. I can live with it but it sounds kinda cheap and annoying. I'm on version 3 as well. Sometimes I get the nose in focus instead of the eyes.
Try to disable face detection and focus in the eye with the small flexible spot and see how it goes. I found face detection gives a much higher focus plane variability in af-c, contrary to what was written before by jim kasson.
p.24 #10 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
abase21 wrote:
..on my A9 the Samyang works very fine
Thanks abase21, I have to say this looks like a torture test for the Samyang - I can see the strongly outlined bokeh (can i call this doughnut bokeh!?) all over this image, most obviously on the red barbecue grill behind the wine glass.
p.24 #11 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
It looks like a smoother rendition of swirly bokeh. Reminiscent of the Batis. I feel like this would go over extremely well with for wedding photographers trying to capture a dreamy mood.
p.24 #12 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
I'm loving the rendering of this lens. Against some busy backgrounds it offers what are for me very smooth transitions. A little bit of swirl in the busiest of backgrounds, but I think there's some good 3D action here when the subject is medium distance. AF is fast enough for me keeping up with these little kids.
p.24 #14 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
This is about the only Rokinon/Samyang lens I’m not having any issues with. Did a really nice job last week on a big gig. This compliments my Sony 135 really nice as it’s a touch softer in look so I can go in either direction with the two of them.
p.24 #15 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
Just came from a visit to samyang customer center. My lens af was set at 0 by default. They helped me test +1 and -1, and still 0 was the best. My af works perfect for simple and continuos in flexible spot, etc, the only issue is eye af in continuos (a lot of variability), where I have a lot of misses. If I disable eye af and go to flexible spot in the eye, even in af-c the thing is much better. So:
- Sony firmware issues for eye-af?
- samyang still didn't figure out the eye-af behavior?
p.24 #16 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
Thanks MFoucs and Juanma for the latest samples, and everyone who's contributed samples and impressions in this thread. For every nervous bokeh shot I am seeing 2-3 really pleasant ones (to my eye)..
All right, having sat on the fence for long enough, I've decided to take one for the team. Ordered one, hopefully arriving tomorrow - I've got an outing planned with plenty of foliage, water and running children this weekend, so shall report back with my impressions vs Canon L.
(if the Samyang doesn't work out for me I may take Luis Gabriel's advice and try the Sigma, although the size of the thing scares me slightly..)
p.24 #17 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
So here you are a couple more I just took a while ago. Straight out from the Camera. Standard profile, 0,0,0, DRO off, white balance white priority. Extremely dull day, foggy and rainy.
p.24 #19 · Official: Samyang AF 85mm 1.4 FE ($699)
Is the general consensus that the latest firmware is okay? Last I read, some people found it better, some worse...
I am thinking I might update it tomorrow... I use an A7Rii if that's of relevance.
