Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 Prime Lens for Canon EF Mount
The Samyang 85mm f/1.2 is a 85mm f/1.2 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $500 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 Prime Lens for Canon EF Mount
Used Samyang 85mm f/1.2 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
Key Features — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
85mm f/1.2 Aperture: The f/1.2 maximum aperture allows for extremely shallow depth of field and strong low-light performance without flash.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle, compatible with all Canon EF mount DSLRs including full-frame and APS-C bodies.
Canon EF Mount: Fits the Canon EF mount system, making it directly compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLRs without an adapter.
Manual Focus Only: No autofocus motor is included, giving photographers direct, tactile control over focus for deliberate shooting workflows.
85mm Portrait Focal Length: The 85mm focal length is a well-established choice for portraiture, offering flattering perspective and natural subject compression.
86mm Filter Thread: The large 86mm front filter thread accommodates the wide front element required by the f/1.2 aperture design.
Lens Specifications — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio, Fashion |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 86mm |
Description — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
The Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 is a manual focus prime lens designed for Canon EF mount DSLR cameras, covering the full-frame format. Its standout specification is the f/1.2 maximum aperture, one of the widest available in this focal length category, allowing photographers to work with a very shallow depth of field and in lower light environments. At 85mm, it falls within the standard focal length range, positioning it as a strong choice for portrait photographers and others who value subject isolation.
The lens is entirely manual focus with no autofocus system, appealing to shooters who value precise, tactile control over their focusing. It accepts 86mm filters, sized to match the large front element needed to deliver the f/1.2 aperture across the full-frame image circle. Weighing 1,050g, it is a solidly built and weighty optic, as expected for a lens of this specification. Image stabilization is not present, so steady shooting technique or in-body stabilization will be important when working at wider apertures.
For Canon EF DSLR users committed to manual focus, the XP 85mm f/1.2 is a distinctive choice.
Pros — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
- ✓Exceptional f/1.2 maximum aperture enables significant creative control over depth of field and low-light performance
- ✓Designed for full-frame coverage, making it compatible with the full Canon EF DSLR lineup
- ✓85mm focal length in the standard range is well-suited to portraiture and general photography
Cons — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
- ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may not suit fast-paced or action shooting scenarios
- ✗No image stabilization included, which can be a limitation when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds
- ✗At 1,050g, this is a heavy lens that may cause fatigue during extended handheld sessions
Reviews — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
Videos — Samyang 85mm f/1.2
The 7 sharpest 85mm lenses...ever made? — Christopher Frost