The Samyang 85mm F1.4 AS IF UMC ($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 f/1.4, but is crisp when stopped down, and offers a tactile, mechanical feel when adjusting focus. 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. DesignThe lens ($259.95 at Amazon)  is compact when you consider its f/1.4 aperture. It measures 2.8 by 3.1 inches (HD), but is a bit heavy at 1.1 pounds and uses large 72mm front filters. It's sold under two brand names, and in two versions in e...

The affordable, versatile Samyang 85mm F1.4 AS IF UMC lens isn't the best performer at f/1.4, but it shines when stopped down.

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

We reviewed the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical already a year ago on a full format DSLR but given the popularity of the lens we don't really want to skip an analysis in the APS-C format scope. Samyang is a Korean company which manufactures a variety of very affordable lenses.

I give it 5 stars because the Sale price was great and the lens is everything I hoped for. Check out the youtube videos testing the Samyang 85mm. This is my 2nd Samyang lens, #1 is the 12mm f2.8 which I bought with the Nikon D810 a few weeks back. Samyang is amazing period.

It's an excellent and very cheap solution for narrow depth of field and night photography with very nice bookeh. The only need is precision in manual focus (only).

A great quality, solid build, manual focus lens, the perfect budget choice for portrait photography, love it! Only downside is no AF but that doesn't matter if you aren't lazy

this is my 3rd favourite samyang lens after 35mm f1.4 and 24mm f1.4. obviously samyang is not for those who are not comfortable with manual focusing but for my it works great. most of the time i don't use them wide open for sharpness and larger depth of field makes it easy to do focus manually.

Contrasty; Durable; Great Picture Quality; Sharp

Comes With A Lousy Pouch

Would you sacrifice autofocus for exceptional image quality? The Samyang 85mm f1.4 is a fully manual lens, with internal optics that rival much more expensive lenses such as Canons own 85mm 1.2, which will set you back around 1800 dollars.

Built quality; Image quality; Bang for buck; Smooth focus ring

The lack of autofocus will be a big deal for some people

The lens is a surprise and very well worth the money if you don't mind the manual focus. If you're a professional then it should not be a problem. Compared to other lenses this is almost - very close - as good as a major manufacturer lens for the fraction of the price.

Easily Interchangeable; Great picture quality

Ordered this as a Christmas present for my daughter. She wanted it; knew what it was for/how to use. She has had no issues and seems to like it.

Why this partiality, Canon 18k Sony 32k this huge amount variations, very bad..