[uttam.hathi]

I have the super tak 85/1.9 and the samyang 85/1.4

I would have to say, overall, I think the samyang lens is a great deal at 329 new. The coatings are much better than the tak, which is 40 years older

I do like the tak for the build, and I got it at a great price but the greatest downfall of legacy lenses is coatings. It is much more prone to flare and internal reflections especially with bright lights in insight shots.

i do believe that coatings make a lot of difference on IQ

[mikemike]

I was thinking about picking up a Rikonon 85 to test out that focal length and decide if it is something I would like to get in an AF lens, maybe in the form of an FA 77, and to hone my MF skills. Is it worthwhile or should I just put the money towards the FA 77 and not waste time with the Samyang?

[ducdao]

I was thinking about picking up a Rikonon 85 to test out that focal length and decide if it is something I would like to get in an AF lens, maybe in the form of an FA 77, and to hone my MF skills. Is it worthwhile or should I just put the money towards the FA 77 and not waste time with the Samyang?

The FA77 is around ~800 used so if you can get the Rokinon/Bower 85/1.4 for less than ~200, I would say go for it. It's a very decent lens for the price.

Perhaps you should rent the FA77 first and see if it fits your needs?

[DeadJohn]

Did someone say the Samyang has poor build quality? I find that unlikely. My Samyang 24 and 35 are each built excellently, even though they are not all metal.

I don't think people meant to say Samyang = poor build. It's just that in comparison, some of the other lenses being compared were built like armored bunkers. I buy lenses for photography not to use as blunt weapons so Samyang is built well enough for me.

[DeadJohn]

Which would you prefer and why?

I've never owned any of those 4 but am shopping with the Samyang 84/1.4 looking like the best choice. My interests are astrophotography moreso than portraits, therefore my selection criteria are: sharpness across the entire frame at wide apertures; light gathering ability; minimal coma distortion.

[Kerrowdown]

Which 85 to buy?

No mention of the SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4 here.

[DeadJohn]

No mention of the SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4 here.

Ruled out because of cost?

[Kerrowdown]

Ruled out because of cost?

Hmm, but is a cracking piece of glass if you can find one at the right price.

[rrstuff]

The Canidates

1. Takumar 85 1.8/1.9
2. Jupiter 9
3. The M 85 F2
4. Samyang 85 1.4

Which would you prefer and why?

(I you happent to want to ease up on your LBA hit me a offer in PM. *lol*)

Not to make your life even harder, but don't forget the mitakon zhongyi 85mm F2 for $165. That could be pretty good too .

[rrstuff]

One thing no one mentioned is the 90mm Tamron F2.8. It is a bit slower, but also a bit longer, it is supposed to have excellent image quality and it also has an autofocus and can serve as a very good macro. They go online for as little as $250 if you are lucky. Probably not the same tool, but you might want to consider that too if you don't have a macro and would like to have one.

[DeadJohn]

I just reread this thread and think that the OP already bought the lens 2 weeks ago, so our comments are not that helpful any more.

[starjedi]

Does any one consider Mitakon 85/2.0 :-) ? Haha

[uttam.hathi]

Does any one consider Mitakon 85/2.0 :-) ? Haha

i would really want to see mitakon before dismissing it specially the newer one

[Cloapex]

I just reread this thread and think that the OP already bought the lens 2 weeks ago, so our comments are not that helpful any more.

Haha, as a true LBA-junkie it´s always nice to wonder about if the grass is greener od the other side of the fence.
But I must say The M 85 is a good performer and the size is fantastic.

The only thing to regret that a while ago I took the decisison to go for the M42 mount, now ending up in doubts of which lenses I would need.

Yesterday I almost felt like selling almost all the pieces away, and just keep the strong lenses.
But it´s impossible! You always miss a lens on the other side.

But what would you choose If you could only keep like 5 lenses over the range?

My suggestions is the 50/1.4 (or 1.2) 55/1.8) 85/1.8 105/2.8 135/2.5
Then I would consider a viv 28 f2 but still would sell the 28/3.5 i guess.

[pinholecam]

I'd recommend the 'safe' bet.
The Tak/K 85/1.8 or Tak85/1.9
Smaller than the f1.4 options and easier to take out with a mix of other lenses in the bag.
The K version is smaller.
Well built to the standards of the old days.

The J9 is the most 'risky' option as there are plenty of lemons out there.
If you get a good copy, its cheap and as good as any of the other options and special (but poorest flare resistance of the lenses listed)

M85/2 is the smallest.
Super portable.
Sharp when focus is right and a nice rendering that I like.
However, it can suffer quite a of PF and contrast loss in strong contrasty light.


Samyang 85/1.4, a safe buy, cheap and f1.4, what's there to not like?
Size is a downside of this lens.
I also find that it often lacks 'punch' in its shots.
Its certainly competent..... but not the lens for me.


Buy with a bit of logic and some 'heart' - get the Tak 85mm
Buy with cool calculated logic - the Samyang 85
M85 takes 3rd spot (could move to top on a whim for me) and J9 the last.

Certainly no wrong choice.
All are good