The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as I stepped into the quaint, softly lit studio for my latest photo shoot. The air was filled with the warm tones of evening light, and I was eager to put the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 RF lens to the test. Known for its impressive bokeh and sharpness, this lens had caught my attention for its promise of high-quality portraiture and low-light performance on Canon’s RF mount.
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 RF had a striking presence. Its solid build and sleek design were a departure from the often bulky portrait lenses, offering a refined, understated elegance. As I mounted it onto my Canon R5, I could immediately appreciate its balance and weight—light enough for comfortable handheld shooting yet substantial enough to feel durable and robust.
My first subject was a local artist known for her vibrant personality and unique style. I set up in the studio’s corner where the natural light from the large windows painted a soft glow across the space. The Samyang 85mm f/1.4’s wide f/1.4 aperture was my tool of choice for this shoot. I adjusted my settings and framed my shot, eager to see how the lens would handle the rich textures and delicate details of my subject.
As I began shooting, I was instantly impressed by the lens’s sharpness. The details were rendered with remarkable clarity, from the subtle strands of hair to the intricate patterns on the artist’s clothing. The 85mm focal length provided a beautiful compression that flattered the subject, and the wide aperture allowed me to achieve a stunningly shallow depth of field. The background melted into a creamy, ethereal blur, creating a striking contrast with the sharply focused subject. The bokeh was exquisite—soft and smooth, with a pleasing circular quality that added an artistic touch to each image.
The lens’s manual focus might seem daunting to those used to autofocus systems, but it offered a tactile, precise control that I found incredibly satisfying. The focus ring was well-damped, allowing for smooth and accurate adjustments. I took my time to ensure each shot was perfectly focused, particularly when capturing the fine details of the subject’s expressions and textures.
As the natural light began to wane, I turned to my studio’s artificial lighting setup. The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 RF continued to impress with its low-light performance. Despite the dimming light, the lens maintained its sharpness and clarity, and the wide aperture allowed me to keep my ISO levels low while still achieving the desired exposure. This was especially useful for preserving the rich color tones and subtle details of the artist’s portrait.
The lens’s build quality also stood out during the shoot. The metal construction felt solid and durable, with a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The manual focus ring, while requiring a bit of patience, offered precise control that was ideal for portrait photography. The lens’s overall handling was smooth, making it a pleasure to use throughout the session.
As the evening drew to a close, I reviewed the images on my camera’s display. The results were nothing short of spectacular. The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 RF had delivered on its promises—producing sharp, detailed images with a beautifully rendered bokeh. The lens’s performance in both natural and artificial light showcased its versatility and quality.
For portrait photographers seeking a lens that combines exceptional optical performance with a compact, elegant design, the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 RF is an excellent choice. It stands as a testament to Samyang’s commitment to creating high-quality optics that cater to both professional and enthusiast photographers. As I packed up my gear and reflected on the day’s shoot, I knew that this lens would become a favorite tool in my photography kit, ready to capture the beauty and nuance of future subjects with precision and grace.