Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE vs Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 16mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 340g (12.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO opens to f/2 vs the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 16mm, Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO is 85mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 340g (12.0 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE or the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE is 16mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE for wide-angle, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE?

Choose the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 340g (12.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO?

Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE and the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO opens to f/2 vs the Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length16mm85mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1010
Optical Groups88
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades79
Rounded ApertureNoYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View107°28°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMSTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance18 cm74 cm
Max Magnification0.18x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$349$275
Filter Size77mm58mm
Diameter75.5mm69mm
Length64.5mm76mm
Weight225g (7.9 oz)340g (12.0 oz)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo