Sony 85mm Shootout Part 4: IQ Part 2 | 4K

[@dopamining7621]

So useful. That Samyang is really appealing . . . .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is.

[@andyt.80]

Got the Viltrox for my Sony. With the Update to F1.6 it is simply amazing for that price!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed.

[@chris002able]

There is no 1.6 update unless you want to post a link.

[@artmaltman]

Thank you for this superb comparison. Not confusing at all, you are providing essential information.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to hear it!

[@VideoBelarus]

Thanks very much, Dustin! Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Love your well gauged approach

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@markeeaclao5542]

This makes me excited to use the viltrox. Cant wait for it to arrive. Thanks dustin. seems like the viltrox is not so bad as a first 85mm lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's really not

[@MarkKlett]

Amazing shootout! Thank you for your hard work. You helped me make my decision to get the samyang. Would LOVE to get a similar shootout for the 35mm lenses. Not sure to go Samyang again or get the new Sony 1.8. Anyway thanks again! Subscribed!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help

[@artmaltman]

Superb comparison. Useful, practical, and no one else is doing this. Thanks very much.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@Ava-wu4qp]

Thank you very much for this series! Just went ahead and ordered myself a Samyang. With the AF consistency, pleasant rendering, colors I like, and especially the price, it gets my pick. That said, if my budget was infinite, I could certainly see myself buying the Sony G Master just for that added resolving power and contrast- Would make a noticeable difference to the product photography that I periodically do but there's quite a but more that I can do with the $1,000 (buys a 4th AD600B)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sounds fair.

[@tristanwilhelm9600]

How has the lens been?

[@phoniexace]

Are you still happy with the lens a year later?. Im thinking on getting the samyang and would like to know how does it work in long-term.

[@adambetts2530]

Had viltrox and was impressed. Sold it and now find myself with Sony fe85 image quality same really unless splitting hairs. I also appreciate the customisable button on the Sony!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There's not a radical difference optically, for sure.

[@Robiejan1]

This was an epic comparison Dustin! Thanks for all your effort, greetings from the Netherlands

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@frd5868]

im in the market for 85mm for sony and this series totally a big help, thank you for the detailed explanation!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure

[@JeffCreates]

This series has been considerably helpful and has cemented my position (and hope) that the g master isn't worth throwing money at unless you have the 0.1% user case at which it excels. Great work, thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a realistic conclusion.

[@beberdje]

thank you so much for this series! you covered exactly everything i wanted to know about these lenses, especially bokeh rendering. You convinced me to go for the samyang 85 1.4 :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really love the Samyang, actually. It's a great lens!

[@stefanotermann8845]

Thanks Dustin for the great Work!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@torbenlysholm1]

Very excellent series here, Dustin! Very relevant right now, and very useful for all of us! Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m glad to hear that

[@GilbertTV]

If I didnt already own the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 I would probably get the Samyang 85mm F1.4 .. but having fell in love with the new Samyang 45mm F1.8 I may be samyang biased ... a fantastic series Dustin .. your reviews are becoming the industry standard.. & rightly so

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 45mm is a sweet lens. I'm really enjoying it. My coverage begins on Friday.

[@jamestaylor954]

I still don’t know which 85 mm to get haha nice videos!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's tough. There's a lot of solid options there.

[@kenzofinn5782]

a trick : watch movies on flixzone. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.

[@jadenace2936]

@Kenzo Finn Definitely, been watching on Flixzone} for since november myself :)

[@viveksathish]

Your analysis is always on point and very interesting. Would have loved to see the Tokina atx-m 85 1.8 in this mix.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Tokina has been a hard company for me to engage. I've emailed them before without response.

[@viveksathish]

@@DustinAbbottTWI oh that's a shame!

[@dazxmedia]

Great review, just ordered a viltrox based on these results.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Viltrox is a real disrupter. It is a lot of lens for the money.

[@PT-re2gi]

Amazing how good these 3rd party lenses are. Good time to be a photographer. Thanks for the wonderful review comparison.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

So true!

[@AdamMuise]

Thanks Dustin, this helped me buy the Sony 85mm f1.8 as I wanted a portable lens without sacrificing too much quality. I'll keep using my heavy 85mm Sigma for studio work and I know I don't have much to gain by trading it in for a much more expensive (but excellent) Sony 85mmm f1.4 GM. Thanks again!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For studio work that's very true. That's the natural environment for the Sigma.

[@b.walter6646]

Excellent presentation!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@Legionere]

Was looking to pickup an 85. I think this video finally decided it. Sammy does great for the price. I can’t see a reason to spend more than that.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a solid pick.

[@hedydd2]

I'll add my thanks from the UK [Wales] and mention that I've just pulled the trigger on the Viltrox, because it will, from your review, meet my needs and usage very well at the right price, considering that I've also pre-ordered the new and rather expensive Sony 35mm FE f1.8 As an Amazon UK business customer, I was pleasantly surprised to see it [the Viltrox] discounted even further than expected.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Awesome. Enjoy the lens.

[@NatalieZii]

How do you find the sharpness of these lenses compare? I own the 35mm FE and I’m considering the 85mm Viltrox.

[@perseus2052]

I've just finished your 85mm shootout series! I have just recently moved to the Sony ecosystem from Nikon, and so have been looking at some new glass. I am tempted though to go with the Viltrox, only because I have often liked to make a point of saying to people that you don't need the most expensive kit to make good images. The images coming out of that Viltrox aren't bad at all, and certainly, if I watched the reviews correctly, seem to be very minor differences. CA won't mean a thing as I like to produce in Black and White! So might be onto a winner with the Viltrox there! Thanks for doing the series of reviews. Have just subscribed too!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Viltrox is surprisingly strong for the price.

[@desertoo23]

Fantastic. It helped me so much!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@AR-vf7vg]

Thank You very much for this extensive work of Yours. Verry precious.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@DustinAbbottTWI (Many "reviewers" don't even bother to compare to any reference. Maddening, lol )

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's time consuming and expensive, so I understand.

[@maxsr3236]

Could the different size of the bokeh circles at close focus distances be caused by different levels of focus breathing?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's either focus breathing, differences in focal length, or some combination of them both.

[@Lyndonmancio]

Just a thought. maybe the length of the lens? Try shooting both lenses frm the same distance from the subject to the lens tip. (Excluding the hood) Sigma has the impression of having a shallower dof because its longer, hence closer to the subject. Thats why your setup with changing lens on a stationary tripod ddnt have the same distance. Just a theory 🤔

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've thoroughly tested the Sigma in the past, and it is actually a little short of 85mm. The Samyang and GM are basically the same length, so that isn't the cause of the variance there.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Hey Dustin!! Long time fan! If you had a choice between Batis and Sony 1.8, and had other Batis lenses....which would you choose if price wasn’t an issue? Batis right? Or should I save a couple hundred more for the new sigma? Ugh, can’t decide.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'd personally go for the new Sigma overall.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Dustin Abbott thanks for the reply! I figured you’d say that, lol.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Dustin Abbott what if you only had about $600ish to spend? Samyang? I’ll be saving for the sigma but I need a portrait lens to get me through the fall until I can afford the sigma.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, the Samyang would be my next choice.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Dustin Abbott thank you for helping me and taking the time to answer my question!! I appreciate it.

[@stkuj]

I'm keeping and not considering any others. My Sony 85 1.8 (which I got for $430) has the cool Sony only focus hold button and perfectly happy with the images. That said, I think I'll pick up the Viltrox for my Fuji! Thanks again for all your hard work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Having the Viltrox options for Fuji is nice, actually, as there are so few third party options there.

[@jwxujerry]

Thank you Justin for this amazing work. I bought the Samyang last year but returned it for slow focusing. I am thinking about buying it again since they have updated the firmware.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting, as I have not found focus to be slow when comparing it to other options or in general purpose shooting. I actually was able to track action quite well with it.

[@artapichendusae9498]

Subscribed. I took a mint secondhand batis for around $830. I like the color and contrast it giving. I also aim more on stay light weight. Thanks for your work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You won't regret it. The Batis produces beautiful images.

[@YannickKhong]

Thank you so much for the comparison!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@jamesf3382]

Nice review. And what about flare resistance? I guess it's a weak point of Samyang/Rokinon

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not really any more than others. The GM is slightly better, but most of them will do some flaring with the sun right in the frame.

[@jamesf3382]

Thank you!

[@hugofotograf]

Thank you for all your excellent reviews. Based on your presentations of the lenses I went with the Samyang. Looking forward to future videos 👍

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@mexmax1657]

Great Video, thanks. What do you think about low light situations? Would 1.4 vs 1.8 make a huge difference (e.g. night-shots in cities)?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It makes 2/3rds of a stop difference, meaning that an F1.4 lens would allow a faster 1/100th second shutter speed compared to a 1/60th second shutter speed in similar conditions. It also means that that more light can reach the focus system due to the larger maximum aperture. That can make a significant difference in extreme low light focus.

[@mexmax1657]

@@DustinAbbottTWI hm ok, thanks for the Info. I wanted to use it for handheld night City shots. I'm not quite sure if it's really worth it the price difference. Using a Sony a7r III so stabilization should already help me enough, at least I hope so (?)

[@astrodysseus]

What about the new sigma 85mm DG DN ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That was released after this comparison was done. It's the one that is in my personal kit, though.

[@astrodysseus]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I just saw your other video on the 85 DG DN. It seems to be a really good performer, I am just slightly worried that correcting such a distortion would affect image quality in the end.. but that's not really seen in your video (unless it had something to do with the weird fuzziness at middle edge at the bottom of the screen) ?

[@gersontobar9539]

Wow that's the best comparison of 85 lenses ofall KZbin. But I cant decide between the Viltrox and the Samyang at their manual version

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the Samyang is the best blend of value and performance, myself.

[@gersontobar9539]

And at de IQ? I dont think to use the 1.4 a lot. who has less CA? Or is sharper Thanks u are the best

[@Jwitherow1964]

Now I am really confused lol I been looking at the 85 1:2 cannon but I don’t have a cannon Boby I want the cannon 1.2 85 there is something about the rendering on this lens. I know I do not need another camera system , All ready have the a1 kit and the z9 kit I think I have a problem what’s y’all’s thoughts. And I don’t earn money with my cameras am I crazy .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don’t think it is worth buying into the Canon system just for the 85L when you are so invested in other platforms

[@photographerjonathan]

I always love 85 shootout's, I think the biggest surprise is how good the Viltrox is. it looks like a great lens for the money. and for my conclusion, I think the Sigma is a great lens but to big and heavy for me, but if weight is not an issue it's worth the Money, the Batis just seems over priced when there are two cheaper lenses that perform for the most part as good. but I like that it's weather sealed, the Samyang is definitely worth the money, but I like the extra contrast of the GM, but you can ad contrast in post, I guess I would have to give a slight win to the GM if I wasn't judging it buy the price, but for the money the Samyangs allot better of a deal, I personally own the Sony 85 f1.8, I love it's size and weight, and the image quality is also really good, and it's good for the money also. I also have an old Sigma 85 f1.4 that I adapt, ( not the art ) but I haven't used it much since getting my Sony, I wish the 85 Otus had auto focus and came in an FE mount and cost $2000.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Don't we all wish that about the Otus!

[@f4z3]

Where do you stand on selling the Sony 1.8 for getting an almost identically priced Samyang 85 (new at 450 Eur)? Prices being equal trumps native/non native, AF and other differences for that extra f-stop step up? I don't mind the extra weight and I mostly shoot semi-pro stills. Your reviews are a sight for sore eyes sir, keep up the good work and thank you for taking the extra time to answer to each and every one of us! Great series! Cheers from Greece.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It really depends on your intended purpose, but, for me, the Samyang trumps the Sony F1.8 because I feel the images are more special. I use an 85mm lens more for a portrait and event lens, and the Samyang works very well in those situations.

[@zedacruja681]

just got it....can anyone tell me the aperture blades do not open manually just in the camera...or something is wrong with lenses i turne and turn manually nothing happened what do i do wrong

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The way that Sony's electronic apertures work is that the aperture ring only functions with the lens powered on.

[@AndySomething]

I would love to know how the 90mm f/2.8 macro compares to these

[@princeharbinger]

Wouldn't be a fair comparison. That lens doesn't have great bokeh anyway. It's best known for sharpness.

[@hhielscher]

I wonder what the Sigma Art 105mm f/1.4 would look like in comparison.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The ART 105 is a fabulous lens...but it is also incredibly massive. It's 3x the weight of the Samyang 1.4, and twice even the GM. In some ways that kind of takes it out of the realm of relevance to most of these lenses save the Sigma.

[@town3]

#1 Dustin also if you get a chance that 135GM is very nice as well and that 24GM love them. Thanks again like always great reviews

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do hope to get to them eventually.

[@ThomasKello]

Get the Samyang 😍👌

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a solid choice, I think

[@stevofoo]

So, I need to hang on to the Samyang 85mm :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unless one of the other lenses has a strength you prefer. They all have certain strengths.

[@elfreim]

I own the sony 1:8 and the samyang, and i feel the sony is wider than the rest. I saw it when i tested them against each other myself, and i think i see it again n your images too. It`s like its not really 85 mm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, that didn't stand out to me with the Sony 1.8. The 1.4, perhaps.

[@Ava-wu4qp]

Perhaps it's a matter of focus breathing? Maybe at X distance the Sony 1.8 is wider than the Samyang but not at all distances.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's entirely possible

[@elfreim]

Ava Vikman absolutely that is possinly it. In the test with the boy sitting in front of the flag pole in this herr video it shows up quite clearly compared to the sony 1.4 and the samyang 1.4. I guess the camera was on a tripod and there is more in the sony 1.8 shot on the edges.

[@richardpcrowe]

I own the Sony 85mm f/1.8 which I purchased used in mint condition for $450. I love this lens but, I think that I would be happy with any one of these lenses for portraits on my A6400/A6500 cameras... Surprised at the Viltrox quality but, then again I also love the EF-Eii Viltrox Focal Reducer...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Viltrox was surprising at how well it stood up. The Samyang also stands out as a disrupter among the F1.4 options.

[@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat]

VERDICT - EVERY CENT COUNTS? - BUY VILTROX. Need f1.4 but dont wanna rob the bank? Buy Samyang . Wanna the best overall? Buy Sony 85mm F1.4 GM

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sounds fair to me.

[@sgpork]

Got the 85 Gm since day 1.. and nv regretted. Of cos it's not a perfect lens. The AF is not very quick especially low light. But i guess a mark 2 will fix that.. But if you're just shooting static n slow moving subject.. that lens is stellar.. to me at least.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a beautiful lens optically, and the AF gets the job done for the most part.

[@sgpork]

@ They will.. because it only make sense to re release again.. to make it better n earn more money. There is still no mark II for E mount.. but if u look at A mount.. which is a much older system.. They do have mark II ..for eg their 24-70...70-200.. 70-400.. So.. yea.. E mount will get their mark 2.. Just matter of time.. surely.

[@vutran-dg5io]

I buy samyang 85 because your review .. a good lens but night Af slow than 85 fe.. outdoor is perfects .. image quality is good .. af fast

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. I don't know that I've seen a slowdown in dim conditions myself, but your report doesn't surprise me, either.

[@arquivo225]

On 16:15 i think all 1.4 lenses shows a strongest bokeh than the 1.8 models. I prefer smaller lenses but for sure would go for another 1.4 model.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That is typically the advantage of lenses with the larger maximum aperture.

[@khengding6776]

Hi Dustin abbott If you have two choice between samyang vs sigma which one you choose?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Samyang for me. It's not quite as sharp as the Sigma, but has better autofocus, is much more reasonably sized, and has nice rendering.

[@khengding6776]

Now i just got samyang after i watch u video

[@albertomartindelcampo9710]

Not too much love for the Batis 😉

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Batis is a good lens, but in the current crop it seems overpriced.

[@goldenroseeskuvoiruhaszalo7710]

@@DustinAbbottTWI There is one unanswered question is yet. Which of these lenses will work after 10 years of extensive (sometimes in extreme conditions) use in the hands of a professional photographer? (AF motor, Aperture, tube etc.) Will see..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Since the whole system isn't 10 years old, no one can answer that for any of these products.

[@knust2329]

I love it. I love it. la la la...really!

[@chris002able]

funny how many times he says he prefers the Viltrox in all 4 videos,.... but he'll never says it's "good" later. haha.... anybody else picking up on this ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think that's your perception, because I clearly remember my frame of mind, and while I found the Viltrox good for the money in many fronts, it also has a number of weaknesses. It was the worst performer for AF, for one, and is unnecessarily heavy (which is why they released a MK II version)

[@zedacruja681]

i have been looking at 85mm 1.4 GM sintese i bought my A 7 R 2 ......today is the day its arriving.People buy Once and that it.litle trow story..in 1983i spend a little on the gear the call minolta 7000 from fish eye all the way to beercan that was the reason i bought the A7R2 because i can use all my gear A4 adapter including my Minolta 85mm....bought the Sony 85mm 1.4 gm Master because in 30 years i will expected to have it like i have all my minolta stuff....soo buy once buy for life,,do not buy elle chipooooo you buying all that time ...like i said money is PAPER

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true to some extent, though older (simpler) gear seems to actually be more timeless. Electronic systems are often more proprietary.

[@Booyamakashi]

No tokina :

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've reached out to Tokina a few times and never heard back.

[@charruaporelmundo]

Wow for that cheap Vitrox!😳

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true. It's remarkably strong for the price.

[@charruaporelmundo]

Dustin Abbott Your laughs of astonishments at 2:26 is a big sale point 😁, I only will trade this Vitrox for the GM, maybe next Christmas? 🙃. Saludos

[@zedacruja681]

T Y you convinced me to go for the Big Mama SONY 85mm1.4 G Master Money is paper lol,Its going to arrive Today.Via Fedex from E infinity i just saved lets do the math.....usd 1398.00 equals cnd 1856.89.........local would be 2399.00 plus tax 2700.00 plus........2700.00 minus 1856.89 equals SAVED C N D 0843.11.....thank YOU E Infinity.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a big chunk of extra money!

[@iDealMedley]

Sony 85 1.8 not worth it imo

[@iDealMedley]

Rent it couple of time, the fringing is horrible

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The best budget option here is the Samyang.