lightdow EF vs Rokinon

Overview of the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $77.59, making it a budget-friendly option for photographers looking to capture stunning portraits. It offers a fully manual focus design, which allows for a high degree of creative control. This lens is compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLR cameras, ensuring versatility for users. With features like six rounded aperture blades for beautiful bokeh and a robust internal focus mechanism, it stands out for those wanting to refine their manual focusing skills.

Overview of the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens

In contrast, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens is significantly more expensive at $231.25. This lens is designed for photographers who need an ultra-wide perspective, making it ideal for landscapes and astrophotography. The 14mm focal length provides an impressive 115.7° angle of view, allowing users to capture expansive scenes. Additionally, its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture is optimized for low-light conditions, making it a strong choice for various shooting environments.

Image Quality Comparison

The EF 85mm f1.8 lens boasts superb image quality, enhanced by hybrid aspherical lens technology and ultra multi-coating to reduce aberrations and glare. This results in clear images and dreamy background blur, which is essential for portrait photography. On the other hand, the Rokinon 14mm lens features a complex optical design with 14 elements in 10 groups, providing exceptional sharpness and clarity across the entire frame. While both lenses excel in their respective focal ranges, the Rokinon lens is particularly tailored for capturing detailed images in wider scenes.

Focusing Mechanism

The EF 85mm f1.8 is a fully manual focus lens, allowing photographers to develop their skills in precise focusing. This lens requires careful adjustment of parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, providing a hands-on photographic experience. Conversely, the Rokinon 14mm lens also features manual focus but allows for fine-tuning with a closest focus distance of 10.8 inches. While both lenses prioritize manual control, the EF 85mm is more suited for those who enjoy the art of manual adjustments in portrait settings.

Build Quality and Design

The EF 85mm f1.8 lens is designed with stability and durability in mind, offering a lightweight and compact body suitable for various shooting conditions. In contrast, the Rokinon 14mm lens has a more robust design, weighing 31.7 ounces and measuring 6.0 x 3.5 x 3.7 inches. This construction ensures reliability in professional use, particularly in challenging environments. The difference in build quality reflects the intended use of each lens, with the Rokinon catering to outdoor and landscape photographers.

Price Comparison

At $77.59, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is about 66% cheaper than the Rokinon 14mm lens, which is priced at $231.25. For photographers on a budget, the EF 85mm offers excellent value without compromising on quality for portrait photography. However, those willing to invest more will find that the Rokinon lens provides specialized features for wide-angle photography, justifying its higher price tag.

Compatibility and Versatility

The EF 85mm f1.8 lens is compatible with a vast range of Canon DSLR models, including the Rebel series and various 5D models, ensuring it can be used by many photographers. This wide compatibility allows it to cater to both amateur and professional users. Meanwhile, the Rokinon 14mm is also designed for Canon EF mounts but offers a unique perspective ideal for those focused on landscape and architectural photography. Each lens serves distinct user needs, emphasizing the importance of selecting based on specific photography styles.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens ultimately depends on your photography needs. If you are focused on portrait photography and prefer a budget-friendly option, the EF 85mm lens provides excellent quality and a manual focus experience at a price of $77.59. Conversely, if you are an enthusiast in landscape or astrophotography and need an ultra-wide perspective, the Rokinon lens, priced at $231.25, offers advanced optical features and low-light capabilities. Each lens has its strengths, making your shooting style the key factor in your decision.