Samyang, Rokinon, Bower, Vivitar

I am interested in the 85 mm f1.4 manual focus lens that is sold under these brands. Are these all exactly the same in features, build quality, warranty, etc. and just branded differently? Or is one superior to the others?

They are all the same. Buy based on price or on the logo you prefer to see because there are no other differences.

sybersitizen said:

They are all the same. Buy based on price or on the logo you prefer to see because there are no other differences.

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The newer umc version has a nicer hood... Otherwise I think they are the same.

Some of the color schemes are different, black and red vs black and gold, and I think the rubber grip in the vivatar has a different design.

Differences are mostly cosmetic, but you may like the way one feels over the other. The Rokinons are pretty well regarded, but as mentioned earlier, optically they're essentially identical.

You can add Walimex to the list

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Franck

Thanks for all the replies. Anyone know what the relationships is/are between these companies and Samyang (who I think is the manufacturer). I get having a different brand for the US market but why so many?

Sony Blayne said:

Thanks for all the replies. Anyone know what the relationships is/are between these companies and Samyang (who I think is the manufacturer). I get having a different brand for the US market but why so many?

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Samyang reportedly owns some of the brand names under which their lenses appear, but not all.

Their reasons for owning and using multiple names could involve exploring buyer preferences; or, for example, using some of the names to offer occasional price reductions.

People can license a brand name, or buy an existing brand name, and then do pretty much whatever they like with it. The owners of 'shadow' brand names frequently work deals with real manufacturers in order to have things to sell, and they might manufacture their own products as well.

Vivitar is one brand name that Samyang does not own. Sakar International owns that (and also the Polaroid name). Sakar sells Vivitar-branded lenses obtained from Samyang with some cosmetic changes thrown in.

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