§ 03 Head to head

Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F vs Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is 660 g lighter. Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 10 cm closer.

Both lenses are made for the Nikon F mount: the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F better than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?

  • 660 g lighter (480 g vs 1140 g)
  • 63 mm shorter (75 mm vs 138 mm long)
  • Is weather sealed
  • Smaller filter thread (77 mm vs 86 mm)
  • Newer design (2018 vs 2014)

Why is the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F?

  • Focuses 10 cm closer (0.8 m vs 0.9 m)
  • Has a physical aperture ring
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F has the edge: it is 660 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSamyang AF 85mm F1.4 FZeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
Focal length85mm 85mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4 f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typeTelephoto prime lens Prime lens
FormatFull Frame Full Frame
Weight480 g (1.06 lbs) ◆1140 g (2.51 lbs)
Dimensions88 mm (diameter) x 75 mm (length) 101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.90 m (35.43 in) 0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆
Maximum magnification0.11x 0.12x ◆
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes ◆No
Aperture ringNo Yes
Aperture blades9 (rounded) 9
Optical construction9 elements in 7 groups 11 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 6 anomalous partial dispersion elements)
Filter size77 mm ◆86 mm
Lens mountNikon F Canon EF, Nikon F
Released2018 2014
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Samyang
  • B · Zeiss
  • 75 × 88 mm
  • 138 × 101 mm

The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is 63 mm longer and 660 g heavier than the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F

Too many talks but no communication...
Too many talks but no communication... by Pavel Valchev
Giulia, Gin & Gina, 13. Woche
Giulia, Gin & Gina, 13. Woche by Feldhase
Pleasure Bay Sunset
Pleasure Bay Sunset by Thea Prum
Who you looking at me?
Who you looking at me? by Thea Prum

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4

Downhill from here...
Downhill from here... by micke.vmix
A new day...
A new day... by micke.vmix
I can see the light...
I can see the light... by micke.vmix
It takes two...
It takes two... by micke.vmix
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F review 1
Video thumbnail for Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F review 2
Video thumbnail for Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 review 1
Video thumbnail for Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F weighs 480 g, 660 g less than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 (1140 g).
Which focuses closer, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 0.9 m for the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F.
Do the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F 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 AF 85mm F1.4 F or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F has the edge: it is 660 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons