Many digital camera producers select to help, or not less than flip a blind eye to, third-party lens makers. Some even wholeheartedly embrace them. Nevertheless, Canon has infamously taken a stance to disclaim third-party producers entry to its RF mount. The fascinating twist is that many firms have been starting to provide handbook and autofocusing lenses earlier than the crack-down, creating an unique market of very uncommon lenses that hit the streets earlier than the curtain fell.
We determined to try a few 85mm lenses that got here to us via again channels. Jordan Drake primarily examined the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AF and I bought my fingers on a Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 DF II.
The previous lens did have a restricted launch earlier than the shutdown, nonetheless, the latter by no means even made it to market. Even supposing few folks will ever get the possibility to shoot these optics, we thought it could be enjoyable to share with the world what these forbidden lenses are able to.
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AF
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AF, initially announced in 2020, comes throughout as a really well-built lens regardless of its comparatively gentle weight. At simply over 20 ounces (585 grams), the Samyang is straightforward to hold even with its vivid aperture. The lens is totally weather-sealed and stable, with the one grievance being the sloppy feeling handbook focus.
The primary problem with the Samyang actually comes right down to its ponderously sluggish autofocusing expertise. That is one thing we’ve seen earlier than on many producers 85mm f/1.4 lenses and though it’s wonderful for portrait images, it does have points with quicker motion images.
Fortunately the bokeh is sort of lovely. Precisely what you need out of a portrait telephoto. Sharpness isn’t stellar at f/1.4 however I don’t thoughts a little bit of a softer rendition on the subject of portrait photos. The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 definitely delivers lovely portrait photographs at a fraction of the worth.
Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 DF DSM
I had the chance to check out the Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 DF DSM, which while announced in 2021 by no means made it to market. I like f/1.8 lenses as a result of they are typically very transportable and compact.
I additionally love that the lighter-weight glass components are simpler for the autofocus motor to drive, and the Yongnuo focuses quick sufficient for any state of affairs. The lens is weather-sealed and constructed effectively, with a well-machined steel housing. There may be an AF/MF swap but in addition a really curious button to dismount the lens from the physique reasonably than counting on the one on the digital camera itself — I don’t assume I’ve ever seen that setup earlier than. The traditional lens launch button on the Canon RF our bodies doesn’t serve any function when this lens is hooked up.
I attempted taking pictures the lens in direction of the brilliant solar and was happy with how effectively the Yongnuo maintains distinction. There may be some minor ghosting current which turns into considerably obnoxious when the aperture is stopped means down. Nevertheless, lenses like these are supposed to be shot extensive open, so this can be a non-issue.
The bokeh reveals some cat’s eye at f/1.8 and a harsher polygonal form when stopped down however I discovered the bokeh to be actually lovely with easy transitions and silky backgrounds. There’s a character to this lens that has a classic really feel to it, and the colour rendition is heat and nice. As a portrait lens, I feel this 85mm excels, and it’s a disgrace that it gained’t be out there to Canon shooters.
Forbidden Fruit At all times Tastes Higher
There may be undoubtedly a number of autofocus and handbook focus lenses out there for RF mount however it’s a must to hunt them down and they’re finite in amount. Maybe it’s as a result of they’re so onerous to accumulate that makes them so enjoyable to shoot.
No matter whether or not these lenses enchantment to you or not, it’s a disgrace that Canon chooses to disclaim its customers entry to those third-party choices. If you’re looking out for some inexpensive portrait lenses with character, let the detective work start.
