The latest Nikon Z optics in Samyang's Spring Collection mirror recent releases for the Canon EOS R system
Samyang has unveiled three new lenses in its Spring Collection, this time a trio of Nikon optics. Mirroring the Canon EOS R optics already in the collection, the company has shown off a 14mm f/2.8 and an 85mm f/1.4 for the Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless mount, which could rank among the best Nikon lenses when they hit shelves. Also launched is an 85mm f/1.4 for the Nikon F DSLR lens mount. The three lenses will be sold, as usual, under the Rokinon name in North America.
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F is the manufacturer's second autofocus lens for the Nikon F mount (following last year's Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 F), offering DSLR shooters a superfast autofocus portrait prime. The nine-bladed aperture promises pleasing bokeh, and the lens design has already generated plenty of excitement in its Canon and Sony iterations.
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F
Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z
& MF 85mm F1.4 Z
Owners of the Nikon Z6 or Nikon Z7 get a pair of lenses in the new collection, though both are manual focus-only, starting with the Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z that offers mirrorless shooters a relatively quick wide-angle prime.
In addition to losing the autofocus of the DSLR version, the Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Z has one fewer aperture blade – though the company assures us that its eight blades will still boast "circular aperture for 'smooth bokeh'". And, like its F-mount sibling, Samyang says that it produces faithful tones and edge-to-edge sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.4.
The Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z
All three lenses are 'Ultra-Multi-Coated', to deliver the best contrast and image quality across the frame, and they are also weather-sealed to make them practical in challenging shooting conditions.
Pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed, though we know that the Canon RF version of the 14mm f/2.8 will cost £363 / $499, with the RF 85mm f/1.4 costing £320 / $399.
The American pricing and availability for the Rokinon versions of these lenses has yet to be announced.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
If you happen to be in Beijing, you can get a closer look at the lenses at the China P&E 2019 show from 12-15 April.
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
