Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF Review (image quality perfect for portrait work)

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF review
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A Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF review, Samyang aka Rokinon’s new autofocusing lens for the EOS R system.

Dustin Abbott posted an exhaustive Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF review. While we recommend you head over and read his review, which comes with test charts and sample photos, and comparisons with similar lenses, and likely can answer any question you might have about this lens, here is a short summary of Dustin Abbott’s conclusion:

[…] For those interested in portrait photography, but without incredibly deep pockets, the Samyang RF85 ($700) is a godsend. It gives them a quality build (yet reasonable weight), good autofocus performance (with excellent Eye AF results), and image quality that is, essentially, near perfect for portrait work.

[…]

The list of shortcomings is fairly brief, with the typical wide aperture short telephoto traits of vignette and flare being the chief optical complaints.  The autofocus performance is roughly on par with what I saw from the Canon 85L lens, which is to say very good but not as quiet, smooth, or fast as the very best that I’ve seen.  I also wish the lens had support of Canon’s Lens Aberration Corrections (like the 14mm F2.8), but hopefully that will come via firmware in the future.  That’s about as much as I can come up with, as overall I think the lens is a wonderful addition to the RF catalog and a lens I plan to add to my own Canon RF kit.

Read the full review at Dustin Abbott’s website...

For those who prefer watching a review, here are two videos, the first one the short version and the second one the full review. You can follow Dustin Abbott on his YouTube channel.

The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF is available at $699: [shoplist 62302]

Sigma Patent: 70-200mm f/4 DG DN OS Lens For FF Mirrorless Cameras

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A Sigma patent application for a 70-200mm lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. Let’s hope for the EOS R system too.

Sigma patent application 2020-86133A discusses the optical formula for a 70-200mm DG DN OS lens , “OS” being Sigma’s denomination for in lens image stabilization.

  • Zoom ratio: 2.68
  • Focal length: 72.50 118.13 193.95 mm
  • F number: 4.00 3.99 4.00
  • Angle of view: 33.22 20.36 12.38
  • Image height: 21.63 21.63 21.63 mm
  • Lens length: 200.60 200.60 200.60 mm

Canon patent applications are listed here.

Canon EOS R5 Specifications – Here Is What We Know So Far

canon eos r5 specifications digital camera
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It’s coming soon, and here is a complete list of what we know so far about the Canon EOS R5 specifications.

Canon EOS R5 specifications:

  • Imaging sensor: 45mp full frame format
  • The EOS R5 features 5-axis IBIS, and it can work with optical image stabilisation found in many Canon lenses:
  • Frames per second: 12fps (20fps electronic shutter)
  • Video features:
    • 4K at 120fps
    • 4K @at60fps
    • 8K RAW internal video recording up to 29.97 fps
    • 8K internal recording up to 29.97 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265) and 4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265).
    • 4K internal recording up to 119.88 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265). 4K external recording is also available up to 59.94 fps
    • 8K and 4K video capture without crop factor
    • Dual Pixel CMOS AF available in all 8K and 4K modes
    • Canon Log available in 8K and 4K internal recording modes
  • Dual card slots: CFexpress and SD UHS-II
  • 5GHz WiFi
  • New battery
  • Price likely around/below US$4000
  • Coming July 2020

Canon already partially disclosed specifications and features (1 | 2) of the EOS R5, and there is not much left to discover but the price. After the last specification reveal there are even some videos to watch. All R5 coverage is listed here.

We expect Canon to announce the EOS R5 in June or July 2020. But there are signs that shipment might get delayed or will start with small figures because of the global pandemic.

Stay tuned.

Canon EOS R5 Price Shows Up Again At Retailer, Gets Close To $4000

canon eos r5 price
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Another online retailer is displaying what could be the Canon EOS R5 price.

F64, a retailer in Romania, displays the Canon EOS R5 as being sold for 20.999 Romanian Lei. This roughly computes to US$4800. Romania has 19% VAT. Without VAT the price would be around US$4000, which seems to fit with the latest rumor about the upcoming Canon EOS R5.

canon eos r5 price

We expect Canon to announce the EOS R5 in June or July 2020. But there are signs that shipment might get delayed or will start with small figures because of the global pandemic.

Let’s hope the price for the EOS R5 is really around/below US$4,000. If Canon manages to put the EOS R5 on the market with this price tag, then I’m sure the R5 will sell like crazy. Sony, you have reasons to be scared.

Canon already partially disclosed specifications and features (1 | 2) of the EOS R5, and there is not much left to discover but the price. After the last specification reveal there are even some videos to watch. All R5 coverage is listed here.

Stay tuned.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF For Canon EOS R Announced

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF
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Samyang announced the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF lens for the Canon RF mount.

The can be preordered for $699 at Adorama.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF press release:

Samyang Introduces AF 85mm f/1.4 RF, Expanding their RF Series Lineup

May 29th 2020, Seoul, South Korea – Global optics brand Samyang Optics introduces the AF 85mm F1.4 RF, an autofocus portrait lens for RF mount cameras. This new lens delivers beautiful bokeh, outstanding image quality and reliable autofocusing. Along with the recently launched AF 14mm F2.8 RF, the new Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF opens a new door of options to Canon EOS R camera users.

Pioneering the Trend

Samyang has been one of the early birds in introducing compact and lightweight full frame mirrorless lenses for RF mount. A series of manual focus lenses was introduced, starting with manual focus 14mm and 85mm. Then, the world’s first autofocus 14mm lens for RF mount, AF 14mm F2.8 RF was presented in October 2019 and now, the new AF 85mm F1.4 RF is announced to meet the rising needs of photographers.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF

Main FeaturesOutstanding Image Quality

Samyang’s RF series is known for its outstanding image quality, since the AF 14mm F2.8 RF was awarded the prestigious TIPA award in 2020 as ‘best mirrorless prime wide-angle lens.’ The new AF 85mm RF also makes no compromise in image quality: A total of 11 elements in 8 groups, with 4 high-refractive (HR) optics and an extra low-dispersion (ED) lens, have been designed to create impressive image quality from corner to corner.

Smooth and Dreamy Bokeh

Exceptional bokeh is presented with the knowhow of Samyang’s optical design. The smooth bokeh adds depth and a three dimensional feeling to your portraits. 9 aperture blades provide natural, circular bokeh with a fantastic out-of-focus effect that is pleasing to the eye.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF

Bright F1.4 for Treasured Portraits

Shallow depth of focus smoothly blurs the background and highlights the story of the subject. The 85mm focal length, combined with the wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, enables photographers to achieve a dramatically shallow depth-of-field.

Accurate, Silent Autofocusing

The DLSM (Dual Linear Sonic Motor) works with ultrasonic vibrations, providing a silent autofocus performance. The accurate high frequency signals, controlled with Samyang’s own protocols, precisely operate the DLSM. Specialists in optics, mechanical engineering and electronics, have researched cooperatively to produce such effective results for a short telephoto lens. This allows you to capture unforgettable moments efficiently and silently.

Enhanced Usability

Pioneering new territory, this lens is packed with features: Weather sealing protects the lens from dust, light rain and snow and provides the ability to capture stunning images in less than perfect conditions. Also, the AF/MF switch enables you to be in control and capture the finest details. You can enjoy the freedom of photographic expression, with all the latest functions.

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Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Series II Lens Announced (Canon EF and EF-M mount)

Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Series II
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Samyang aka Rokinon announced a new lens for the Canon EF and EF-M mount, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Series II.

The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Series II Lens is available for preorder at $399 at B&H Photo and Adorama.

Key features:

  • Canon EF/EF-M-Mount
  • 136mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/22
  • One Hybrid Aspherical Element

Description Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Series II for EF-M mount:

An apt telephoto prime for portraiture and other selective compositions, the Canon EF-M-mount Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Series II Lens is characterized by its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture to suit working in low-light conditions and for controlling depth of field. The optical design incorporates one hybrid aspherical element that helps to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for a high degree of sharpness and accurate rendering. An Ultra Multi-Coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting in order to achieve greater contrast and color fidelity. The manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 3.6′ away and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes a pleasing bokeh quality.

  • Telephoto prime is designed for APS-C-format Canon EF-M-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a 136mm equivalent focal length.
  • Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture offers a high degree of control over depth of field for working with selective focus and shallow depth of field techniques. Additionally, it also benefits working in low-light conditions with shorter shutter speeds.
  • One hybrid aspherical element is featured in the optical design to control spherical aberrations for improved clarity and sharpness throughout the aperture range.
  • An Ultra Multi-Coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for increased contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions.
  • Manual focus operation permits working with subjects as close as 3.6′ away and an internal focusing design maintains the overall lens length during use.
  • Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality.
  • Weather-sealed design suits working in inclement weather conditions.