Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 F

£549/$569 Something of a rarity – an autofocus Samyang

Samyang (badged ‘Rokinon’ in some countries) is best known for its manualfocus lenses, but the South Korean manufacturer also makes two AF lenses for Nikon cameras, the other being the AF 14mm f/2.8 F. Build quality feels typically solid and robust, complete with weather-seals. It’s small and light for an 85mm f/1.4 lens, and not much bigger than the Nikon f/1.8.

The optical design incorporates a hybrid aspherical element and Ultra Multi Coating, while autofocus is driven by a Dual LSM (Linear Supersonic Motor), similar to the linear ‘pulse’ motors used in a number of recent Nikon lenses. As such, manual focusing and override of AF is courtesy an electronically coupled control ring.

Performance

Autofocus proved quick and reliable in our tests, while ‘fly by wire’ manual focusing is smooth and precise, as with the Nikon Z 85mm lens. Centresharpness is lacking at f/1.4, but gets into its stride at f/2. Bokeh is smooth when shooting wide-open, and remains good when stopping down, thanks to a well-rounded nine-blade diaphragm.

N-photo verdict