Exploring the Pros and Cons of the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Lens: A Comprehensive Guide
The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens is a popular choice among photographers, offering a wide range of capabilities and features. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the pros and cons of this lens, focusing particularly on its manual focus, wide angle capabilities, and usage tips. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or starting out, this guide will provide you with valuable insights.
Pro: Manual Focus
One of the primary advantages of the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens is its manual focus. While some may find manual focusing daunting in an era where automation is the norm, it offers a unique learning experience and enhances your connection with your craft. Manual focusing forces you to pay close attention to details, such as depth of field and sharpness, leading to more conscious and deliberate shots.
Usage Example: For night sky and Milky Way photography, the manual focus allows for precise control over the aperture, ensuring that each shot captures the desired amount of light and detail. The ability to fine-tune the focus by hand enhances the overall quality of the image.
Pro: Wide Angle Capabilities
Despite the assertion that the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 is a wide angle lens, its true strength lies in its versatility. This lens works wonderfully for both wide-angle shots and more specialized photography, such as portraits and landscapes. The manual focus and customizable settings make it a versatile tool for various shooting conditions and subjects.
Usage Example: When capturing sunset shots over the bay or landscapes, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens allows for detailed and impactful compositions. The manual control over aperture dimensions and color saturation ensures that each shot stands out.
Con: Manual Aperture Adjustment
One of the challenges of using the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens is the need for manual aperture adjustment. Unlike lenses with automatic aperture adjustments, photographers must set the aperture using an aperture ring. This requires additional attention and precision, especially in low light conditions. However, this can also be seen as a learning opportunity to gain more control over your shots.
Usage Example: For night sky and Milky Way photography, the manual aperture adjustment allows for precise control over the light levels, creating stunning and detailed star trails and celestial formations. While it may require more effort initially, the results can be well worth the effort.
Con: Limited Starburst Effects
Another drawback of the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 is its limited ability to produce starburst effects, which are often associated with Canon lenses. Starbursts are visually appealing and can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your photos, particularly when shooting against the light. While the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 can still capture stunning images, the lack of starburst effects may be a consideration for those seeking a more professional look.
Usage Example: For landscape photography, while the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens can produce excellent results, it may not achieve the same level of visual impact as Canon lenses with similar starburst effects. However, this does not necessarily detract from the overall quality of the image, and the lens remains a valuable tool for photographers looking for a more affordable alternative.
Conclusion
The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens is a versatile and high-performing tool for photographers. Its manual focus and wide angle capabilities make it an excellent choice for various photography styles. While there are some limitations, such as the need for manual aperture adjustment and limited starburst effects, these can be seen as minor drawbacks when weighed against the lens's strengths. Whether you are looking to save money or seeking a more hands-on approach to photography, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens is definitely worth considering.
Summary: The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens excels in manual focus, wide angle capabilities, and versatile usage. Its manual aperture adjustment and limited starburst effects are minor drawbacks but do not diminish its overall value. For photographers seeking a more affordable and manual-focused alternative, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens is a standout choice.