Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE vs Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE is 24mm, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE for standard, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 213g (7.5 oz) it's lighter than the 371g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.24x magnification vs 0.13x.

Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE is 24mm, Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE is 213g (7.5 oz) vs 371g (13.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE or the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE is 24mm, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE for standard, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE?

Choose the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 213g (7.5 oz) it's lighter than the 371g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.24x magnification vs 0.13x.

Who should choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8?

Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 24mm 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 24mm f/1.8 FE and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8?

Focal range: Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE is 24mm, Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE
Samyang
$599
Optical Design
Focal Length24mm85mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements109
Optical Groups88
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View84°29° – 29°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMDDSSM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance19 cm80 cm
Max Magnification0.24x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$599
Filter Size58mm67mm
Diameter72.2mm78mm
Length69.7mm82mm
Weight213g (7.5 oz)371g (13.1 oz)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo