The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 81mm. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 with a length of 75mm, is 6mm shorter. On the other hand, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro's 53mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro weighs 291g, which means it is 257g (46%) lighter than the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 which has a weight of 548g.
Filter Threads
The Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2:
Lens Mounts
Both the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR.
Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro is also available in Leica M , Canon RF, Nikon Z and Leica L mounts.
Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 is also available in Canon EF , Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro has the fastest aperture of
F5.6, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2's widest aperture value is
F1.4.