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Samsung 45mm vs Rokinon 85mm?

Started Apr 20, 2015 | Questions thread
ttbek Veteran Member • Posts: 4,869
Re: Samsung 45mm vs Rokinon 85mm?
1

dgrogers wrote:

I'm thinking about picking up a new lens and the Samsung 45mm and Rokinon 85mm are the leading candidates. I currently have an NX20 with the 18-55 III. While it's OK, I don't think it has that wow factor that I'm hoping to get with the 45mm Samsung or 85mm Rokinon. I also want something with excellent bokeh. Obviously, the Rokinon doesn't have AF, but I can learn to live with that if the quality is worth the effort.

Having said that, if you have both lenses which one do you like better and why?

I have no rokkinon but Samsung 85mm 1.4, so with AF. If you're looking for bokeh, there is no better lens that 85mm 1.4. However taking picture at 85mm 1.4 is a challenging experience, esp. at closer distances (headshots). Actually i don't go below f2, leaving 1.4 for whole body portraits. I cannot imaging how anyone can take shapr picture with manual focus is subject is moving even a bit. 45mm 1.8 much more universal, much more forgiving and still a good lens for close up porttraits (headshots). I depends in what situations and scenes you want that bokeh.

I wouldn't get too close with the 45, it's kinda acceptable still for head shots, not too close though. Other than that I agree with everything you said, and I have both lenses. The 85 is not an easy lens to use even with focus peaking and the zoom aid for any subjects with any movement. I still did use it quite a bit more at an event though, because of the greater reach and faster aperture in awful lighting conditions. If I could only have one it would be the 45.

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