Originally posted by deadwolfbones Having just gotten the Rokinon for $150, I can't see how this one would be appreciably better for $899, aside from AF.
from the images that I saw, I believe it's sharper and has more contrast compared to the Rokinon. this is from wide open to smaller apertures. although the Rokinon is sharp from wide open, it doesn't improve a lot nor by much when stop down. in other words, it doesn't get as sharper as much as other 85mm lenses do. the M85 for example trumps it from F2 and worse onwards. the J-9 catches up slightly at f2.8 and beats it at f4 and f5.6. although inspite of that shortcoming, the Rokinon's has very high transmission and is really a bright lens. but the great thing about it is it's buttery smooth bokeh that blends well with it's shallow DOF. personally, I prefer the Rokinon's bokeh better than what I have seen with the Sigma, although the Sigma has excellent bokeh as well. this must be due to the difference on the approach of both lenses preferring which area to focus on.
too bad I already sold my Rokinon earlier this year in anticipation for the Sigma. I could had done a side by side comparison for differences. but since I don't have it, all I can do is do a lone test approach with the Sigma, and see by what differences I see with it in comparison with my experience shooting with the Rokinon. we can only hope that some Samyang/Rokinon owner would be kind enough to do some 2 lens testing.
p.s. in fairness, the Rokinon got a very good review and praise from me. >>>
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/Rokinon-Samyang-Bower-85mm-1.4-Asphe...or-Pentax.html . the high marks is due to my use of it as a portraiture lens where it is at it's best, not all-around performance.