Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens for Canon EF – A Perfect Blend of Speed, Precision, and Artistic Expression
The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens for Canon EF is a remarkable portrait lens designed for photographers who demand stunning image quality, superior optical performance, and smooth, fast autofocus. Known for its incredible sharpness and creamy bokeh, this lens perfectly balances modern autofocus technology with Rokinon’s tradition of delivering premium optics at an accessible price point. Whether you’re a professional portrait photographer, a wedding shooter, or a creative enthusiast looking to capture cinematic visuals, this 85mm lens ensures you get breathtaking results every time.
Exceptional Optical Design
The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens features an advanced optical construction of 9 elements in 7 groups, including one Hybrid Aspherical element that minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions. This design enhances contrast and color accuracy while maintaining crisp detail from edge to edge. The Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) technology reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring your images have excellent color fidelity even when shooting under challenging lighting conditions.
This precise optical structure makes the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 an ideal choice for capturing portraits, fashion, or low-light street photography. The clarity and color rendering rival lenses that cost significantly more, giving professionals a dependable tool for every lighting scenario.
Ultra-Fast f/1.4 Aperture for Stunning Bokeh
One of the most defining features of this lens is its large f/1.4 aperture. This wide opening allows for exceptional depth of field control, creating a beautifully blurred background that isolates your subject with artistic precision. It also excels in low-light environments, allowing photographers to shoot at faster shutter speeds without compromising image quality.
The nine-blade circular diaphragm contributes to a soft, natural bokeh effect, which is especially appealing in portrait photography. Whether you’re capturing candid expressions, studio headshots, or event moments, this lens ensures your subjects stand out beautifully against a dreamy, defocused background.
Advanced Autofocus System
Unlike many manual-focus portrait lenses, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens for Canon EF incorporates a fast and accurate autofocus motor that ensures quick subject acquisition and smooth focusing transitions. The internal focusing design maintains the lens length while focusing, enhancing stability and balance during handheld shooting or while using filters.
Its compatibility with Canon’s full-frame EF mount cameras ensures seamless communication between the lens and camera body, allowing for advanced functions like exposure control, EXIF data transfer, and focus confirmation. Autofocus performance is reliable for still photography and consistent for video recording, making it a versatile option for both mediums.
Premium Build Quality
Crafted with a solid yet lightweight aluminum housing, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens is designed for long-term durability and professional use. The lens barrel has a sleek matte finish that complements Canon’s camera aesthetics, while the focus ring offers smooth and precise control for manual adjustments when needed.
Despite its robust construction, the lens remains compact and portable, weighing just 485 grams (approximately 1.07 lbs). This makes it a comfortable option for long portrait sessions, weddings, or travel photography where mobility matters.
Ideal for Portrait and Creative Photography
The 85mm focal length has long been considered the gold standard for portrait photography. It provides a flattering compression of facial features and allows photographers to maintain a comfortable working distance from their subjects. The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF excels in this regard, producing images with beautiful depth and clarity that bring subjects to life.
Beyond portraits, this lens is also ideal for lifestyle, fashion, and fine-art photography. Its ability to render sharp details with smooth tonal transitions makes it perfect for both photo and video creators seeking cinematic aesthetics.
Technical Specifications
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Focal Length: 85mm
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Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
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Minimum Aperture: f/16
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Lens Mount: Canon EF
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Format Compatibility: Full-Frame / APS-C
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Optical Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups (1 Hybrid Aspherical element)
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Coating: Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC)
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Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded
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Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.95 ft (0.9 m)
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Filter Size: 77mm
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Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.7 in (88 x 94 mm)
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Weight: 485g (1.07 lb)
Why Choose the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens for Canon EF?
If you’re seeking a lens that offers premium performance without the hefty price tag, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens is an outstanding choice. It combines the timeless beauty of the 85mm focal length with modern autofocus precision, delivering exceptional results in portraits, weddings, and creative projects.
Photographers will appreciate its fast f/1.4 aperture for low-light versatility, professional-level sharpness, and pleasing background separation. The autofocus performance and optical engineering make it competitive with higher-end Canon and Sigma lenses while offering excellent value for money.
In essence, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens for Canon EF stands as a testament to Rokinon’s commitment to quality and innovation—an essential tool for any portrait or fine-art photographer seeking to elevate their creative expression.
