Which is lighter, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?

The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 weighs 547.5 g, 593 g less than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 (1140 g).

Which focuses closer, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?

The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 1.1 m for the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2.

Do the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 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 MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?

For portrait photography, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 has the edge: it is 593 g lighter to carry.

§ 03 Head to head

Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is 593 g lighter. Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 30 cm closer.

The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 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 MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

Add a third lens →

Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2

f/1.4 · 85mm · 547.5 g

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4

f/1.4 · 85mm · 1140 g

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 better than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?

593 g lighter (547.5 g vs 1140 g)
37 mm shorter (101 mm vs 138 mm long)
Is weather sealed
Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 86 mm)
Newer design (2020 vs 2014)

Why is the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2?

Focuses 30 cm closer (0.8 m vs 1.1 m)
Higher maximum magnification (0.12x vs 0.09x)

Which should you buy?

By use

portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2 has the edge: it is 593 g lighter to carry.

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆

Specification	Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2	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	Telephoto prime lens	Prime lens
Format	Full Frame	Full Frame
Weight	547.5 g (1.21 lbs) ◆	1140 g (2.51 lbs)
Dimensions	78 mm (diameter) x 101 mm (length)	101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance	1.1 m (3.6 ft)	0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆
Maximum magnification	0.09x	0.12x ◆
Image stabilization	No	No
Weather sealing	Yes ◆	No
Aperture ring	Yes (with de-click function)	Yes
Aperture blades	9 (rounded)	9
Optical construction	9 elements in 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	Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M, Micro Four Thirds	Canon EF, Nikon F
Released	2020	2014

Size

Drawn to relative scale

A · Samyang
B · Zeiss

101 × 78 mm
138 × 101 mm

The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is 37 mm longer and 592 g heavier than the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 MK2.

Sample frames

Shot on each lens