Samyang, which also goes under the Rokinon brand name, has announced the release of a second-generation Rokinon 85mm F1.4 AF lens for Sony E-mount camera systems.
The lens is constructed of 11 elements in eight groups, including four high-refractive elements and one extra-low dispersion element. This appears, as least based on the specifications, to be the same optical formula used in its predecessor. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 85cm (2.8ft), uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, has a 72mm front filter thread, and is sealed for dust and water resistance.
Autofocus is entirely internal and is driven via a stepping motor (STM), one of the few departures from its first-generation predecessor, which used ultrasonic linear motors. It also features a customizable AF Lock button that can be programmed to fit your needs and although tt lacks a physical aperture ring for its F1.4 through F16 aperture range, it does have a large rubber focus ring for manual focus.
the lens measures 83.4mm (3.3”) in diameter by 99.5mm (3.9”) long and weighs 509g (18oz), making it one of the lightest and most compact 85mm F1.4 lenses out there for Sony E-mount cameras, coming in only slightly larger than Sigma’s 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens.
The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF II is available to pre-order for $799. No specific shipping date has been provided at this time.