The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 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. Sony FE 85mm F1.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 82mm. The Samyang 85mm F1.4 with a length of 75mm, is 7mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 78mm.
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. Sony FE 85mm F1.8 weighs 371g, which means it is 168g (31%) lighter than the Samyang 85mm F1.4 which has a weight of 539g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 85mm F1.8 has a filter size of 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 85mm F1.8:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang 85mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 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 FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Samsung NX500, Samsung NX1 and Samsung NX3000 for the Samsung NX Mount.
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 Sony FE 85mm F1.8 has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Samyang 85mm F1.4's widest aperture value is
F1.4.
