Right now, the Sony lens can be found used for $400-$500, while the other two lenses are too new to have many used options. The button on the Sony lens is also useful on a portrait lens because it can be set to the excellent eye auto focus. Regardless, it is nice to see so many quality non-Sony options out there.
I had all three of them as well and was really surprised that the Viltrox was doing so well. So budget wise that would be the one to pick. Sony is a bit soft but the AF as great and it is really light. The Samyang is the best for photo's and the f1.4 is very dreamy. But if you do video then this is not the most reliable, still works fine tho... Also pro tip, if you want to upgrade the firmware of the Samyang lens, then you could go to an official samyang retailer or local camera store and they usually willing to upgrade the firmware for free :)
I went for the Sony. Got it at a good price. The Samyang had only just come out and was £200 more expensive. I'm really happy with the Sony. Also can share 67mm filters with my Tamron lenses.
I did the same search a couple of months back. I decided on the Sony 85 1.8 based on the price and tests showing that it may not be quite as good as others but it is still very good and way less expensive.
i just ordered the 85 1.8 viltrox for my sony a7iii and im so excited ! i payed 399 and i think its value for money lens for hobbiest photographer as i am ! thanks for the comparison !
I bought Samyang because I felt that aperture 1.4 was the last step I had to go, and since the price was very reasonable too, the choice was not difficult for me!
I think the reason I am leaning the Sanyyang/Rokanon way is because being on a budget, getting the 35mm 1.4 is a bonus. Its been made hard due to the sony 35 1.8 release, but the price for a 1.4!!
I received my Viltrox for Fuji X mount yesterday and after some test shots I am sold and can't be beat it for the price, but it is a tank and you know you have it mounted.
I really like how you keep the video conicise but still cover everything! Also, I enjoy the fact that you breakdown which lens is right for someone based on their individual needs.
@@StefanMalloch Just curious, when do you plan on doing the giveaway? I'm thinking about buying one but wanted to wait until you've announced the giveaway.
I own the sony 85mm F1.8 and it is great but I would love to see how the others perform. Thanks for the lens review it opens up a whole new world for me.
All three lenses are good and it doesn't really have a massive difference when it comes to performance but I'd like to go native, the sony 85. Great comparison vid Stefan stay healthy.
Personally. I would chose sony for native reliability and after market value, but the viltrox crushed it and makes it harder for others to decide because of its price, but I still go with sony. great video!
I purchased the Viltrox based on your review and a couple others. Honestly, it’s not a bad lens, but I will say it had some minor annoyances. I could not get the lens hood to go on the lens smoothly, like to the point where I felt like I was wrenching on the lens to get it on or off. Also, auto focus seem to do a lot of hunting, especially compared to other Sigma lenses I have and certainly more than Sony which you and others have noted. I don’t think the Viltrox would be a good choice for a paying job, hobby it’s OK. While I’m still new to photography, i do side jobs occasionally (& more soon hopefully) & I wouldn’t trust it. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d buy the Sigma 1.4 obviously (as you have recommended), so I’m really hoping the Samyang is better (images & focusing) and more reliable….thanks for all the great reviews, love the channel👍
Hey Stefan, The Sony is dust and moisture resistant according to the specs which I've just checked. I bought this and only considered the GM as an alternative. The size and weight and a great price offer swung it to the 1.8 for me. If I'd bought any of the other two in your review I'd only want to change it for the Sony in a few months. I like your content and easy delivery - and you're Canadian!
Because of my video work, the Sony 85 was the way to go. Hard to beat reliable autofocus. However, I’ve been eyeing the Viltrox just to see its output. What was your favorite?
Great reviews, been watching a while. Finally was able to buy a Sony A7Riii since the prices have come down, and also purchased the Sigma 24-70 Art based on your review and a couple others. I can't afford another lens right now, but I want the Samyang or Rokinon 85mm or Viltrox to use for portraits, prefer the 1.4 lenses. I have a couple other channels I subscribe to, and you seem to be objective, with some honest opinions. Keep up the great work, I'll keep watching!
I have the Sony 85mm f/1.8 which I purchased used in mint condition for $450. I am happy with this lens and do not expect to change. However, if I did not have the Sony lens, I would seriously consider the Samyang...
I can't find any retailer which sells this lens in Norway:-/ I tried to buy on Amazon before, but then there are so many extra taxes and all warranties fell away. Most seriously is the 5 years warranty on all electronic product in Norway for fabrication errors. So don't know how to get it, as Norwegian krone just falls and falls, and wanted to buy it before it reaches new record lows. Just ordered the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Sony FE, as I'm sure the price will rice with several thousand Kroners the coming months. A pity I couldn't order the Tamron 70-180 mm yet, I'm afraid it will become too expensive soon.
hey Stefan have you done a review on the 24-240 ? im low on funds, understand the importance of having good glass- thinking that a 85 1.8 accompanied with a zoom lens like the 24-240 would be a good pair. your reviews are super practical and awesome in general so i was hoping you have some insight for me.
Thanks for the in depth review. I've been in the market for a 85mm for a while and was pretty set on the Samyang based on the experience I've had with my 45mm 1.8 but the Viltrox at the price might be hard to turn down.
2 weeks ago I would have said the Samyang but recently I got the Sony 35mm 1.8 and I'm completely floored at the image and video quality LOL it's like a cheat code. I wanted the Samyang 85mm but now I'm understanding why people like native glass.
For video i must choose the Sony , nice price great af , Good weigth for electronic stabilizer matching , and Sony reliability , great comp vid ,thanks for it
are there any more video tests from the viltrox? Probably going to pick it up when I'm back in China for 315 USD, but the video focusing, i feel like thats a big factor.
Ha,ha, Stefan, the best one for me is going to be the one I already own- the Sony 85 f1.8! Thanks for doing this compare - it was comprehensive and balanced. Good job! Stay healthy.....
I liked the review comparing these lenses. I had not heard of Viltrox and surprised o know how well it performs considering the price. Thanks for the review and stay safe. Basu
great comparison! is a difficult to make a choice! I just watched your 1.6 firmware update video on the viltrox and it makes this even more difficult 😬
Thanks Stefan for doing this 3-way comparison - I think basing it on price is great because that's what a lot of us in the real world have to go by! I'm saving up for the Samyang because of the 1.4 - bigger bokeh balls please :)
Stefan Malloch Definetly, this is the RUclips channel I come to get advise lmao. I am starting a channel myself and also looking to grow and produce quality content. So good gear is a must. Only have the kit 28-70 3.5-5.5 kit lense and it’s good but looking for an 85mm for mainly portrait and a zoom all in one. I don’t know if to go with the tamron or sigma and/or go with the Sony 85 or samyang 85. Thank you and keeping an eye 👁
Stefan Malloch also don’t know if I need the wide angle as much since I do have a GoPro and if I want a wide shot I can take two pictures and combine it. But not as efficient since it would take more time. So probably the sigma will be better but I don’t know if it would be a great idea because of how heavy it is .
@@AlfaMedtech I have owned two time of the tamron 28-75mm, I ended to sell them all. I got the new Sigma 24-70mm now, it is a super lens, very sharp, very good build, nice contrast, of course a bit heavy compare with the plastic Tamron, ! Heavy is relative, depend with what you compared. For $1099 it is the best standard zoom right now.
Now that I think about it the Sony will be much better! I think going native, not having to use a dock, having some useful button and having a compact lens wins and it’s better than the 1.4 aperture I was excited about for the samyang . Hopefully i can win!Tired of this kit lens lmao
I have the Viltrox and Borrowed the Sony before I bought it. I got my Viltrox 85mm from Amazon on Cyber Monday for $299.😎 love its performance and images! Need to update to a7iii soon.
The "value" judgement has to include resale value. Just guessing but I'd think the Sony would be ahead there. You'd have to look at sold prices on eBay in a couple of years to make a fair judgement on that.
Hi Stefan I just received my Viltrox 85mm and it didn't work at all, the AF didn't work at all, the F-Stop didn't show at all. I'm so disappointed right now with the Viltrox
Have seen reports of the AF on the Samyang being unreliable wide open. Is this something you have noticed? The Viltrox is available in a manual version. I wonder if it's the same optics. It's dirt cheap. Leaning towards Sony or Samyang but I really need an AF that is consistent (using A7RII).
Great video, thanks for the indepth comparison, all three look like great lenses and I don't think you can go wrong with any. I think the Sony would be the one for me. Keep Rocking those videos!!!
Wonderful comparison! I have the samyang 85 1.4 and sony 85 1.8 (borrowed long term). I really like both and have yet to try the viltrox but looks pretty promising. 😁👍
Which one did you end up liking better, the Sony or the Samyang 1.4? I’m trying to decide, tough call as I don’t have them both to test. The Viltrox wasn’t up to par in my opinion, I did try that one. Sorry for old question on old comment…
What is your favorite 85mm??
I've owned the Sony and the Samyang (at the same time) and both are great but... I still own the Samyang! :)
I have fe 85mm. Sharp lens. But i look your review make i want to try samyang 85mm f 1.4 😁
Viltox is a steal
I purchased and return the Sony 85 just to try it out. I would like the Samyang!
Samyang
All 3 lenses have great value & optics - sony for ergonomy - viltrox for value and samyang for the extra light.
Right now, the Sony lens can be found used for $400-$500, while the other two lenses are too new to have many used options. The button on the Sony lens is also useful on a portrait lens because it can be set to the excellent eye auto focus. Regardless, it is nice to see so many quality non-Sony options out there.
I had all three of them as well and was really surprised that the Viltrox was doing so well. So budget wise that would be the one to pick.
Sony is a bit soft but the AF as great and it is really light.
The Samyang is the best for photo's and the f1.4 is very dreamy. But if you do video then this is not the most reliable, still works fine tho...
Also pro tip, if you want to upgrade the firmware of the Samyang lens, then you could go to an official samyang retailer or local camera store and they usually willing to upgrade the firmware for free :)
I went for the Sony. Got it at a good price. The Samyang had only just come out and was £200 more expensive. I'm really happy with the Sony. Also can share 67mm filters with my Tamron lenses.
i would love the Viltrox 85 mm. thanks for this, you are the only one that has all three in the review
I can update your Viltrox 85 mm to f1.6 .
Awesome to see someone reviewing affordable lens for us on a little budget.
I did the same search a couple of months back. I decided on the Sony 85 1.8 based on the price and tests showing that it may not be quite as good as others but it is still very good and way less expensive.
i just ordered the 85 1.8 viltrox for my sony a7iii and im so excited ! i payed 399 and i think its value for money lens for hobbiest photographer as i am ! thanks for the comparison !
plus I love the 67mm lens filter size as I have the Tamron 28-75mm and the sony 24mm GM and they all share the same lens filter diameters
I bought Samyang because I felt that aperture 1.4 was the last step I had to go, and since the price was very reasonable too, the choice was not difficult for me!
Thanks for the comparison. I just got my Sony A73 and looking to get a good 85mm!
I was aiming at the Samyang but the extra dock... ish. Thinking Sony. Viltrox is nice but looking for as light as possible.
I think the reason I am leaning the Sanyyang/Rokanon way is because being on a budget, getting the 35mm 1.4 is a bonus. Its been made hard due to the sony 35 1.8 release, but the price for a 1.4!!
I received my Viltrox for Fuji X mount yesterday and after some test shots I am sold and can't be beat it for the price, but it is a tank and you know you have it mounted.
Thanks for the video, I have the Sony one, honestly I have no complaints about it, I use it sometimes for street photography.
I really like how you keep the video conicise but still cover everything! Also, I enjoy the fact that you breakdown which lens is right for someone based on their individual needs.
Awesome, thank you!
@@StefanMalloch Just curious, when do you plan on doing the giveaway? I'm thinking about buying one but wanted to wait until you've announced the giveaway.
Enjoyed your video. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on an 85mm. I'm also considering a Minolta AF 85mm f/1.4 vintage.
I have the sony 85mm 1.8 and love it. size and weight are perfect
I'm working on wedding event.. So how is the Samyang ? For portrait
I would love to see more examples and side by side comparison of the same subject and composition in different situations with all three lenses
Hi.what is best for newborn and maternity photos?? Thank you :)
I own the sony 85mm F1.8 and it is great but I would love to see how the others perform. Thanks for the lens review it opens up a whole new world for me.
Thanks for watching!
What's different in sharpness and bokeh between Samyang and Viltrox ?
Literally been waiting for this review for 8+ months since the first Viltrox AF 85mm came out. THANK YOU and FINALLY!!
All three lenses are good and it doesn't really have a massive difference when it comes to performance but I'd like to go native, the sony 85. Great comparison vid Stefan stay healthy.
Thanks Dave you too!
That Sony autofocus snd 67mm thread size will come in super handy as a videographer! Loved this comparison
Who is the best lense for sony a73
Sony,samyung,viltrox?
Personally. I would chose sony for native reliability and after market value, but the viltrox crushed it and makes it harder for others to decide because of its price, but I still go with sony. great video!
Hey thanks for posting this! I was the one that commented on the Viltrox video for this!
I purchased the Viltrox based on your review and a couple others. Honestly, it’s not a bad lens, but I will say it had some minor annoyances. I could not get the lens hood to go on the lens smoothly, like to the point where I felt like I was wrenching on the lens to get it on or off. Also, auto focus seem to do a lot of hunting, especially compared to other Sigma lenses I have and certainly more than Sony which you and others have noted. I don’t think the Viltrox would be a good choice for a paying job, hobby it’s OK. While I’m still new to photography, i do side jobs occasionally (& more soon hopefully) & I wouldn’t trust it. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d buy the Sigma 1.4 obviously (as you have recommended), so I’m really hoping the Samyang is better (images & focusing) and more reliable….thanks for all the great reviews, love the channel👍
Love my Sony 85 1.8 🤗 though that 1.4 is intriguing
Hey Stefan, The Sony is dust and moisture resistant according to the specs which I've just checked. I bought this and only considered the GM as an alternative. The size and weight and a great price offer swung it to the 1.8 for me. If I'd bought any of the other two in your review I'd only want to change it for the Sony in a few months.
I like your content and easy delivery - and you're Canadian!
Thanks for the support bud
I'm in the market for an 85mm and for quite a while. Thanks for the comparisons. I'm leaning towards the Sony 1.8!
Because of my video work, the Sony 85 was the way to go. Hard to beat reliable autofocus. However, I’ve been eyeing the Viltrox just to see its output. What was your favorite?
I have the Samyang and Viltrox right now and go back and forth.. Hard to say.
Stefan Malloch I’m interested in the Viltrox for it’s different in quality. It seems to just has a certain look to it.
I have the Sony 85 1.8 and is by far my favorite lens !
Great reviews, been watching a while. Finally was able to buy a Sony A7Riii since the prices have come down, and also purchased the Sigma 24-70 Art based on your review and a couple others. I can't afford another lens right now, but I want the Samyang or Rokinon 85mm or Viltrox to use for portraits, prefer the 1.4 lenses. I have a couple other channels I subscribe to, and you seem to be objective, with some honest opinions. Keep up the great work, I'll keep watching!
I have the Sony 85mm f/1.8 which I purchased used in mint condition for $450. I am happy with this lens and do not expect to change. However, if I did not have the Sony lens, I would seriously consider the Samyang...
I can't find any retailer which sells this lens in Norway:-/ I tried to buy on Amazon before, but then there are so many extra taxes and all warranties fell away. Most seriously is the 5 years warranty on all electronic product in Norway for fabrication errors. So don't know how to get it, as Norwegian krone just falls and falls, and wanted to buy it before it reaches new record lows. Just ordered the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Sony FE, as I'm sure the price will rice with several thousand Kroners the coming months. A pity I couldn't order the Tamron 70-180 mm yet, I'm afraid it will become too expensive soon.
hey Stefan have you done a review on the 24-240 ? im low on funds, understand the importance of having good glass- thinking that a 85 1.8 accompanied with a zoom lens like the 24-240 would be a good pair. your reviews are super practical and awesome in general so i was hoping you have some insight for me.
Thanks Mikey! I haven't reviewed that one. Its a huge focal range and will be a jack of all trade but far from a master of any.
@@StefanMalloch thanks for the reply
Thanks for this fantastic video, I’m a brand new Sony a7iii owner , I look forward to watching your other vids
Welcome aboard!
Thanks for this video. Is the giveaway over?
Not yet!
Thanks for the in depth review. I've been in the market for a 85mm for a while and was pretty set on the Samyang based on the experience I've had with my 45mm 1.8 but the Viltrox at the price might be hard to turn down.
Planning to buy the viltrox 85mm
Love your demo images, the image at 5:15 takes the cake, if you ask me! I would go for the Samyang, the wider aperture being the decisive factor.
have you got the new tokina 85 1.8 yet? wd like to add in this comparison
I only have a kit lens and your like to get a lens for portrait. Which lens would you recommend? I have a Sony A7iii.
Any of these will do the job. If you're on a budget, check out the viltrox.
Very well presented. Thanks for the comparison 😁👍
Glad it was helpful!
That f1.4 though, handy for me in street photography
When will the give away would take place? Very interested at the Sony 85 or samyang :)
2 weeks ago I would have said the Samyang but recently I got the Sony 35mm 1.8 and I'm completely floored at the image and video quality LOL it's like a cheat code. I wanted the Samyang 85mm but now I'm understanding why people like native glass.
For video i must choose the Sony , nice price great af , Good weigth for electronic stabilizer matching , and Sony reliability , great comp vid ,thanks for it
that extra D.o.F will always win me over, but that sony one is still sweet!
Definitely would like to get the Viltrox 85mm
I love my Viltrox but the Samyang is now on sale for $440 and I'm considering selling the viltrox to get the 1.4 samyang lens
are there any more video tests from the viltrox? Probably going to pick it up when I'm back in China for 315 USD, but the video focusing, i feel like thats a big factor.
Never had an issue. Maybe I'll do another video on it and just video.
@@StefanMalloch Great, thanks man I appreciate it
Ha,ha, Stefan, the best one for me is going to be the one I already own- the Sony 85 f1.8! Thanks for doing this compare - it was comprehensive and balanced. Good job! Stay healthy.....
Always!
Can you do another video comparing the same lenses this time with the mark ii version, please 😊
Nice video with good info. I may look for a used mint Sony if not the Viltrox looks interesting.
I liked the review comparing these lenses. I had not heard of Viltrox and surprised o know how well it performs considering the price. Thanks for the review and stay safe. Basu
You too bud
Great comparison! Would love to have an 85 one day to go with my kit.
Does Samyang have af issue with new firmware? It is good for video?
Always practical, perceptive, well thought out and concise. Excellent channel. Thank you.
I appreciate that!
great comparison! is a difficult to make a choice!
I just watched your 1.6 firmware update video on the viltrox and it makes this even more difficult 😬
Tough one for sure!
great content Stefan! Really enjoying your reviews and tips on great photography really learning alot from you !
I appreciate that!
the Samyang dock does, at least, work with all the Samyang FE /E mount lenses
Finally a review of all three, was having a hard time deciding
Please review latest samyang 24-70 2.8 for Sony full frame as soon as possible
Awesome lenses and I miss one 85 from my lenses I have only one 28-75 tamron and a 35mm Sony 😁 so the 85 will be awesome 👏🏼🙏🏼 🍀
Thanks Stefan for doing this 3-way comparison - I think basing it on price is great because that's what a lot of us in the real world have to go by!
I'm saving up for the Samyang because of the 1.4 - bigger bokeh balls please :)
The sony just feels sooooo good in your hands
Thoughtful and helpful review as ever. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
It seems that version II of the Viltrox has brought down the weight to 490g
Hey Stefan, has your opinion change about the tamron 28-75 vs the sigma? Do you still prefer the tamron?
Still testing my second copy. Keep an eye out!
Stefan Malloch Definetly, this is the RUclips channel I come to get advise lmao. I am starting a channel myself and also looking to grow and produce quality content. So good gear is a must. Only have the kit 28-70 3.5-5.5 kit lense and it’s good but looking for an 85mm for mainly portrait and a zoom all in one. I don’t know if to go with the tamron or sigma and/or go with the Sony 85 or samyang 85.
Thank you and keeping an eye 👁
Stefan Malloch also don’t know if I need the wide angle as much since I do have a GoPro and if I want a wide shot I can take two pictures and combine it. But not as efficient since it would take more time. So probably the sigma will be better but I don’t know if it would be a great idea because of how heavy it is .
@@AlfaMedtech I have owned two time of the tamron 28-75mm, I ended to sell them all. I got the new Sigma 24-70mm now, it is a super lens, very sharp, very good build, nice contrast, of course a bit heavy compare with the plastic Tamron, ! Heavy is relative, depend with what you compared. For $1099 it is the best standard zoom right now.
Ben Huynh why did you sell it ? Low performance?
Is 85mm a good first lens? I dont have camera yet but im planning to but a7r ii
It was the first prime lens I bought. Depends on what you shoot.
It really helped me to decide which one is for me
Now that I think about it the Sony will be much better! I think going native, not having to use a dock, having some useful button and having a compact lens wins and it’s better than the 1.4 aperture I was excited about for the samyang . Hopefully i can win!Tired of this kit lens lmao
Your videos have always interesting topics and I like the style of your reviews!
Much appreciated friend. 😀
So many choices. Sony 1.8 looks like the winner, especially with the Sony discount.
I have the Viltrox and Borrowed the Sony before I bought it. I got my Viltrox 85mm from Amazon on Cyber Monday for $299.😎 love its performance and images! Need to update to a7iii soon.
Thats a steal. I would love to find it for that price!
@@ryanbackherms1086 just wait for a cyber Monday or black Friday.
It's cyber Monday in2022 right now.
but I can't seem to find that deal haha
@@robledochavez86 its cyber Monday as of Monday November 28 2022. But it's still over 400$
The "value" judgement has to include resale value. Just guessing but I'd think the Sony would be ahead there.
You'd have to look at sold prices on eBay in a couple of years to make a fair judgement on that.
Good point bud thanks. I'll through it in
Awesome review! :) Keep ut the good work Stefan ;)
awesome video! Ive been looking at the viltrox for some time now and I think this has sealed the deal so thanks 👏🏽
Any time!
And the new Tokina ATX-M 85mm 1.8 Fe ?
Great information
what camera is this on and what do you mean by firmware update at @ 4:36
If im gonna use it for basketball should I get the samyang for more light or sony for the quicker autofocus?
Or the viltrox simply cause its a steal! For 280$!
If you're shooting fast moving subjects a lot, consider a 70-200 or 100-400 maybe. The Sony should be the most reliable in terms of AF though.
Hi Stefan I just received my Viltrox 85mm and it didn't work at all, the AF didn't work at all, the F-Stop didn't show at all. I'm so disappointed right now with the Viltrox
Did you fix it
Liked, subscribed, and...great video. Still trying to decide on one.
great review and at the right time for my vacation
Where? To the back yard? Haha
Great Vid as always very informative , i do not own any of these lens , so was nice to see a straight forward unbiased review Thanks again ;)
Great videos keep pushing.
Have seen reports of the AF on the Samyang being unreliable wide open. Is this something you have noticed? The Viltrox is available in a manual version. I wonder if it's the same optics. It's dirt cheap. Leaning towards Sony or Samyang but I really need an AF that is consistent (using A7RII).
Did you end up getting the viltrox
Great video, thanks for the indepth comparison, all three look like great lenses and I don't think you can go wrong with any. I think the Sony would be the one for me. Keep Rocking those videos!!!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for aGreat Review,love to get my hands on anyone of these lenses
Very curious about the viltrox ! Torn between that and the sony.
Hey what did you end up getting thanks
Awesome comparison!
I want the Samyang 85mm 1.4, thanks for such excellent content
what about video AF?
Great video as always, I wish I can have one right now so I can spend time in this time locked at home 😂
Wonderful comparison! I have the samyang 85 1.4 and sony 85 1.8 (borrowed long term). I really like both and have yet to try the viltrox but looks pretty promising. 😁👍
Thanks for watching!
Which one did you end up liking better, the Sony or the Samyang 1.4? I’m trying to decide, tough call as I don’t have them both to test. The Viltrox wasn’t up to par in my opinion, I did try that one. Sorry for old question on old comment…