The Samyang 85mm T1.5 is a manual focus prime lens; this VDSLR (Video DSLR) version was developed primarily for professional film/cinema production. The VDSLR version features geared rings for follow focus and a de-clicked aperture ring, allowing the user to smoothly and silently change the focus and aperture/depth of field during shooting, and to connect to professional follow focus systems.

The Samyang 85mm T1.5 is a manual focus prime lens designed to deliver exceptional results at wide apertures. At T1.5, superb images can be obtained, which is perfect for portraits and low-light photography, especially when mounted on a full-frame DSLR.

Samyang VDSLR Cine lenses are rated in T-Stops rather than F-stops, which is the standard for professional cinema camera lenses. The F-stop number expresses the speed of the lens assuming that the lens transmits 100% of the incident light, and is therefore theoretical rather than an actual measurement. The T number expresses the actual light transmission, and is therefore accurate for exposure purposes. It is also worth noting that Samyang lenses achieve excellent transmission properties.

Bokeh (the character of the out-of-focus background blur) is a major concern for professionals choosing a very fast lens for shallow depth of field photography. The Samyang 85mm T1.5 lens design offers excellent bokeh quality in blurred areas when used near maximum aperture, perfect for cinematic applications. Independent tests and users confirm the beautiful bokeh character of the Samyang, surpassing lenses 4 times more expensive.

The optical construction of the lens is the same as that of the 85mm f1.4 lens, comprising 9 elements arranged in 7 optical groups with one aspherical lens element. The Samyang 85mm is designed with internal focus (IF), meaning the lens does not increase in size during focusing. Another positive aspect of internal focus is that the lens is much less likely to have dust inside, unlike externally focusing (or zoom) lenses which can draw in dirt during use. The 8-blade diaphragm design contributes to the excellent bokeh character at apertures close to maximum aperture.

The Samyang 85mm T1.5 IF MC features multi-coated lenses that promote a very high level of light transmission, and increased resistance to flare and ghosting. It has a good-sized manual focus ring and is perfectly suited to most photographic applications (with the exception of sports or fast-moving subjects) where manual focus is not an issue. Precise focus in critical situations can be achieved through the use of Live View focus, available on most recent camera models. In practice, users, including professional photographers, have found that manual focusing with the Samyang 85mm is not a problem, even when shooting at f1.4 with very shallow depth of field in low-light scenarios with static and slow-moving subjects — precise focus can be achieved giving excellent results on full-frame cameras.

There is also a growing number of users using DSLRs for filming and producing high definition (HD) video, and manual focus lenses allow the user to change focus during shooting, which is why VDSLR versions were developed.

The focus ring features geared rings compatible with professional geared follow focus systems available in the film industry, as well as a de-clicked, click-free aperture ring. These modifications allow precise and smooth control of focus and aperture during video recording/shooting. This enables ultimate manual control of focus and exposure when shooting scene by scene with different light source intensities, such as changing exposure values (EV) from indoors to outdoors, or even in-camera fades, etc.

Samyang VDSLR versions can be used for both photographic and video purposes. There is a growing number of users using DSLRs for filming and producing high definition (HD) video, and manual lenses allow the user to change focus (focus pulling) and aperture during shooting.

The Samyang 85mm T1.5 lens should be seriously considered by all professional or amateur photographers requiring a fast prime lens, regardless of budget. When the low cost of the lens is taken into account, it should not be overlooked for amateur use, or as a primary or secondary lens for professionals wanting a dedicated and high-performing T1.5 portrait lens.

Available mounts: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony A and Sony E, and Micro Four Thirds (MFT). Filter size 72mm


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