Worth the $270?

[KAikens318]

Hey everyone

Struggling photography student here trying to find a decent portrait lens that is cheap until I can finance a Nikkor or Sigma.

I have been looking at the Rokinon 85mm 1.4. It seems to have pretty good reviews from the people on Overstock.com

Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Portrait Lens for Nikon Cameras | Overstock.com

Does anyone have any experience with this lens or know any that are similar and under $300? Thanks!!

 

[DTG]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005LEN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1271532487&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics[/ame]

This is a steal at $125!

 

[KmH]

Amazon.com: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

This is a steal at $125!

What I use:
Nikon D80
Nikkor AF 18-55mm 3.5
Nikkor AF 50mm 1.8
Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6
Tamron 90-500mm

Looks like they have that base covered.

I would look at the used market and stick with Nikon myself:

http://www.keh.com/Product-Details/1/NA060000895000/NA06/FE.aspx

 

[Derrel]

I have seen and reviewed well over 100 photos shot with that lens on the individual web pages of members of the manual focus forum, as well as a couple of Japanese photography web sites--the lens has surprisingly nice bokeh and a nice drawing style, especially at wider apertures. The way the lens "draws" is much different than any 50mm Nikkor lens--the particular 85mm 1.4 lens you are referring to is actually a pretty respectable performer,and it has been marketed and sold under multiple names in the USA--Vivitar Series 1, Bower, Samyang,and Rokinon. If you search under the "other names", like Vivitar Series 1 and Samyang 85mm 1.4, you will find links that will lead you to many,many sample images--many of them from "bokeh fanatics",and many in Japan, where bokeh and lens drawing style are kind of cult-like things among serious photography enthusiasts. For the $266 overstgock.com is asking, I think the lens is worth that much money.

 

[Montana]

I agree with Derrel. Well worth it. I am seriously thinking about getting one just play around with manual focus. From all the images I have looked through online, its a winner for sure, and at a basement price. It gives some of the major manufacturers 85mm lenses a run for the money.

 

[KAikens318]

Amazon.com: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

This is a steal at $125!

I have that one I am looking for one that goes a little longer than 50mm. I do love love love the 50mm though, paid $90 for it at a local shop.

 

[KAikens318]

Thank you guys!!! I think I am gonna go for it. I love Nikkor lenses but I have actually had my Sigma and cheaper lenses do a better job sometimes and they are cheaper. My Nikkor 18-55mm I have only had for a year and already the focus sticks so I can't use the automatic focus, and it's been VERY well cared for. This is what I shoot with...

Nikon D80
Nikkor 50mm 1.8
Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5
Sigma 70-300 w/macro 4.0 (Which I LOVE)
Promaster 28mm 2.8 manual focus
Opteka 500mm 8.0 (only useful in the daylight but is pretty good when there is adequate lighting.)

I had been looking at a Sigma 105mm 2.8 but they are just a tad over my price range and then I found the Rokinon. I think I am going to get a speedlight made by them as well. With the macro ring it's only $130 or so, can't beat that when you are a poor college student!

 

[Derrel]

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical (full format) - Review / Test Report

REVIEW: Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF - PentaxForums.com

Vivitar 85mm f/1.4

And finally, a page with loads of images shot with the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical lens. The World's Best Photos of samyang and 85mm and f1.4 - Flickr Hive Mind

 

[KAikens318]

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical (full format) - Review / Test Report

REVIEW: Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF - PentaxForums.com

Vivitar 85mm f/1.4

And finally, a page with loads of images shot with the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical lens. The World's Best Photos of samyang and 85mm and f1.4 - Flickr Hive Mind

Wow some of those images on the last link are incredible. I was never a fan of the light bokeh though, I just don't get the point in a picture of colored dots. Lol. But that is just me Thanks for sharing those!

 

[Montana]

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical (full format) - Review / Test Report

REVIEW: Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF - PentaxForums.com

Vivitar 85mm f/1.4

And finally, a page with loads of images shot with the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical lens. The World's Best Photos of samyang and 85mm and f1.4 - Flickr Hive Mind

Nice links Derrel. Really makes my "add to cart" finger get all itchy. LOL