The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 and the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC 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. Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is the longer of the two lenses at 91mm. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 with a length of 75mm, is 16mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2's 78mm 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. Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 weighs 548g, which means it is 152g (21%) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC which has a weight of 700g.
Filter Threads
The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC:
Lens Mounts
The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
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.
Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's widest aperture value is
F1.8.