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Buying a new lens is a fantastic way to break through a creative block and get excited about photography again. Unfortunately, it is typically a costly method of getting the creative juices flowing. However, there are more affordable alternatives to the expensive first-party likes of Canon, Nikon, or Sony. Samyang lenses (also called Rokinon) are highly affordable yet frequently pack in a surprising amount of quality and features. While all of its lenses aren’t top-tier quality, it does make many that rival much more expensive options. And, during the Amazon Prime Early Access sale, some of its lenses for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Canon, are on sale, saving you even more money. The sale runs through October 12, but deals have already started dropping off. If you’ve been eyeing new glass, you’ll want to jump on it quickly.

Samyang SYIO85AF-E 85mm F1.4 Auto Focus Weather Sealed Lens for Sony E-Mount $466.65 (was $549.00)

The Samyang 85mm F1.4 Auto Focus Weather Sealed Lens for Sony E-Mount is on sale during the Amazon Prime Early Access sale.

Samyang

SEE IT

85mm is a classic, dare I say essential, portrait focal length. This prime lens from Samyang offers a fast f/1.4 aperture, perfect for low-light conditions. It also creates some beautiful bokeh, which is a nice touch behind portrait subjects. The lens is sharp wide open but even sharper stopped down to f/2.8. Its autofocus is quiet, smooth, and reliable, and it pairs well with Sony’s Eye AF. The construction of the lens is quite solid and even features weather sealing for protection against the elements. You really can’t go wrong with this lens, especially considering that Sony’s 85mm f/1.8 GM lens goes for nearly four times as much.

Other Samyang lenses on sale:

Rokinon lenses on sale:

For Sony:

For Nikon:

For Canon:

For Fuji X Mount:

Abby Ferguson
Abby Ferguson

Abby Ferguson is the Associate Editor for Gear and Reviews at PopPhoto, joining the team in 2022. She has been involved with the photography industry in various capacities since her undergraduate training at the University of Kentucky, with work ranging from client photography to program development and management of the photo department at Evolve, a vacation rental company.

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