Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 vs Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 20 cm closer. Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is 293 g lighter.
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 
Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z?
- Focuses 20 cm closer (0.8 m vs 1 m)
- More aperture blades (10 vs 8)
Why is the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z better than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4?
- 293 g lighter (740 g vs 1033 g)
- 16 mm shorter (97.5 mm vs 113 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 77 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z has the edge: it is 293 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 | Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Telephoto prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 1033 g | 740 g (26.1 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 113 x 88 mm | 78 mm (diameter) x 97.5 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.8 m ◆ | 1.0 m (3.28 ft) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.09x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 10 ◆ | 8 |
| Optical construction | 15 elements / 11 groups | 9 elements in 7 groups (1 hybrid aspherical element) |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 72 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF | Nikon Z |
| Released | — | 2019 |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Samyang
- 113 × 88 mm
- 97.5 × 78 mm
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 is 16 mm longer and 293 g heavier than the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z.
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Sample frames
Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z?
- The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z weighs 740 g, 293 g less than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 (1033 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z?
- The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 1 m for the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z.
- Do the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 and the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 85 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z has the edge: it is 293 g lighter to carry.
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