Mk 2 versions of classic manual focus primes add more iris blades, a lockable focus ring, and a de-clickable aperture
(Image credit: Samyang)
Samyang has made major updates to of its manual focus prime lenses – adding a range of useful new features to the classic designs. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 portrait lens and Samyang MF 14mm F1.4 Mk2 ultra-wideangle offer a significant update to their predecessors. The optical construction of each remains the same, but the lenses have be rebuilt from the ground up. Both lenses will also be sold under the Rokinon brand in the USA.
The lenses will be available in six different mirrorless and DSLR lens mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Canon EF-M, Micro Four Thirds, and Fujifilm X.
The four key new features on the lenses are:
– an increase of diaphragm blades. Both now have nine iris blades, promising improved bokeh characteristics, which will be particularly welcome on the 85mm f/1.4
- a focus lock mechanism – this allows you to set the focus distance for a series of shots, without having to re-adjust. This is particularly useful, say, when shooting nightscapes with the 14mm.
- a de-clickable aperture ring - that removes the usual detent stops when adjust the iris. This is a highly desirable feature for when using the lens for shooting video.
- weather sealing, with environmental seals located around the lens mount.
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We have been told that the Samyang MF 14mm f2.8 Mk2 and MF 85mm f1.4 Mk2 will both go on sale from early June. Pricing will be between £359 and £439 - depending on the focal length and the mount required.
As usual, these Samyang lenses will be sold under the Rokinon name in North America. The Rokinon Series II 85mm f/1.4 will retail for $499, and the Rokinon Series II 14mm f/2.8 will be $399. Both will go on sale in June.
Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography.
His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.
