Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE
Samyang · 85 mm · f/1.8 · Prima
Score Breakdown
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What We Like
+Ultra-lightweight at 272g (lightest F1.8 85mm for Sony E-mount full-frame)
+Exceptional sharpness at portrait distances with minimal chromatic aberration
+Compact design (71.5mm length) fits easily into camera bags
+Accurate and quiet autofocus with linear stepping motor
+Affordable at approximately $399-450, competitive value against Sony and other options
+Smooth, creamy bokeh rendering from 9-blade rounded aperture
Worth Knowing
−No image stabilization, limiting effectiveness for video work
−Slightly slower autofocus compared to first-party Sony lenses
−Focus breathing during video recording
−Corner softness when used for non-portrait applications
−Limited to Sony E-mount only, not available for other systems
−Plastic build may feel less premium despite solid construction
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Samyang AF 85mm F1.8 P FE is the lightest 85mm lens with a bright F1.8 aperture available for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, weighing just 272 grams. Designed for optimal sharpness at the ideal portrait distance of 2 to 3 meters, the lens beautifully captures the charm of subjects while creating smooth, deep bokeh. At $399-450, this lens is very affordable while undercutting more expensive alternatives, making it an excellent choice for travel-focused portrait photographers who prioritize portability and optical performance over premium features. | |
| Brand | Samyang |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | Prima |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Sony E |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical | |
| Lens Weight | 272 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 69.8 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 71.5 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 62 mm |
Optics | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 85 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 28.6° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 18 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 80 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.12x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 9 |
| Groups | 8 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 3 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 3 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |