I had this lens on first Canon RF and then Sony E after switching because it was such a joy to use. Sharp where it matters, beautiful rendering, very nice in the hand - having replaced it a few months ago with a Sigma 105mm 1.4, I regularly find myself rethinking this particular decision when I lug that absolute behemoth around. Beautiful portrait work on your part, great to see you revisiting it, I really wish they continued using its autofocus motor on the 50mm II and the new 135mm.
This lens is literally magic. It’s hands down the best 85mm lens available for the RF mount and that includes the 85 1.2L. It renders beautifully. I’ve never used a lens like it
Excellent review as always Dustin. I have purchased the Samyang len a year ago when I saw your first reviews . At that time it costed me hardly 400$ . It was the bargain of the year of course considering the amazing results on Canon Eos R. Recently I communicated with Samyang and asked them if they are going to continue support via firmwares that lens as I also had the dock station. They respond me that : " We still support RF lenses through the firmware. If we release new firmware for that, We will notify through the our official web page. And also, If you need repair the lens, You will be able to get repair service through the our official distributors."
It's encouraging to hear their stated intention to continue to support the lens through firmware, though that makes me question why the RF Lens Station seems to be discontinued
@@DustinAbbottTWI Since Rokinon continues to sell those lenses under their brand there are some rumors that Canon maybe threatened Samyang with mount patent rights . This seems logical since (except Canon) only one Red camera has adopted (among other canon things like battery) RF mount.
Great as usual , very interesting test. I tried it last week and today morning I bought it , obviously a second hand copy and a few days I will start to play with it. So your detailed video pushed me to buy the samyang instead of the two other RF alternative possible ( excluding the canon L 1,2 for obvious money complain) ..... Thank you!
I own this lens. I switched it for the Canon Rf 85mm f:2 and I don't regret at all. Fast focus, sharp even at 1.4 and creamy bookeh. I' m waiting for Samyang 135mm 1.8 for Canon Rf mount. Great Review, as usual.
I have it, and in many ways it is awesome, but there is one thing that really bothers me and that is the color rendition. It has a very strange yellowish tint, that depending on the subject is really damaging. I also have the Canon RF 85 mm f/2, which is vastly more accurate. Now, provided that you always shoot in RAW you can work around that, but specifically for studio shots it is very convenient to get more accurate jpegs straight out of the camera, so in that setting the Canon is much better, but other than that the Samyang is a great lens
Awesome review, I have been searching for a new lens to use that is also better than my Canon 50mm 1.8 STM, and it seems like this might be a good contender with price and quality
I must admit, I didn't take Samyang seriously until I picked up the 18mm as a low cost wide solution for my Sony camera. But I quickly came to appreciate the Samyang rendering, which now I consider second only to the GM lenses. They aren't perfect, but they get the main things right.
Samyang (Rokinon) 85mm F1.4 for Canon RF Portrait has been discontinued probably because of legal disputes over violating Canon RF mount patents. As is, this lens still available in market has AF focusing problems and not YET compatible with IBIS in R5, R6, R7, R3 cameras. Firmware to fix those issue was NEVER released by Samyang and docking stations required in order to update Samyang lens firmware is no longer manufactured by Samyang. Even Sigma and Tamron are not (YET) licensed to make RF mount lenses
Hi Dustin, great to see you still using this lens and doing a mini review in addition to your earlier in depth one. May I ask which firmware version you are using with your R5 please? I've been using my Samyang 85 on my R6 which is working perfectly, and thus far avoided putting the newest R6 firmware on the camera just in case it 'bricked' the lens like the wide angle Samyang RF on the R3. It would be nice to know that the latest firmware didn't affect the lens. Many thanks!
2 года назад
Canon R6 1.5.2 firmware works fine with this lens, I guarantee.
Hi Dustin! Just wanted your opinion on samyang 85mm 1.4 ef adapted on EOS R, do you think that would be a good combo? I had samyang and sold it for the rf 85 f2. Sometimes I missed samyang and wish I hadn’t sold. It’s so hard to come by now.
@@mlct887 definitely not. I took the F/2 back after two days. The slow focus is not ok for my usage. If all I did was portraits and slow moving subject ok. But I need performance. The Sammy does that with ease.
Quite a few mentions of rf 85 f2 canon lens in the comments section. I own the f2 lens and find the bokeh of that lens quite creamy/smooth. It has stabilization which is a plus for r6/r5 owners who definitely love shooting good b-rolls too.. how much of a compromise you think it is in terms of video shooting video with samyang handheld considering the r5/r6 still offer 5 stops of stabilization.? Just want to mention that the autofocus (switching b/w subjects) on rf f2 is slow in videos..
I hate the autofocus performance on the 85mm F2 as much as I love the image quality. Canon could have made that lens so much better. The IBIS on the R5/R6 makes the Samyang a much better video option, IMO
Canon's RF 100 F/2.8L is a great 1.4:1 macro lens, but should also be great for portraits. I haven't used it for that, but I once ran into a wedding photographer doing environmental portraits in a park, and he was very happy with it on the R5. Have you reviewed that lens yet, specifically for portraits?
I did include a section on portraiture in my review of the RF 100L. And yes, it is a nice option, though obviously F2.8 isn't going to give the subject isolation that a F1.4 lens will.
I purchased the Samyang on a try before you buy basis but had to let it go in favour of the RF85mm 1.2L. It's a pity as the Samyang handles so well, it's light and very well balanced on my R5, however after testing it properly, I found with my Commercial Advertising work that the yellow/green warmth of the images is a pain to constantly adjust in post, also at distance the Samyang also suffers quite badly from field curvature and needs at least f2.8 or higher to maintain sharpness especially at distance. On another positive note though, I did briefly compare the Samyang against a Zeiss Otus 85mm f1.4 and was very surprised how close it was in sharpness, bokeh was slightly smoother with the Otus, but then it should be at it's price! Don't get me wrong, for the money the Samyang is a great buy and if you're using it for general photography up to 25 feet, then it's well worth purchasing.
If the Tamron is working fine for you via adapter, I would probably hold onto it. Samyang isn't supporting this lens on Canon RF anymore (probably because of Canon).
Superb update video . Thanks for that. Really appreciate it. When are you planning on releasing the review of Samyang Af 135mm 1.8 on Sony platform? I have not made a lens purchase in last five or six years without your blessing. So I am cringing with excitement and looking forward to this one.
I've tried to reach out to Samyang several times to get a tester, but haven't heard back. I'm hoping that will change soon, but unfortunately I have no control over that.
Hey Dustin, I was able to pick up at this Samyang 85mm rf…. Would by chance be able to upload the latest firmware for it, as it’s not supported or available on the Samyang’s website anymore? I believe it’s firmware 3……Would really appreciate it
I have one and enjoy it. I did also buy the lens station with the hope Samyang would commit to the RF mount. But alas it appears not. So that was one expensive firmware upgrade. I now more respect manufacturers that put a USB port into the lens.
Hi Dusin, I recently bought a used Samyang RF 85mm f/1.4 AF lens. It works find on my R5 for both AF & IS. But I find that the lens makes a "click" sound due to aperture blades open to the largest aperture everytime when I turn on the camera. Is it a problem or a normal phenomenon?
Thanks for the review. It’s now Jan 2023 and that lens has unfortunately vanished from the internet without any trace even from the Samyang homepage. So did the RF lens station. Is there a legal action going on? Watching your reviews, I must confess I like the results of the far less expensive 1.4 better as the one of the Canon RF 85 1.2
Thanks for this review. In my transition to mirrorless the EF 85 1.4 IS is still in the kit. I would like to se one (or better several) native RF 135 2.0 (or 1.8), best with closeup performance up to 1/4x or 1/3x.
This lens actually focuses faster, I would say. I got pretty decent results with the Samyang in the FE mount on something like an a9 for indoor sports, so I would think that it would work on a R5 or R6 okay for that.
@@DustinAbbottTWI tnx, by the way the link from your web-page review of this lens to B&H finds the Rokinon variant - should I assume they are identical?
@@DustinAbbottTWI tnx - by the way not many copies of this lens (regardless of name) can be found in Europe and it is at USD 200-300 (i.e. 25-50% of its US price) more expensive than what B&H lists as its price. Let's hope prices drop as more copies become available
Thank you for your reviews, they certainly strike the balance between the techy details and the real world application of the equipment. I am personally waiting with bated breath for Sigma to unveil their very overdue RF mount lenses, they seem to be mainly concentrating on Sony E and L mount lenses at the neglect of their faithful Canon following. I certainly look forward to your reviews if and when Sigma decide to play catch up 👍
In Vietnam, there are a few individuals selling with likenew status for $680. There are several stores that support firmware updates for this lens. I bought 1 for my canon rp, combo cost 1500$ 😂
Without the RF lens station, this is not a good option for my R5 or the R6. For now, the RF 85 f/2 is not a bad option. But I am hoping to see RF alternatives from Sigma and Tamron someday…
I like the 85mm f1.4 a lot, I like the reach for portraits so I am not in peoples faces and the f1.4 gives good background separation and bokeh. It is also sharp enough, no one complains. I also liked the price. I got the impression that Samyang reverse engineered the RF mount and did not have official Canon approval. Given the ambitions that Canon has for its RF mount and for it to be the mount to rule them all (I made that up because it sounds good) they want to protect it. Canon do make huge profits from their lenses and upstarts like Samyang undermine this. Sigma and Tamron have yet to release any RF lenses even though there is clearly a demand. This may be because Canon might want huge licence fees for the RF mount and the software knowhow but I have no proof of this. This might be essential for lens designers to utilise Canon autofocus like eye detect efficiently and image stabilisation coupling with the RF body IBIS. Samyang seem to have mastered it blind however so it can't be that hard. So it is strange that Samyang have not released more prime lenses in the RF mount or macro and zoom lenses... they definitely have the expertise and manufacturing capability. Perhaps when Sigma and Tamron release RF lenses Samyang might be encouraged and permitted to add to their range. We shall see.
I had this lens on first Canon RF and then Sony E after switching because it was such a joy to use. Sharp where it matters, beautiful rendering, very nice in the hand - having replaced it a few months ago with a Sigma 105mm 1.4, I regularly find myself rethinking this particular decision when I lug that absolute behemoth around. Beautiful portrait work on your part, great to see you revisiting it, I really wish they continued using its autofocus motor on the 50mm II and the new 135mm.
The Siggy 105 is an amazing lens, but yes, it is a true behemoth in terms of size.
This lens is literally magic. It’s hands down the best 85mm lens available for the RF mount and that includes the 85 1.2L. It renders beautifully. I’ve never used a lens like it
I'm glad you are enjoying it so much.
Excellent review as always Dustin. I have purchased the Samyang len a year ago when I saw your first reviews . At that time it costed me hardly 400$ . It was the bargain of the year of course considering the amazing results on Canon Eos R. Recently I communicated with Samyang and asked them if they are going to continue support via firmwares that lens as I also had the dock station. They respond me that : " We still support RF lenses through the firmware.
If we release new firmware for that, We will notify through the our official web page.
And also, If you need repair the lens, You will be able to get repair service through the our official distributors."
It's encouraging to hear their stated intention to continue to support the lens through firmware, though that makes me question why the RF Lens Station seems to be discontinued
@@DustinAbbottTWI Since Rokinon continues to sell those lenses under their brand there are some rumors that Canon maybe threatened Samyang with mount patent rights . This seems logical since (except Canon) only one Red camera has adopted (among other canon things like battery) RF mount.
Great as usual , very interesting test. I tried it last week and today morning I bought it , obviously a second hand copy and a few days I will start to play with it.
So your detailed video pushed me to buy the samyang instead of the two other RF alternative possible ( excluding the canon L 1,2 for obvious money complain) ..... Thank you!
I own this lens. I switched it for the Canon Rf 85mm f:2 and I don't regret at all. Fast focus, sharp even at 1.4 and creamy bookeh. I' m waiting for Samyang 135mm 1.8 for Canon Rf mount. Great Review, as usual.
All of those strengths are definitely true.
A really lovely group of images, Dustin.
Cheers
Thank you very much, Clarke
So happy to confirmed still works great with latest firmware 1.8.2 ❤❤❤ IBIS and High-speed shooting... tested on my R6
That's good to hear.
I have it, and in many ways it is awesome, but there is one thing that really bothers me and that is the color rendition. It has a very strange yellowish tint, that depending on the subject is really damaging. I also have the Canon RF 85 mm f/2, which is vastly more accurate. Now, provided that you always shoot in RAW you can work around that, but specifically for studio shots it is very convenient to get more accurate jpegs straight out of the camera, so in that setting the Canon is much better, but other than that the Samyang is a great lens
You're not wrong. It definitely is on the warm side. Some of the more recent Samyang lenses have proven a little more neutral.
Awesome review, I have been searching for a new lens to use that is also better than my Canon 50mm 1.8 STM, and it seems like this might be a good contender with price and quality
Have a Great Day Dustin!☕
You too!
I must admit, I didn't take Samyang seriously until I picked up the 18mm as a low cost wide solution for my Sony camera. But I quickly came to appreciate the Samyang rendering, which now I consider second only to the GM lenses. They aren't perfect, but they get the main things right.
I think that's a fair assessment. I've got several Samyang lenses that I really like the rendering from.
Samyang (Rokinon) 85mm F1.4 for Canon RF Portrait has been discontinued probably because of legal disputes over violating Canon RF mount patents.
As is, this lens still available in market has AF focusing problems and not YET compatible with IBIS in R5, R6, R7, R3 cameras. Firmware to fix those issue was NEVER released by Samyang and docking stations required in order to update Samyang lens firmware is no longer manufactured by Samyang.
Even Sigma and Tamron are not (YET) licensed to make RF mount lenses
Hi Dustin, great to see you still using this lens and doing a mini review in addition to your earlier in depth one. May I ask which firmware version you are using with your R5 please? I've been using my Samyang 85 on my R6 which is working perfectly, and thus far avoided putting the newest R6 firmware on the camera just in case it 'bricked' the lens like the wide angle Samyang RF on the R3. It would be nice to know that the latest firmware didn't affect the lens. Many thanks!
Canon R6 1.5.2 firmware works fine with this lens, I guarantee.
I'm running 1.5.2 on my R5 and no problems.
my wife and i both have an 85 for our cams (nikon for her, sony for me). and we both love 'em!
They're very useful
Hi Dustin! Just wanted your opinion on samyang 85mm 1.4 ef adapted on EOS R, do you think that would be a good combo? I had samyang and sold it for the rf 85 f2. Sometimes I missed samyang and wish I hadn’t sold. It’s so hard to come by now.
This Sammy is such an incredible lens. Super fast focus. Very sharp. Light. But sadly it’s become so hard to find.
I'm not convinced that there is a future for the lens, but it is a very nice option at a great price for now.
Here's hoping, @anthony
@@DustinAbbottTWI so its safer to go for the rf 85mm 2.0 ?
Safer, yes. Better? Debatable
@@mlct887 definitely not. I took the F/2 back after two days. The slow focus is not ok for my usage. If all I did was portraits and slow moving subject ok. But I need performance. The Sammy does that with ease.
we're these images unedited ? amazing shots by the way - really like your style
That does vary some from shot to shot, but many of them have only minor edits. Thanks for the kind words.
Quite a few mentions of rf 85 f2 canon lens in the comments section. I own the f2 lens and find the bokeh of that lens quite creamy/smooth. It has stabilization which is a plus for r6/r5 owners who definitely love shooting good b-rolls too.. how much of a compromise you think it is in terms of video shooting video with samyang handheld considering the r5/r6 still offer 5 stops of stabilization.? Just want to mention that the autofocus (switching b/w subjects) on rf f2 is slow in videos..
I hate the autofocus performance on the 85mm F2 as much as I love the image quality. Canon could have made that lens so much better. The IBIS on the R5/R6 makes the Samyang a much better video option, IMO
Canon's RF 100 F/2.8L is a great 1.4:1 macro lens, but should also be great for portraits. I haven't used it for that, but I once ran into a wedding photographer doing environmental portraits in a park, and he was very happy with it on the R5. Have you reviewed that lens yet, specifically for portraits?
I did include a section on portraiture in my review of the RF 100L. And yes, it is a nice option, though obviously F2.8 isn't going to give the subject isolation that a F1.4 lens will.
I purchased the Samyang on a try before you buy basis but had to let it go in favour of the RF85mm 1.2L. It's a pity as the Samyang handles so well, it's light and very well balanced on my R5, however after testing it properly, I found with my Commercial Advertising work that the yellow/green warmth of the images is a pain to constantly adjust in post, also at distance the Samyang also suffers quite badly from field curvature and needs at least f2.8 or higher to maintain sharpness especially at distance. On another positive note though, I did briefly compare the Samyang against a Zeiss Otus 85mm f1.4 and was very surprised how close it was in sharpness, bokeh was slightly smoother with the Otus, but then it should be at it's price! Don't get me wrong, for the money the Samyang is a great buy and if you're using it for general photography up to 25 feet, then it's well worth purchasing.
That's fair. This was basically the last of the Samyangs to really show that warm color. Newer lenses seem improved in that regard.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Are recently produced RF 85 1.4 better in that regard as well?
Quick question, my camera is the Canon R6 and I have the Tamron SP 85mm f1.8. Is the Samyang 85 an upgrade or should I keep the Tamron ? Thanks.
If the Tamron is working fine for you via adapter, I would probably hold onto it. Samyang isn't supporting this lens on Canon RF anymore (probably because of Canon).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the answer ! Great videos and reviews, nice to see quality content from a local perspective (I'm in Aylmer, qc.).
Superb update video . Thanks for that. Really appreciate it. When are you planning on releasing the review of Samyang Af 135mm 1.8 on Sony platform? I have not made a lens purchase in last five or six years without your blessing. So I am cringing with excitement and looking forward to this one.
I've tried to reach out to Samyang several times to get a tester, but haven't heard back. I'm hoping that will change soon, but unfortunately I have no control over that.
@@DustinAbbottTWI there's nothing that anyone can do about it.I'll stay patient then
Hey Dustin, I have an opportunity to pick one of these up used for my R5. Still a good idea in 2025?
If you can get a good price, it does still work fine and, of course, Canon is still closed to new development.
RF vs FE? any differences?
They are the same optically, but I've found the RF lens focuses a little better and includes an AF/MF switch (which the FE version didn't have).
Great video as usual!!! Any idea where I can purchase this lens? It seems to be unavailable or discontinued:(
Yes, unfortunately they seem to have discontinued all of the Samyang RF mount autofocusing lenses. That's Canon's doing, I suspect.
@@DustinAbbottTWI oh dear…. If you know anyone selling this 85mm…. Please meet me know… iso one
I will, but unfortunately (for you), I want to keep mine!!
Hey Dustin, I was able to pick up at this Samyang 85mm rf…. Would by chance be able to upload the latest firmware for it, as it’s not supported or available on the Samyang’s website anymore? I believe it’s firmware 3……Would really appreciate it
I have one and enjoy it. I did also buy the lens station with the hope Samyang would commit to the RF mount. But alas it appears not. So that was one expensive firmware upgrade.
I now more respect manufacturers that put a USB port into the lens.
I do think that the USB port is the way to go.
Hi Dusin, I recently bought a used Samyang RF 85mm f/1.4 AF lens. It works find on my R5 for both AF & IS. But I find that the lens makes a "click" sound due to aperture blades open to the largest aperture everytime when I turn on the camera. Is it a problem or a normal phenomenon?
It's not unusual to hear a little clicking sound as the aperture blades make a major change.
Thank you for the reply! Then I will keep this copy.
Thanks for the review. It’s now Jan 2023 and that lens has unfortunately vanished from the internet without any trace even from the Samyang homepage. So did the RF lens station. Is there a legal action going on? Watching your reviews, I must confess I like the results of the far less expensive 1.4 better as the one of the Canon RF 85 1.2
The short answer is yes, Canon has warned Samyang off. I'm really disappointed with Canon's attitude thus far on mirrorless.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the information. Oh yes, I totally agree with you.
Thanks for this review.
In my transition to mirrorless the EF 85 1.4 IS is still in the kit.
I would like to se one (or better several) native RF 135 2.0 (or 1.8), best with closeup performance up to 1/4x or 1/3x.
That would be nice!
Hi Dustin, does this lens still work properly with r6 version 1.6? Thanks!
Iam not Dustin, but yes, it works with the R6 on FW 1.6.
Confirmed still works great with latest firmware 1.8.2 ❤❤❤ IBIS and High-speed shooting...
This is favorite lens I own!!!
It's a very nice one.
I got the Yongnuo rf f1.8 and I love it.
Interesting. Haven't used that one.
How does its AF speed compare with the RF 85mm f/1.2? e.g. Could you use either of them for poorly lit indoor sports?
This lens actually focuses faster, I would say. I got pretty decent results with the Samyang in the FE mount on something like an a9 for indoor sports, so I would think that it would work on a R5 or R6 okay for that.
@@DustinAbbottTWI tnx, by the way the link from your web-page review of this lens to B&H finds the Rokinon variant - should I assume they are identical?
That's correct. The same lens is sold under both brand names.
@@DustinAbbottTWI tnx - by the way not many copies of this lens (regardless of name) can be found in Europe and it is at USD 200-300 (i.e. 25-50% of its US price) more expensive than what B&H lists as its price. Let's hope prices drop as more copies become available
Thank you for your reviews, they certainly strike the balance between the techy details and the real world application of the equipment. I am personally waiting with bated breath for Sigma to unveil their very overdue RF mount lenses, they seem to be mainly concentrating on Sony E and L mount lenses at the neglect of their faithful Canon following. I certainly look forward to your reviews if and when Sigma decide to play catch up 👍
Hi Dave - my read is that this is a Canon issue. They seem to be very reluctant to open their platform to any third parties.
A used one is now 700$ total. Is it worth it - after all these years?
Unfortunately that's not a lot less than when it was new...but yes, the lens remains valuable. I still enjoy mine.
I'm scared to update my R6 bc I don't want my Samyang 85mm to stop working. I love this lens..
Canon R6 1.5.2 firmware works fine with this lens, I guarantee.
Lukasz is right - so far so good in terms of the lens working fine on the R5 and R6 thus far.
Confirmed still works great with latest firmware 1.8.2 ❤❤❤ IBIS and High-speed shooting...
In Vietnam, there are a few individuals selling with likenew status for $680. There are several stores that support firmware updates for this lens. I bought 1 for my canon rp, combo cost 1500$ 😂
That's a pretty inexpensive combo.
Without the RF lens station, this is not a good option for my R5 or the R6. For now, the RF 85 f/2 is not a bad option. But I am hoping to see RF alternatives from Sigma and Tamron someday…
Agreed on wanting to see Tamron and Sigma lenses on RF!
Can’t get the 85 from Samyang anymore. I have the samyang 85 and it’s amazing.
I know. Canon is really frustrating me.
Can’t find the lense
It seems like they have since discontinued it
I like the 85mm f1.4 a lot, I like the reach for portraits so I am not in peoples faces and the f1.4 gives good background separation and bokeh. It is also sharp enough, no one complains. I also liked the price. I got the impression that Samyang reverse engineered the RF mount and did not have official Canon approval. Given the ambitions that Canon has for its RF mount and for it to be the mount to rule them all (I made that up because it sounds good) they want to protect it. Canon do make huge profits from their lenses and upstarts like Samyang undermine this. Sigma and Tamron have yet to release any RF lenses even though there is clearly a demand. This may be because Canon might want huge licence fees for the RF mount and the software knowhow but I have no proof of this. This might be essential for lens designers to utilise Canon autofocus like eye detect efficiently and image stabilisation coupling with the RF body IBIS. Samyang seem to have mastered it blind however so it can't be that hard. So it is strange that Samyang have not released more prime lenses in the RF mount or macro and zoom lenses... they definitely have the expertise and manufacturing capability. Perhaps when Sigma and Tamron release RF lenses Samyang might be encouraged and permitted to add to their range. We shall see.
I really do feel that the lack of third party lenses is hold Canon back. I hope they rectify that!
NO just NO
LOL - you must work for Canon :)