The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Rokinon 85mm F1.8 and the Samyang 85mm F1.4 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. Rokinon 85mm F1.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 81mm. The Samyang 85mm F1.4 with a length of 75mm, is 6mm shorter. On the other hand, the Samyang 85mm F1.4 has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Rokinon 85mm F1.8's 68mm 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. Rokinon 85mm F1.8 weighs 344g, which means it is 195g (36%) lighter than the Samyang 85mm F1.4 which has a weight of 539g.
Filter Threads
The Rokinon 85mm F1.8 has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Samyang 85mm F1.4 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 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Rokinon 85mm F1.8:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang 85mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
The Rokinon 85mm F1.8 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Samyang 85mm F1.4 has the Samsung NX lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700 and Sony FX30 for the Sony E Mount and Samsung NX500, Samsung NX1 and Samsung NX3000 for the Samsung NX Mount.
Rokinon 85mm F1.8 is also available in the Canon EF-M and Fujifilm X mounts.
Samyang 85mm F1.4 is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Rokinon 85mm F1.8 has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Samyang 85mm F1.4's widest aperture value is
F1.4.
