Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II vs Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II (Sony E)
Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II vs Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II (Sony E)
When comparing Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II (Sony E) and Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) is the winner with a weight of 509 g compared to the 1045 g that Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II weighs.
Winner: Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II (Sony E)
Regarding weight: The weight of a lens is something you need to consider, since you have to carry it around on the camera as long as you're shooting. It adds to the total weight of your camera and it's important to keep the weight low if you get tired in your arms when taking photographs or filming.
2. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Sony E. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
3. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.4 compared to the 2.8 aperture of Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II (Sony E)
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
4. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) or Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
5. Lens Type Comparison
The Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II is a Zoom lens while the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) is a Prime lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
6. Stabilization Comparison
Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II features built-in image stabilization and Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II instead of Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E).
Winner: Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
7. Autofocus Comparison
Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
8. Macro Comparison
Neither Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II or Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) are macro lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding macro: Macro lenses can focus much closer to your subjects and might be suitable when photographing flowers, insects, wildlife and nature.
9. Full Frame Comparison
Both Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) and Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II cover a full frame sensor and can be used on full frame cameras as well as cameras with smaller sensors.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding full frame coverage: All lenses do not cover full frame sensors, but not all cameras are full frame cameras either. If a lens covers a full frame sensor it can be used on all cameras with a matching lens mount, both full frame and crop sensors, except for medium format cameras.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II and Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II (Sony E):
| Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II | Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II - (Sony E) | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Samyang |
| Weight | 1045 g | 509 g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 70 - 200 mm | 85 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 40 cm | Missing |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 2.8 - 22 | Missing |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 77 | Missing |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | Missing |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | No |
| Weather Seal | Yes | Missing |
| Full Frame Coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Yes | Missing |
| Stabilization Type | Sony Optical SteadyShot (OSS) | Missing |