Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC § 03 Head to head
Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC vs Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is 627 g lighter. Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 20 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Nikon F mount: the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC 
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC better than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- 627 g lighter (513 g vs 1140 g)
- 66 mm shorter (72.2 mm vs 138 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 86 mm)
Why is the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC?
- Focuses 20 cm closer (0.8 m vs 1 m)
- More aperture blades (9 vs 8)
- Newer design (2014 vs 2011)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC has the edge: it is 627 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC | Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 513 g (18.10 oz) ◆ | 1140 g (2.51 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 78 x 72.2 mm | 101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 1 m (39.37 inches) | 0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.12x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements / 7 groups | 11 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 6 anomalous partial dispersion elements) |
| Filter size | 72 mm ◆ | 86 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 2011 | 2014 |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Zeiss
- 72.2 × 78 mm
- 138 × 101 mm
The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is 66 mm longer and 627 g heavier than the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC.
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Sample frames
Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC weighs 513 g, 627 g less than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 (1140 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 1 m for the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC.
- Do the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC has the edge: it is 627 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Sigma A 85 mm f/1.4 DG HSM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 EF vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen CF 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Canon EF 85 mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4