Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 Prima Lens for Sony FE

Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 Prima Lens for Sony FE Key Features:

• Medium-telephoto 85mm f1.8 prime lens for Sony full-frame FE-mount
• Optical design with 9 elements in 8 groups, including 1 HR and 3 ED elements
• Fast f1.8 aperture with 9-blade diaphragm for soft background blur
• Designed for superior sharpness at portrait distances
• Clear and delicate rendering of tonal transitions and textures
• Produces smooth, creamy bokeh for flattering subject separation
• Minimum focus distance of 0.8m with 0.12x magnification
• Linear STM autofocus motor for quiet and accurate focusing
• AF/MF switch and wide focus ring for intuitive manual control
• Weather sealing and IP5-level internal dust resistance
• USB-C firmware updates via direct connection without a dock
• Engineered with a lightweight, high-strength composite material
• Includes a newly designed lens hood for improved flare control
• Standard 62mm front filter thread for creativity and control
• Measures 71.5mm in length and weighs just 272g
• Compatible with APS-C Sony FE-mount cameras (128mm equivalent)

Optical design

The Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 P FE features a 9-element, 8-group construction, including one high-refractive (HR) element and three extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. This arrangement is optimised for portraiture, delivering excellent sharpness and controlled chromatic aberration at typical working distances. Combined with UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating), the design reduces flare and ghosting, maintaining contrast and colour accuracy even in strong backlight or reflective environments.

Bokeh and portrait rendering

With its fast f1.8 maximum aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, the Samyang Prima lens delivers a natural, rounded bokeh with gentle falloff and minimal onion-ring or cat-eye artefacts. The focal length is ideal for flattering compression in portraiture, and the optical tuning prioritises smooth tonal transitions and subtle rendering of skin textures and fine detail. This rendering makes the lens a reliable choice for everything from environmental portraits to tight headshots.

Focusing and manual control

A Linear STM (Stepping Motor) drives the lens’s autofocus, enabling fast and quiet focusing across both stills and videos. This motor allows smooth transitions with minimal focus breathing, maintaining compositional stability during rack focus and pull focus operations. A responsive AF/MF switch is built into the barrel, enabling instant toggling between modes. The focus is manually adjustable via a broad, fluid focus ring that provides tactile precision for controlled shots, whether working with gimbals, handheld rigs, or manual pull systems.

Build and usability

The housing is constructed from a custom-engineered, high-strength plastic developed by Samyang for improved durability at low weight. At just 272g and 71.5mm in length, it’s a strong match for smaller full-frame Sony bodies. A USB-C port on the mount enables direct firmware updates, ensuring ongoing performance refinements. Internal IP5-level dust resistance and weather sealing offer added protection for outdoor shooting, while the supplied lens hood helps manage flare and contrast.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 Prima Lens for Sony FE
• 1 x Front Lens Cap
• 1 x Rear Lens Cap
• 1 x Cylindrical Lens Hood
• 1 x Soft Lens Pouch

FAQs:

Is the Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 Prima Lens weather-sealed?

The lens includes weather sealing and meets Samyang’s IP5-level internal standards for dust resistance. While not fully waterproof, it offers good protection in everyday outdoor conditions. This protection adds confidence when shooting on location, especially during portrait sessions in changing weather conditions.

Can I use the Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 Prima Lens on APS-C FE-mount cameras?

This lens is fully compatible with APS-C Sony FE-mount bodies, offering a 128mm equivalent field of view. This compatibility makes it even better suited for tighter headshots or subject isolation, giving APS-C users access to flattering telephoto rendering and soft background blur.

How does the lens handle background blur and bokeh?

Thanks to its 9-blade aperture and f1.8 maximum opening, the lens produces smooth, creamy bokeh with gentle separation between subject and background. This is especially valuable in portraits, where you want depth and subject emphasis without distracting highlight artefacts.

What makes the Samyang AF 85mm f1.8 Prima Lens different from previous compact 85mm lenses?

The AF 85mm f1.8 P FE is part of the Prima Series and introduces updated optics, a lighter, stronger build, and improved handling. It also features a USB-C port for firmware updates and a refined lens hood design, giving it a clear edge in portability and modern usability for hybrid shooters.