Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
p.1 #1Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
I currently own the Sony 85mm 1.8 and I use it as my telephoto when travelling with crop, family photos and some street.
It’s an ok lens but I was drawn to the Viltrox EVO because it has an aperture ring and it looks nice on an A7C. I then discovered Samyang has a new 85mm 1.8 as well. The Samyang seems to be noticeably lighter than the Sony. Less so on Viltrox.
Does anyone have an opinion on whether either lens would be better than the Sony or is it just worth keeping?
It’s an ok lens but I was drawn to the Viltrox EVO because it has an aperture ring and it looks nice on an A7C. I then discovered Samyang has a new 85mm 1.8 as well. The Samyang seems to be noticeably lighter than the Sony. Less so on Viltrox.
Does anyone have an opinion on whether either lens would be better than the Sony or is it just worth keeping?
Jan 02, 2026 at 02:17 AM
p.1 #2Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Have a read of Sonyalpha.blog review and comparison of this lens.
https://sonyalpha.blog/2025/10/20/viltrox-85mm-f2-evo/
From Sonyalpha.blog
https://sonyalpha.blog/2025/10/20/viltrox-85mm-f2-evo/
From Sonyalpha.blog
Jan 02, 2026 at 07:31 AM
p.1 #3Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
This might be helpful to read as well:
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-viltrox-af-85mm-2-0-fe-evo/
Kk
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-viltrox-af-85mm-2-0-fe-evo/
Kk
Jan 02, 2026 at 09:36 AM
p.1 #4Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Thanks both. It sounds like there's a lot of good views on the Viltrox then.
Jan 02, 2026 at 10:09 AM
p.1 #5Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
The Batis was the first 85mm, so I bought it more then 10 years ago. It's nice, but it's big, heavy, has no aperture ring, nor any buttons. I has always been tested as a bit better then the Sony 85mm f1.8.
Bought the Viltrox EVO 85mm f2.0. It's rather small, not heavy has an aperture ring, a MF/AF and a click/no-click button for aperture.
On top of that the images are sharp and have nice rendering. Quality of Viltrox lenses are more constant then Samyang, but Samyang seems to do better last years...
Bought the Viltrox EVO 85mm f2.0. It's rather small, not heavy has an aperture ring, a MF/AF and a click/no-click button for aperture.
On top of that the images are sharp and have nice rendering. Quality of Viltrox lenses are more constant then Samyang, but Samyang seems to do better last years...
Jan 03, 2026 at 11:46 AM
p.1 #6Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
I was surprised to see this Viltrox lens. The others I’ve seen have either been cheap and cheerful or pro, cheap and heavy.
I’m excited about this new Evo range.
I’m excited about this new Evo range.
Jan 03, 2026 at 12:25 PM
p.1 #7Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
I sold my Batis after I got the EVO, it's THAT good, plus it's super compact.
Jan 03, 2026 at 03:18 PM
p.1 #8Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
3catsinky wrote:
I sold my Batis after I got the EVO, it's THAT good, plus it's super compact.
Wow really. Did you notice much difference in image quality or auto focus?
Jan 03, 2026 at 11:45 PM
p.1 #9Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
The Viltrox is a bit sharper then the Batis I think, and has equally good rendering.
I did not sell the Batis, as I think no one will give more then €200, otherwise they will buy the Viltrox new for €250
Keep it for nostalgia....
I did not sell the Batis, as I think no one will give more then €200, otherwise they will buy the Viltrox new for €250
Keep it for nostalgia....
Jan 04, 2026 at 01:11 AM
p.1 #10Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Chaliel wrote:
The Viltrox is a bit sharper then the Batis I think, and has equally good rendering.
I did not sell the Batis, as I think no one will give more then €200, otherwise they will buy the Viltrox new for €250
Keep it for nostalgia....
I believe the Batis is very similar to the Sony 85mm 1.8 so it must be a similar comparison.
Jan 04, 2026 at 01:15 AM
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p.1 #11Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Think yhe Batis is a little better as the Sony
Jan 04, 2026 at 01:39 AM
p.1 #12Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.
I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
Jan 04, 2026 at 02:21 AM
p.1 #13Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
BlueMountains wrote:
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.
I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
I’ve always felt nervous about Samyang and I feel the same way with Viltrox compare to Sigma and Tamron who are battle tested and have very long heritage in the camera industry.
Though I see many people using these lenses online and they seem very happy.
Jan 04, 2026 at 02:23 AM
p.1 #14Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
BlueMountains wrote:
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.
I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
I have been considering the Sigma 90mm, but on paper Viltrox is as good or better - and it is cheaper than a second hand Sigma!
For me the biggest concern in buying third party lenses is compatibility in future. Nothing against Viltrox but I trust Sigma more. However, if Sony would come out with a new short tele to compliment compact 24mm, 40mm and 50G primes, I would buy Sony in a heartbeat.
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.
I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
I have been considering the Sigma 90mm, but on paper Viltrox is as good or better - and it is cheaper than a second hand Sigma!
For me the biggest concern in buying third party lenses is compatibility in future. Nothing against Viltrox but I trust Sigma more. However, if Sony would come out with a new short tele to compliment compact 24mm, 40mm and 50G primes, I would buy Sony in a heartbeat.
Jan 04, 2026 at 02:36 AM
p.1 #15Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
And I sold my sigma 85 dg dn 1.4 for the viltrox. It's that good.
I played with it during the holidays, it's perfectly reliable, af on my a7rIV is really good.
I was really surprised with the rendering. I mean, yes the lens is sharp, but furthermore, it has a special look to me, I really love the pictures it takes, even when the picture is not interesting!
85 evo
85 evo wo pp
I played with it during the holidays, it's perfectly reliable, af on my a7rIV is really good.
I was really surprised with the rendering. I mean, yes the lens is sharp, but furthermore, it has a special look to me, I really love the pictures it takes, even when the picture is not interesting!
85 evo85 evo wo ppJan 04, 2026 at 03:07 AM
p.1 #16Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
tuomkok wrote:
BlueMountains wrote
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
For me the biggest concern in buying third party lenses is compatibility in future. Nothing against Viltrox but I trust Sigma more. However, if Sony would come out with a new short tele to compliment compact 24mm, 40mm and 50G primes, I would buy Sony in a heartbeat.
Compatibility...
Recently Viltrox lenses did not all function on the new A7V..., within a week Viltrox came with firmware updates.
5 years ago Chinese cars did not pass collision tests in Europe..., now they score amoung the bests!
They seem to learn fast!
Viltrox is talking about a new 55mm f1.8..., I'll buy it if it's better as the Sony Zeiss!
Jan 04, 2026 at 05:56 AM
p.1 #17Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Chaliel wrote:
tuomkok wrote
BlueMountains wrote
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
For me the biggest concern in buying third party lenses is compatibility in future. Nothing against Viltrox but I trust Sigma more. However, if Sony would come out with a new short tele to compliment compact 24mm, 40mm and 50G primes, I would buy Sony in a heartbeat.
Recently Viltrox lenses did not all function on the new A7V..., within a week Viltrox came with firmware updates.
5 years ago Chinese cars did not pass collision tests in Europe..., now they score amoung the bests!
They seem to learn fast!
Viltrox is talking about a new 55mm f1.8..., I'll buy it if it's better as the Sony Zeiss!
Where did you see information about the 55mm 1.8?
Jan 04, 2026 at 06:55 AM
p.1 #19Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Chaliel wrote:
https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/viltox-55mm-and-35mm-f-1-8-fe-lenses-to-be-announced-soon/
Looks like more than a rumour with screenshots like that.
Exciting. I’m surprised they went with 55mm over 50mm.
Jan 04, 2026 at 07:09 AM
p.1 #20Sony 85mm 1.8, Viltrox EVO 85mm F2 or the Samyang 85mm 1.8 Prima
Chaliel wrote:
I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.I have been considering the Sigma 90mm, but on paper Viltrox is as good or better - and it is cheaper than a second hand Sigma!
For me the biggest concern in buying third party lenses is compatibility in future. Nothing against Viltrox but I trust Sigma more. However, if Sony would come out with a new short tele to compliment compact 24mm, 40mm and 50G primes, I would buy Sony in a heartbeat.Compatibility...
Recently Viltrox lenses did not all function on the new A7V..., within a week Viltrox came with firmware updates.
5 years ago Chinese cars did not pass collision tests in Europe..., now they score amoung the bests!
They seem to learn fast!
Viltrox is talking about a new 55mm f1.8..., I'll buy it if it's better as the Sony Zeiss!
I was thinking of compatibility 5-10 years in future. If I buy 85 EVO now, I might still have at after 10 years when Viltrox is selling EVO mk4 and Sony provides us with a new 5.1. firmware to A7VIII. Nothing against Viltrox, I might buy the 85 EVO, but the problems is there.
55mm is a fresh breeze compared to the 50s. If Viltrox goes really wild it will give us also a 28mm!
tuomkok wrote
BlueMountains wrote
If you are ok with F2.8, Sigma 90mm is an excellent choice for well built small to carry lens. The image quality is very good, some reviews say its better than Sony 85mm.I have used Samyang lenses in the past but decided to sell and to stick with premium brands for third party lens. Viltrox EVO 85 looks good on paper but I am not comfortable to buy into the brand due to some reported issues.
For me the biggest concern in buying third party lenses is compatibility in future. Nothing against Viltrox but I trust Sigma more. However, if Sony would come out with a new short tele to compliment compact 24mm, 40mm and 50G primes, I would buy Sony in a heartbeat.
Recently Viltrox lenses did not all function on the new A7V..., within a week Viltrox came with firmware updates.
5 years ago Chinese cars did not pass collision tests in Europe..., now they score amoung the bests!
They seem to learn fast!
Viltrox is talking about a new 55mm f1.8..., I'll buy it if it's better as the Sony Zeiss!
I was thinking of compatibility 5-10 years in future. If I buy 85 EVO now, I might still have at after 10 years when Viltrox is selling EVO mk4 and Sony provides us with a new 5.1. firmware to A7VIII. Nothing against Viltrox, I might buy the 85 EVO, but the problems is there.
55mm is a fresh breeze compared to the 50s. If Viltrox goes really wild it will give us also a 28mm!
Jan 05, 2026 at 04:54 AM