BENOISON vs Rokinon

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 Lens

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, making it significantly cheaper than the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens, which retails for $231.25. This price difference of about 64% may be a significant factor for budget-conscious photographers. While both lenses are designed for different purposes, they cater to distinct photography styles and needs.

Purpose and Use Cases

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is ideal for portrait photography and street photography, providing a natural perspective that is perfect for half-body and full-body shots. Its large f1.8 aperture delivers beautiful background bokeh, enhancing the depth-of-field effects. In contrast, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens is built for capturing expansive scenes, making it suitable for landscapes, astrophotography, and real estate photography. The ultra-wide 14mm focal length offers a remarkable 115.7° angle of view, which is particularly beneficial for creating immersive images.

Build Quality and Durability

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens features a robust and reliable build, weighing 31.7oz (900g) and measuring 6.0 x 3.5 x 3.7 inches. This design ensures longevity and reliability for professional use in various conditions. On the other hand, the 85mm f1.8 lens, while not specified in weight, is designed for compatibility with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras. Its manual focus capabilities may require more care in handling but does not compromise its performance in capturing stunning portraits.

Image Quality and Performance

When it comes to image quality, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens excels with its advanced optical design, which includes 14 elements in 10 groups. This configuration minimizes distortion and aberrations, producing exceptionally sharp images across the frame. The 85mm f1.8 lens also delivers impressive results, particularly in portrait photography, thanks to its f1.8 aperture that creates beautiful bokeh. However, it requires manual focus and exposure control, which may be challenging for some users.

Low-Light Performance

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, allowing for decent performance in low-light conditions, making it suitable for night photography and capturing clear images in challenging environments. The 85mm f1.8 lens, with its wider f1.8 aperture, shines in low-light scenarios, delivering even brighter results and showcasing subjects with stunning clarity. This makes the 85mm lens particularly advantageous for portrait photographers who often work in dimly lit settings.

Focusing Mechanism

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, meaning that photographers must adjust the focus ring until their subject appears sharp in the viewfinder. This can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy the art of manual focusing. Conversely, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens also relies on manual focus, offering precise control over focus adjustments. While both lenses require manual intervention, the experience may vary based on the photographer’s familiarity with manual focusing techniques.

Compatibility and Versatility

The 85mm f1.8 lens is specifically designed for Nikon DSLR cameras, including models like the D3500, D850, and D7500, among others. It is not compatible with Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras, which may limit its versatility for some users. In contrast, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens is compatible with Canon EF mounts but also works with various other camera types, including DSLR and mirrorless models. This broader compatibility may appeal to photographers using different systems.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens ultimately depends on your photography needs. If you primarily focus on portrait photography and value a lens that offers beautiful bokeh at a lower price of $96.22, the 85mm f1.8 lens is an excellent choice. However, if you’re seeking an ultra-wide-angle lens for landscapes or real estate photography and are willing to invest $231.25 for superior image quality, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens may be the better option. Each lens serves its specific purpose, and understanding your primary photography style will help you make the best decision.