In case anyone is interested, here is diagram of the optical design. It shares a lot with other other 85/1.4 designs. The aspherical element is shaded purple.
http://i36./14tteg.jpg
Hmmm. Just noticed that this is cogitech's avatar...
All have the exact same optics from what I understand. I think the Vivitar is by far the ugliest. I bought the Rokinon because it was cheaper than the Bower/Vivitar, and has the coolest name.
I don't believe it myself. There was an apparent issue with early samples of the Rokinon where a number of reports mentioned aperture blades sticking but then this guy says the same thing happened on his Polar branded version. I guess since so many of us on this board own this lens now, we will discover if there is an issue or not!
My excuse was fatigue rather than drink, but I gave in to the temptation to snag this puppy last week: the rendering is very reminiscent of the Sigma 50/1.4: looks like a great (slow-working) partner to the (speedy) Canon 85mm f1.8 . . . the pair considerably cheaper and more versatile than the 85L solo.
AbramG wrote:
Also just to confirm, this lens does NOT report any connection to the camera? No aperture control, no focus confirmation?
*Something like this is PERFECT for video on the 5D.*
Correct for EF and Alpha versions. Nikon's report effective aperture and give focus confirmation, Pentax's report full aperture and give focus confirmation. None of these have any electronics installed.
hubsand wrote:
My excuse was fatigue rather than drink, but I gave in to the temptation to snag this puppy last week: the rendering is very reminiscent of the Sigma 50/1.4: looks like a great (slow-working) partner to the (speedy) Canon 85mm f1.8 . . . the pair considerably cheaper and more versatile than the 85L solo.
You know that's an interesting though I hadn't considered. I of course would love to have the 85L, but to be perfectly honest I'm completely happy with my 85 f/1.8, it just works, and works well. I use it all the time. It would be interesting indeed to use the both of these lenses together.
Once mine shows up, and I confirm it performs as well as these ones do, I am considering letting go of my 85L II, and using the Samyang 85/1.4 for wide open type stuff, and keeping my Rokkor 85/1.7 for stopped down type stuff. It will be hard to let go of the 85L though... But those funds could go to a LOT of other things.
