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Archive 2019 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #1 · p.6 #1 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

twelveish wrote:
It's in the post above yours. Decentered. Pretty bad, unfortunately.

Yeah, I find it hunts more than I expected, and I get a few false positive focus indications as well. It's not too bad though. Nothing I haven't seen in a few other fast lenses with lots of glass for the AF motor to move.

See now that worries me about getting it, I don’t want to sell my good copy of the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and get a decentered copy. The stores here don’t have as good return policy so I’d likely not be able to exchange/refund...

Jan 24, 2020 at 07:25 AM

twelveish
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p.6 #2 · p.6 #2 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

I'd say that's a very real concern. I keep hearing about decentered copies for this one (and their 45/1.8 too). Hell, just look at the last couple of pages in this thread alone. If I didn't have a good retailer with an even better return policy nearby, I doubt I would ever have made the switch.

Jan 24, 2020 at 07:45 AM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #3 · p.6 #3 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

twelveish wrote:
I'd say that's a very real concern. I keep hearing about decentered copies for this one (and their 45/1.8 too). Hell, just look at the last couple of pages in this thread alone. If I didn't have a good retailer with an even better return policy nearby, I doubt I would ever have made the switch.

I remember back in the EX days people used to play the Sigma lottery, I guess now it’s the Samyang lottery. This lens appears to render really nicely so it’s a shame there’s so much QC issues.

I’ll have to think it over more before I buy it.

Jan 24, 2020 at 07:49 AM

Bob_S
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p.6 #4 · p.6 #4 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Both my Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX HSM (Nikon mount) from '07 and this new Samyang 85mm f1.4 FE going strong.

Both don't get much use which is a shame, I'm not an 85 shooter, prefer wider than 50 or 105+

Jan 24, 2020 at 09:49 AM

j4nu
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p.6 #5 · p.6 #5 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee wrote:
Does anyone here who swapped over to this lens from the Sony 85mm f/1.8 regret their decision?

I am very tempted by this lens but I’m just not sure if it’s worth the hassle of selling the Sony.

Well, I think if you value AF the most, then Sony is still better than Samyang. Initially when I switched, I thought Samyang AF is finally on the same level, but after some usage I have the impression that it still lags a bit (not so much but I think it's still less consistent, especially under specific lightning).
I made the move mainly because of all the praise Samyang was getting (and f1.4), but I still haven't taken this one picture where I could say I could never do it with Sony

Jan 24, 2020 at 12:36 PM

gocolts
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p.6 #6 · p.6 #6 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

I have the Samyang 85 1.4 and have had great luck with autofocus...but then again I'm mainly doing portrait work with it. Additionally, I bought Guy's copy which he tested extensively, as I knew about the copy variation. It's one of those where if you get a good one, it's a great bargain IMO.

Jan 24, 2020 at 02:55 PM

tester_V
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p.6 #7 · p.6 #7 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

I really never seen an owner of a lens that is not happy with what they have but ask you all know we always looking for better glass. Then what that really means "Are you happy with the xxxx lens?

Jan 24, 2020 at 03:35 PM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #8 · p.6 #8 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Bob_S wrote:
Both my Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX HSM (Nikon mount) from '07 and this new Samyang 85mm f1.4 FE going strong.

Both don't get much use which is a shame, I'm not an 85 shooter, prefer wider than 50 or 105+

Damn I’m jealous you still have your Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX HSM, I had one before but sold it for the Sony and now I wish I kept it. This Samyang really reminds me of the Sigma so much.

Jan 24, 2020 at 04:13 PM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #9 · p.6 #9 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

j4nu wrote:
Well, I think if you value AF the most, then Sony is still better than Samyang. Initially when I switched, I thought Samyang AF is finally on the same level, but after some usage I have the impression that it still lags a bit (not so much but I think it's still less consistent, especially under specific lightning).
I made the move mainly because of all the praise Samyang was getting (and f1.4), but I still haven't taken this one picture where I could say I could never do it with Sony

.

I do want good AF but don’t need it to be lightning fast. I mostly shoot static objects and never sports with my 85mm and I know these f/1.4 lenses will almost always focus slower due to the amount of glass they need to move.

I’ve seen videos of the Samyang and the AF speed is good for me, I’m just worried about accuracy.

I also notice the specular highlights are somewhat weird shaped and not round when stopper down which is a small thing but would bother me.

Jan 24, 2020 at 04:16 PM

j4nu
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p.6 #10 · p.6 #10 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee wrote:
I do want good AF but don’t need it to be lightning fast. I mostly shoot static objects and never sports with my 85mm and I know these f/1.4 lenses will almost always focus slower due to the amount of glass they need to move.

I’ve seen videos of the Samyang and the AF speed is good for me, I’m just worried about accuracy.

I also notice the specular highlights are somewhat weird shaped and not round when stopper down which is a small thing but would bother me.

Unfortunate choice of words on my side

, by lagging (behind) I meant mostly the accuracy. Sony is snappier to acquire focus but both are fast, so I think that should not be a problem. However, on some days I get the feeling Samyang misses more often, while on others I wouldn't be able to tell the two apart. Maybe just an impression, maybe different lightning affects Samyang more

Jan 24, 2020 at 05:28 PM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #11 · p.6 #11 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

j4nu wrote:
Unfortunate choice of words on my side

.

Oh not really what I like to hear. From want I can see, all the stores here are special order only and they don’t have in stock for me to try before buying.

From everything I’ve seen about this lens it looks amazing, I just wish I could try it before buying to make sure it’s work it over the Sony.

Jan 24, 2020 at 10:58 PM

j4nu
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p.6 #12 · p.6 #12 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee wrote:
Oh not really what I like to hear. From want I can see, all the stores here are special order only and they don’t have in stock for me to try before buying.

From everything I’ve seen about this lens it looks amazing, I just wish I could try it before buying to make sure it’s work it over the Sony.

To be honest, I'd probably rule out Samyang if there was no return policy (or the option to check in detail in store before purchase) in place. I only settled on the 3rd copy of 35 f1.4 (the first two were rather seller/store issues but still) and my first copy of 85 f1.4 was dead on arrival

Jan 25, 2020 at 07:32 AM

Calippo
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p.6 #13 · p.6 #13 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

On my A7rII the AF struggles in darker lighting conditions. Fortunately manual focussing is quite ok for an AF lens. Maybe the Sony 85 f1.8 FE is a better choice for reliable portrait results, especially with moving subjects.
But the Samyang is great fun if you have time and you don't have to rely on fast and perfect AF on every single shot for commercial work like weddings.

Jan 25, 2020 at 07:45 AM

zeitlos
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p.6 #14 · p.6 #14 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Mine works perfectly. Never had any issues with the AF.

Here you can find some pictures: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1610956/0

Jan 25, 2020 at 08:22 AM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #15 · p.6 #15 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

j4nu wrote:
To be honest, I'd probably rule out Samyang if there was no return policy (or the option to check in detail in store before purchase) in place. I only settled on the 3rd copy of 35 f1.4 (the first two were rather seller/store issues but still) and my first copy of 85 f1.4 was dead on arrival

.

You despite all these warnings of such, I am seriously still considering getting it. There's just something in the rendering of an f/1.4 lens an f/1.8 can't replicate. I love 85mm for full body shots which IMO is where it shows it's advantage over the f/1.8.

I'll probably list my f/1.8 for sale and if someone buys it, then I'll give the Samyang a try.

Jan 25, 2020 at 08:44 PM

ilikeblonds
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p.6 #16 · p.6 #16 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee wrote:
You despite all these warnings of such, I am seriously still considering getting it. There's just something in the rendering of an f/1.4 lens an f/1.8 can't replicate. I love 85mm for full body shots which IMO is where it shows it's advantage over the f/1.8.

I'll probably list my f/1.8 for sale and if someone buys it, then I'll give the Samyang a try.

Absolutely, even though it's only less than a stop difference, the bokeh and rendering make it look very standout. I regretfully sold my 85 GM for the FE 85, and then later sold that for the samyang 85 because I missed the 1.4 -- not sure how happy I am with it though.

I'm also having some inconsistencies with the AF accuracy. Maybe about 70-75% are acceptable on AF-C, I missed some otherwise nice moments during a session with my friends with their dogs. I have been considering the FE 85 again, not sure how much more I value reliability over dreamy bokeh. And I wouldn't personally get the GM again because of price, weight, and the fact that I don't shoot portraits all that often as I used to.

Jan 26, 2020 at 06:06 AM

Bob_S
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p.6 #17 · p.6 #17 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee wrote:
Damn I’m jealous you still have your Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX HSM, I had one before but sold it for the Sony and now I wish I kept it. This Samyang really reminds me of the Sigma so much.

You can buy mine!

Seriously though, it's not as good as you probably remember it, it was great but on the newest bodies it's showing its age. In my opinion.

The 85GMis much nicer.

Jan 26, 2020 at 06:22 AM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #18 · p.6 #18 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

ilikeblonds wrote:
Absolutely, even though it's only less than a stop difference, the bokeh and rendering make it look very standout. I regretfully sold my 85 GM for the FE 85, and then later sold that for the samyang 85 because I missed the 1.4 -- not sure how happy I am with it though.

I'm also having some inconsistencies with the AF accuracy. Maybe about 70-75% are acceptable on AF-C, I missed some otherwise nice moments during a session with my friends with their dogs. I have been considering the FE 85 again, not sure how much more I value reliability...Show more →

For me the 85mm GM is way too big and heavy for my use. Are you on the latest FW for the Samyang? That's quite a few to be missing still. The FE 85mm is so good when it comes to speed and accuracy, that's one thing that would be hard to give up. If I get time I plan to do some testing with the FE 85mm tomorrow to try figure out if I'll keep it.

Jan 26, 2020 at 07:38 AM

Photosbydlee
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p.6 #19 · p.6 #19 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Bob_S wrote:
You can buy mine!

Seriously though, it's not as good as you probably remember it, it was great but on the newest bodies it's showing its age. In my opinion.

The 85GMis much nicer.

I had mine up until May 2018 when I switched to Sony, the FE 85 was my first native lens. I think I won the lottery with my copy of the Sigma, it was always so good AF wise. I know one guy who used to use it on his A7RII with good results and he loved it on there..

Jan 26, 2020 at 07:40 AM

ilikeblonds
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p.6 #20 · p.6 #20 · Samyang 85mm 1.4 FE - Current owners still happy with the lens?

Photosbydlee wrote:
For me the 85mm GM is way too big and heavy for my use. Are you on the latest FW for the Samyang? That's quite a few to be missing still. The FE 85mm is so good when it comes to speed and accuracy, that's one thing that would be hard to give up. If I get time I plan to do some testing with the FE 85mm tomorrow to try figure out if I'll keep it.

I don't think I'm on the latest version, mine came as v3. Yeah that's a rough estimate of misses, I'll go over my images later and see what the actual miss rate was

Jan 26, 2020 at 02:07 PM

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