The Samyang 85mm T1.5 VDSLR AS IF UMC II ($399) proves you don't have to break the bank to get a wide-aperture 85mm prime lens, as long as you're willing to sacrifice autofocus. The 85mm focal length has long been a favorite of portrait photographers, and serves that purpose well on full-frame and APS-C cameras alike. Samyang's take on the design shows some softness at t/1.5, but is crisp when stopped down, and offers a tactile, mechanical feel when adjusting focus, as well as a geared design for use with focus pulling systems. It's a solid value, especially when you consider that it regularly sells for less than its retail price. Our favorite affordable 85mm lens, the Editors' Choice Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G ($359.00 at Adorama) , is more expensive, but it supports autofocus and captures crisper images. DesignSamyang's VDSLR series is designed for cinema use, so its maximum aperture is measured in t-stops, which measure the actual light transmitted through the glass, rather...
The affordable, versatile Samyang 85mm T1.5 VDSLR AS IF UMC II lens isn't the best performer at f/1.4, but it shines when stopped down.
Geared for cinema use; Very sharp when stopped down; Even illumination across frame; Minimal distortion; Available for multiple systems; Affordable
A bit soft at f/1.4; Manual focus design is not for everyone; Omits optical stabilization